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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User Reviews

David Lansing (21 months ago)
Cool statue, not too large, but it's nice to look at. I went in winter so it wasn't crowded. Keep walking up the pier and go out to the end, it's very beautiful out there, you can see very far into the horizon/water/offshore wind farm. Cool area, fun for a bike ride

Sudiharto Suwowo (2 years ago)
Not much effort to go there. it I went in the morning and the weather was so nice. The statue actually is not special (I should admit this!) but the way to the statue is nice and beautiful. I recommend u to use bicycle.

Chetan L (2 years ago)
The actual statue in itself is a little underwhelming, but the place as a whole is a nice spot to spend time. Have the right expectations and you can enjoy your visit here. Be prepared to be facing a bus load of tourists. Best would be to visit earthy in the morning and avoid the crowds

Marcelo Tardío (2 years ago)
It is an interesting state located at the end of a very nice promenade. The statue get famous since its unveiling in 1913. It is based on the fairy tale of the same name by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, the small and unimposing statue is a Copenhagen icon and it is a major tourist attraction.

Kim Terrell (2 years ago)
I cant recommend going out of your way to see this statue, but if you are close by or determined to see it, the walk there is beautiful. And the statue is cool. However, it is tiny, and a tourist trap. So you will be surrounded by lots of other people trying to get a look. Copenhagen is full of amazing statues, even a full size replica of the David statue. The mermaid statue was not any more amazing than all the others.

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The Old Town Hall of Wrocław is one of the main landmarks of the city. The Old Town Hall's long history reflects developments that have taken place in the city since its initial construction. The town hall serves the city of Wroclaw and is used for civic and cultural events such as concerts held in its Great Hall. In addition, it houses a museum and a basement restaurant.

The town hall was developed over a period of about 250 years, from the end of 13th century to the middle of 16th century. The structure and floor plan changed over this extended period in response to the changing needs of the city. The exact date of the initial construction is not known. However, between 1299 and 1301 a single-storey structure with cellars and a tower called the consistory was built. The oldest parts of the current building, the Burghers’ Hall and the lower floors of the tower, may date to this time. In these early days the primary purpose of the building was trade rather than civic administration activities.

Between 1328 and 1333 an upper storey was added to include the Council room and the Aldermen’s room. Expansion continued during the 14th century with the addition of extra rooms, most notably the Court room. The building became a key location for the city’s commercial and administrative functions.

The 15th and 16th centuries were times of prosperity for Wroclaw as was reflected in the rapid development of the building during that period. The construction program gathered momentum, particularly from 1470 to 1510, when several rooms were added. The Burghers’ Hall was re-vaulted to take on its current shape, and the upper story began to take shape with the development of the Great Hall and the addition of the Treasury and Little Treasury.

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During the 19th century there were two major changes. The courts moved to a separate building, and the Rates became the site of the city council and supporting functions. There was also a major program of renovation because the building had been neglected and was covered with creeping vines. The town hall now has several en-Gothic features including some sculptural decoration from this period.

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