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Very enchanting place and very cool place to be. The statue is small not big but it's a tourist attraction. Took the train & walk over a mile to be at the park here this statue is, overlooking the distance city. The park is beautiful and this statue's area is quite busy with cars, buses and tour boat. So if you want a good pictures without a lot of people, come early and wear a lot of layers.
Lots of people say, "It's too small" and "It's too crowded." Bah humbug, I say! This statue is iconic for Denmark. It's graceful and proportioned just right. Yes, it's small, but so are lots of iconic statues such as Manneken Pis. The name is Dutch for "Little Pissing Man" and is one of the most famous symbols of Brussels. All it costs is a bit of time to see it and I feel it was well worth it! I also consider the way it's posed on a series of rocks as part of the overall statue, and if you look at it that way, it's larger than "just" the mermaid. And this gal has NOT had an easy life. It's been subject to more vandalism than a New York subway car. According to Google, "The statue has been repeatedly damaged, including being beheaded, having an arm removed, and being painted multiple times, leading to repairs and replacements from the original model." So give a woman, er, mermaid a little respect!
Obviously a must-see on your Copenhagen trip. We started here on our full day of exploring the city. It would be great if there were little shops or cafes in the vicinity.
As far as iconic local statues go, Den lille Havfrue (The Little Mermaid) is worth the short look you need to enjoy it. Gayle and I certainly did, including the surrounding neighborhood and water views. The bronze statue was designed by Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913. It's based on the 1837 fairy tale (of the same name) by Hans Cristian Andersen and depicts a mermaid becoming human. I could have sworn that I first saw this statue in Nyhavn when I visited Copenhagen in the early 1980s, but I guess that's old age for you!
Cute but underwhelming. Also didn't expect the buses of tourists crowding the area which also made the experience underwhelming. If you take the river Dot taxi, the drop-off point is a quick ten minute walk. Then you can quickly turn around to check out gifeon fountain and make your way back into main part of town.
"But a mermaid has no tears, and therefore she suffers so much more..." - Hans Christian Andersen Every great European city has a gigantic landmark to claim it's own. Paris has the Eiffel, Rome has the Colosseum, London has Big Ben, and København has Den Lille Hafvrue. All 4-feet tall of her quietly sitting on a boulder, where the North Sea meets the Baltic. To me, it's not the size that matters, it's the story of the Little Mermaid... I believe in fairytales. The statue dates to 1913 (sculptor Edvard Eriksen) and honors Den Lille Hafvrue by Hans Christian Andersen, written almost 200-years ago in Denmark. She might be underwhelming to some, but to me, it's all about the story of unrequited love. Those that complain or don't appreciate this little landmark probably expected a 25-foot Ariel, right? All those Disney fans complaining about the long walk to get to her, complaining about how tiny she is, complaining about this and that *sigh*. Did you know Den Lille Hafvrue, didn't even have a name! No one named Ariel here, but Prince Eric was, well... Oh, it's a sad story by Hans Christian Andersen - sad with many emotional moments, but it's also so very beautiful. After all this is not the Disney version, this is the original, Den Lille Hafvrue. A story for unrequited love, for the persistent, those that hope, foolhardy love that continues quietly even as it is unappreciated, unrecognized, and unseen. This is her true story... the story of The Little Mermaid. I confess I'm an old soul, that has traveled the world for many years, decades, yes even centuries. To me, the long walk to Den Lille Hafvrue was enjoyable with many Nordic and historical sites along the way. And yes, maybe, just maybe, Prince Eric did not reciprocate the love she gave me in 1837, but I'm here to finally tell you how much I love you... A story for unrequited love. I will love you forever.
It's definitely a bucket list item. Don't expect to be wowed, and it's a bit out there from the main tourist area. Take some pics and call it a day lol
My trip to Copenhagen would not have been complete if I didn't see The Little Mermaid statue, even though it was a bit out of the way. I knew we arrived when I saw the tour buses and crowds. I took my picture and went on my way.
The Little Mermaid is a "must see" when in Copenhagen. This iconic little lady is worth the journey, offering many beautiful statues along the way. For best opportunity, visit her earlier in the morning. Late morning and later results in abundance of tourists taking photos, crowding the statue, and tour boats passing through.
I had already read reviews beforehand so I knew that the Little Mermaid statue was fairly small. As a result, I was not disappointed like others. I was also lucky enough to come when there was no crowd. It is a small, human sized bronze statue that sits on a rock. Built in 1913, it is based on the fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. It is one of those things people go to for a quick photo to say that they've been there.
