The Little Mermaid (statue) Monument

Address: Langelinie promenade, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (The Little Mermaid)

Admission: Free (outdoor public statue)

The Little Mermaid is a small bronze statue on a rock by the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen, inspired by Hans Christian Andersens fairy tale. Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913, it has become one of the city’s most photographed attractions.

The statue’s modest scale and harbour-side setting draw large numbers of visitors who approach the figure for close-up views. Over the years the sculpture has been moved and repaired after several acts of vandalism but remains on public display.

The monument occupies a prominent position on the Langelinie waterfront, adjacent to Copenhagens harbour pathways and close to the Kastellet fortifications.

• Unveiling and material: Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913, it is a small bronze figure sitting on a rock at the waters edge and is a frequent photo subject.

From Copenhagen Central Station (København H), take an S-train or regional train one stop to Østerport station, then walk roughly 10-15 minutes along the Langelinie promenade to the Little Mermaid statue. The statue sits on the waterfront promenade and is best reached on foot from Østerport or by local bus.

• Go at dawn for the smallest crowds and calm water reflections - the statue is very small, so early-morning photos keep distracting tourists out of frame.
• Access the statue via Langelinie promenade or by walking from Kastellet; combining it with a stroll through the Kastellet ramparts and the nearby Gefion Fountain makes a compact morning loop.
• Plan your visit from Østerport station (about a 10-15 minute walk) rather than the busier city-center stops; that route is straightforward and usually less crowded.