The Little Mermaid is a fairy tale in herself. Hans Christian Andersen wrote the story in 1836, later Disney produced the movie, and Copenhagen maintains a statue in her honor. The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen continues to be the most popular tourist attraction in Denmark and one of the most photographed statues in the world. She can be visited by travelers year-round; however, it is advisable to check the weather in Denmark before planning your trip!

The Story of the Little Mermaid

A sad story indeed. At 15 years old, our little Mermaid (in Danish, Den lille havfrue) breaks the surface of the sea for the very first time and falls in love with the prince she saved from drowning. In exchange for legs, she sells her voice to the evil sea witch; however, she sadly never gets her prince and is transformed into deadly, cold sea foam instead.

History of the Sculpture

In 1909, brewer Carl Jacobsen, founder of Carlsberg Beer, attended Hans Beck’s and Fini Henriques’ ballet ‘The Little Mermaid,’ which is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of the same name. Deeply impressed, Carl Jacobsen commissioned Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create a sculpture. The 4-foot-tall Little Mermaid was unveiled at Langelinje in 1913, as part of a general trend in Copenhagen at the time, utilizing classical and historical figures as decorations in the city’s parks and public areas.

Location

The Little Mermaid sits close to the shore of the cruise harbor “Langelinie” on her granite resting place, in the old port district of Nyhavn. It is a short walk from the main cruise pier, conveniently located near many of Copenhagen’s other major attractions.

When photographing the Little Mermaid statue, pay attention to the background. If you move somewhat to the left/North of her, you’ll capture the Holmen area as a backdrop, which is preferable to the industrial cranes visible if you just walk straight in front of her.