Little Mermaid

Copenhagen, Denmark

The Little Mermaid (Den lille havfrue) is a bronze statue depicting a mermaid. Based on the fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen, the small and unimposing statue is a Copenhagen icon and has been a major tourist attraction since 1913. It has become a popular target for defacement by vandals and political activists.

The statue was commissioned in 1909 by Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of Carlsberg, who had been fascinated by a ballet about the fairytale in Copenhagen's Royal Theatre and asked the ballerina, Ellen Price, to model for the statue. The sculptor Edvard Eriksen created the bronze statue, which was unveiled on 23 August 1913. The statue's head was modelled after Price, but as the ballerina did not agree to model in the nude, the sculptor's wife, Eline Eriksen, was used for the body.

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Founded: 1913
Category: Statues in Denmark

Rating

4.1/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Wonder Mahembe (7 months ago)
Not much to look at, except a little statue sitting atop a rock, in some water. But I hear its a must visit landmark when in Copenhagen, so I guess it means a lot to a lot of people. Expect large crowds at most times of the day, tons of people fighting for the perfect selfie spot for the memories. Not much else, I have to say. And, oh, mind the rocks when finding your selfie spot.
James (7 months ago)
The famous statue was built out of bronze and granite dedicated in 1913 and based on the famous Hans Christian Andersen story. It's a beautiful and intricate sculpture and I appreciate having Copenhill in the back. I was very surprised by how close it is to the shore, but one is warned to not climb on it, as one shouldn't even be told.
Finailla Hackwood (7 months ago)
It is a lovely statue but oh my, so so many people taking pictures! I couldn't get close to it at all to see the Little Mermaid properly. The rocks are slippery when wet and I saw quite a few people slip. If you have time in the city, go a little later on or early, to avoid crowds.
Teresa Tong (8 months ago)
Icon or Denmark for good reason! Would have been a marvellous place to sit and contemplate at the company of gentle waves and this b statue of incredible beauty - if not for the overwhelming number of tourist. Rocks around the statue can be slippery. Do wear good shoes if you plan to approach closer to the statue . Alternatively, take the canal tour and approach her from the other side.
Jamie Wojciechowski (10 months ago)
A major tourist attraction, but fun to see. A beautiful sculpture that sits out on a pier. The Little Mermaid sculpture was a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the City. The sculpture is made of bronze and granite and sits in the water at Langelinie Pier. The walk out to the pier is a bit long but being close to the water, there is so much to see. Totally worth a visit.
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