It was a bit of a jaunt from the main city to see the little mermaid. She sits quietly waiting for passerby's and as remote as her rock and location. We all come to take a glimpse. She sits quietly and so peacefully. What was the story about this little mermaid? Is she still waiting for her young human prince to come from the land. Beautiful bronze and the granite rock she is perched on. She still looks great and hasn't been worse from the torrent of water hitting her over the years.
The Little Mermaid statue, along with the Astronomical Clock in Prague, almost always tops the list of "most disappointing tourist attractions." So...just know what to expect! (although *I* think the clock is actually pretty cool...) I guess since my expectations were appropriately tempered, I got just what I was hoping for. A small statue on a rock, set just a bit in to the water, surrounded by an obscene number of tourists streaming off buses to get one picture each before loading back on their bus to move on to the next attraction. There isn't much else around, attraction-wise. So we decided to walk through the nearby park and Kastellet after popping by to visit the mermaid. Basically, it is literally *just* a statue overrun by tourists. Know what to expect and make plans to continue entertaining yourself after you get your glimpse and your photo. My guess is you will be visiting, because...everyone who goes to Copenhagen does. But...eh. It's give or take.
Most cities have an unofficial symbol of the city. Brussels has the Mannekin Pis (a fountain of a little boy having a pee), Madrid has El Oso y el Madroño (a bear and a tree), New York has the Statue of Liberty and København has The Little Mermaid. Den Lille Havfrue is a simple statue of a topless mermaid, wistfully looking out to sea. She is only about 10 feet (three meters) from the shoreline, so the placement is ideal for getting your selfie. There is not much here with the statue other than some benches, an ice cream shack and a LOT of tourists. The location is not convenient for walking and it's not close to a metro station, but I made the walk because I like to walk in new places. If you've come all this way, head to The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid.
It's too iconic to pass up. The Little Mermaid bronze statue sculpted by Edvard Eriksen was inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. You just can't leave Copenhagen without seeing her. Some may find the size of it disappointing. It's only 4 feet tall. The rock it sits on makes it appear a little bit taller. What's cool is that there is a small stairway off to the side so that you can get up close to it. There were kids climbing up on the rocks to take a picture with the mermaid. We walked over to it from Amalienborg Castle where our walking tour ended. It was an easy walk. Just take the pathway over the bridge past the Gefion Fountain. It will lead you to the statue with beautiful views of the Copenhagen Harbour. It's totally worth the walk. It's a symbol of Denmark that shouldn't be missed. read more
A must stop on any first trip to Copenhagen, the statue of the little mermaid has become the symbol of Copenhagen. On my only full day, I decided that my only mandatory stop was to find my way to this little landmark. Even on a cold and wet day, I was still glad that I did so. The statue was unveiled in 1913 as a gift to the city from the owner of Carlberg breweries. It is inspired by the famous Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. The Little Mermaid Statue is located on the NE corner of the outer ring of the Kastellet military fort, situated on some rocks just off the shore of Langelinie Pier. There is a bus stop close by, where both tour buses and ones that are drop off/get on use. Most pictures are from the railing, but one can carefully/gently come down to the rocks of the shore to get a closer picture. I dropped off some pennies near the rocks in remembrance and waited as tourists getting off the bus would rotate through. I was hoping for a sign or at a minimum some possible sunshine to come my way, but alas, no joy. Still, it gave me a chance to rest up, and explore the other parts of Copenhagen by foot. read more
4 months ago
Very enchanting place and very cool place to be. The statue is small not big but it's a tourist attraction. Took the train & walk over a mile to be at the park here this statue is, overlooking the distance city. The park is beautiful and this statue's area is quite busy with cars, buses and tour boat. So if you want a good pictures without a lot of people, come early and wear a lot of layers. read more
Lots of people say, "It's too small" and "It's too crowded." Bah humbug, I say! This statue is iconic for Denmark. It's graceful and proportioned just right. Yes, it's small, but so are lots of iconic statues such as Manneken Pis. The name is Dutch for "Little Pissing Man" and is one of the most famous symbols of Brussels. All it costs is a bit of time to see it and I feel it was well worth it! I also consider the way it's posed on a series of rocks as part of the overall statue, and if you look at it that way, it's larger than "just" the mermaid. And this gal has NOT had an easy life. It's been subject to more vandalism than a New York subway car. According to Google, "The statue has been repeatedly damaged, including being beheaded, having an arm removed, and being painted multiple times, leading to repairs and replacements from the original model." So give a woman, er, mermaid a little respect! read more
2 years ago
Obviously a must-see on your Copenhagen trip. We started here on our full day of exploring the city. It would be great if there were little shops or cafes in the vicinity. read more
