Copenhagen, Denmark2-3 hoursMorning
The Little Mermaid
Copenhagen's 1.25-metre waterfront statue, smaller than most expect.
Ideal: Suitable for those who want to see classic city landmarks.
The statue was erected in 1913 on the order of Carlsberg patron Carl Jacobsen, inspired by a ballet performance, and stands only 1.25 metres — much smaller than most visitors expect. The face belongs to ballerina Ellen Price, but sculptor Edvard Eriksen used his own wife as the body model because the dancer refused to pose nude. It is considered Copenhagen's most vandalised object: beheaded twice, an arm torn off, blown off its plinth into the sea in 2003, and painted many times.
Why go?
- To see one of Copenhagen's best-known symbols
- To feel Andersen's fairy-tale legacy in the city
- For a short, classic break on the harbour shore
Travel tip
Adjust expectations — the statue is small; it makes more sense to visit with Kastellet and a harbour walk.