As far as iconic local statues go, Den lille Havfrue (The Little Mermaid) is worth the short look you need to enjoy it. Gayle and I certainly did, including the surrounding neighborhood and water views. The bronze statue was designed by Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913. It's based on the 1837 fairy tale (of the same name) by Hans Cristian Andersen and depicts a mermaid becoming human. I could have sworn that I first saw this statue in Nyhavn when I visited Copenhagen in the early 1980s, but I guess that's old age for you! read more
Cute but underwhelming. Also didn't expect the buses of tourists crowding the area which also made the experience underwhelming. If you take the river Dot taxi, the drop-off point is a quick ten minute walk. Then you can quickly turn around to check out gifeon fountain and make your way back into main part of town. read more
"But a mermaid has no tears, and therefore she suffers so much more..." - Hans Christian Andersen Every great European city has a gigantic landmark to claim it's own. Paris has the Eiffel, Rome has the Colosseum, London has Big Ben, and København has Den Lille Hafvrue. All 4-feet tall of her quietly sitting on a boulder, where the North Sea meets the Baltic. To me, it's not the size that matters, it's the story of the Little Mermaid... I believe in fairytales. The statue dates to 1913 (sculptor Edvard Eriksen) and honors Den Lille Hafvrue by Hans Christian Andersen, written almost 200-years ago in Denmark. She might be underwhelming to some, but to me, it's all about the story of unrequited love. Those that complain or don't appreciate this little landmark probably expected a 25-foot Ariel, right? All those Disney fans complaining about the long walk to get to her, complaining about how tiny she is, complaining about this and that *sigh*. Did you know Den Lille Hafvrue, didn't even have a name! No one named Ariel here, but Prince Eric was, well... Oh, it's a sad story by Hans Christian Andersen - sad with many emotional moments, but it's also so very beautiful. After all this is not the Disney version, this is the original, Den Lille Hafvrue. A story for unrequited love, for the persistent, those that hope, foolhardy love that continues quietly even as it is unappreciated, unrecognized, and unseen. This is her true story... the story of The Little Mermaid. I confess I'm an old soul, that has traveled the world for many years, decades, yes even centuries. To me, the long walk to Den Lille Hafvrue was enjoyable with many Nordic and historical sites along the way. And yes, maybe, just maybe, Prince Eric did not reciprocate the love she gave me in 1837, but I'm here to finally tell you how much I love you... A story for unrequited love. I will love you forever. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
My trip to Copenhagen would not have been complete if I didn't see The Little Mermaid statue, even though it was a bit out of the way. I knew we arrived when I saw the tour buses and crowds. I took my picture and went on my way. read more
The Little Mermaid is a "must see" when in Copenhagen. This iconic little lady is worth the journey, offering many beautiful statues along the way. For best opportunity, visit her earlier in the morning. Late morning and later results in abundance of tourists taking photos, crowding the statue, and tour boats passing through. read more
1 year ago
I had already read reviews beforehand so I knew that the Little Mermaid statue was fairly small. As a result, I was not disappointed like others. I was also lucky enough to come when there was no crowd. It is a small, human sized bronze statue that sits on a rock. Built in 1913, it is based on the fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. It is one of those things people go to for a quick photo to say that they've been there. read more
It was a bit of a jaunt from the main city to see the little mermaid. She sits quietly waiting for passerby's and as remote as her rock and location. We all come to take a glimpse. She sits quietly and so peacefully. What was the story about this little mermaid? Is she still waiting for her young human prince to come from the land. Beautiful bronze and the granite rock she is perched on. She still looks great and hasn't been worse from the torrent of water hitting her over the years. read more
The Little Mermaid statue, along with the Astronomical Clock in Prague, almost always tops the list of "most disappointing tourist attractions." So...just know what to expect! (although *I* think the clock is actually pretty cool...) I guess since my expectations were appropriately tempered, I got just what I was hoping for. A small statue on a rock, set just a bit in to the water, surrounded by an obscene number of tourists streaming off buses to get one picture each before loading back on their bus to move on to the next attraction. There isn't much else around, attraction-wise. So we decided to walk through the nearby park and Kastellet after popping by to visit the mermaid. Basically, it is literally *just* a statue overrun by tourists. Know what to expect and make plans to continue entertaining yourself after you get your glimpse and your photo. My guess is you will be visiting, because...everyone who goes to Copenhagen does. But...eh. It's give or take. read more
Most cities have an unofficial symbol of the city. Brussels has the Mannekin Pis (a fountain of a little boy having a pee), Madrid has El Oso y el Madroño (a bear and a tree), New York has the Statue of Liberty and København has The Little Mermaid. Den Lille Havfrue is a simple statue of a topless mermaid, wistfully looking out to sea. She is only about 10 feet (three meters) from the shoreline, so the placement is ideal for getting your selfie. There is not much here with the statue other than some benches, an ice cream shack and a LOT of tourists. The location is not convenient for walking and it's not close to a metro station, but I made the walk because I like to walk in new places. If you've come all this way, head to The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid. read more
7 years ago
I grew up with the original little mermaid fairy tale well before the Disney one came out so I had to make a quick pit stop to see the statue. The statue is small and would easily be missed if it wasn't for the crowd of people snapping photos. The view of the water behind the statue give it a lovely backdrop and it was really a beautiful area. She sits on a rock pedestal just off the water's edge, looking away in thought..gentle and awaiting her prince. We took a few photos and had to hurry up and be on our way. I can see why some people are disappointed because the statue is not a commanding presence, but then again the Little Mermaid herself was initially mute but that made her no less stunning or captivating if you took the time to look upon her. read more
It's tough to really judge this statue. On the one hand, you "have to stop by cause you're in Denmark" and on the other, it's just a statue. The statue itself is pretty small, and the hundreds of people swarming around it doesn't help. I didn't even go down to it because I just felt it wasn't worth my time. All this being said, if you're visiting Denmark, you'll probably stop by anyways because it's the thing to do. Definitely stop by Kastellet for a nice walk and view after! read more
The Little Mermaid is actually on the small side, all of four feet tall. Follow the crowds or use a Hop On Hop Off to near the fountain then turn right and walk down to the water's edge. There she sits on a rock about five feet from the shoreline. If you're brave or stupid you can jump the fence and climb some rocks to sit next to her for pictures. But you mess up everyone else's pictures. Plus respect the statue. The Little Mermaid is a bronze statue by Edvard Eriksen. He based her on the fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. She has been an icon and a major tourist attraction since 1913. Unfortunately in recent years she has become a target by vandals. read more
8 years ago
Ok, she is quite small with her 1.25m. And many wonder why she is such a huge attraction. Well I guess it's in the Eye of the Beholder. Even though small and "just" another statue she is an impressive sight. The mermaid sitting here with the wonderful views in the back. To get here you can walk along the charming Larsens Plads (the waterfront), which is quite rewarding. The mermaid herself is based on the famous Andersen fairytale. She is sitting here now for over a hundred years. And I thinks the statue is well worth visiting. We got here around 11am and there were surprisingly few visitors yet, so we were able to get some good shots (but soon after loads of busses arrived). Surely - besides the Amalienborg and Nyhavn - a must-do when in Copenhagen. read more
7 years ago
The Little Mermaid. So beautiful; so serene. Located at the end of a lovely bridge through a park. See her looking toward land looking for her lost love. read more
8 years ago
Like most others, my heart was set on seeing the Little Mermaid someday- after watching Ariel and Disney's version of her. Well, scratch it off the list, I don't need to go back again. This is one of those things that if you've seen it once, took your obligatory tourist picture, then you don't need to do it twice. I felt exactly the same seeing Mannekin Pis in Brussels. Oh well, it's a double edge sword. I would feel regret in place of disappointment, if I went all the way to Copenhagen from Hawaii, and did NOT go see the Little Mermaid. Damned if I do, damned if I don't. This was a stop on the red line (Mermaid line) of the red buse's Hop On Hop Off tour. All in all, it took about 15 minutes to get off bus, watch about a hundred people jockey to take a picture close to the statue, then go get back on the bus. I'm glad I went to see it, but I'm glad I go it out of the way, so next time I'm there, I don't need to go again. Once is required, but enough. read more
So what do you say about a girl who sits half-naked on a rock 24/7? I have to admit I didn't have high expectations about the Little Mermaid. I just kept reading in all the guidebooks that it is the must-see attraction of Copenhagen, but here's the thing - it's kind of a hassle to get to its seaside perch if you don't have a vehicle and you're depending on the metro to get around. However, if you take one of the canal cruises, you can stop at the nearby pier, get off and take your photo, and get back on the boat in about five minutes. She's only four feet tall and just the most unimposing thing you ever saw. Anorexic, I think. What I found interesting was the gall of some tourists - usually Italians or Germans from what I heard - who climb up on the rock to take their photos with total disregard for anyone else snapping their shots. You kinda hope they'll slip on the rocks and get a concussion, but darn the luck, it just didn't happen. Five minutes. That's all you need to look at the Little Mermaid (see the photos), and you can check it right off your sad little bucket list. read more
No visit to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to The Little Mermaid. I know, it's only a statue and a pretty small one at that but for me it has a certain serene beauty. The more you look at it the more mesmerizing it becomes. I equate The Little Mermaid to a fine painting, its only a painting why get excited over The Mona Lisa but everyone does. The Little Mermaid has that same quality. Located north of the Nyhavn harbor, it's a nice walk along a pedestrian walkway. read more
To be honest...this place is very overrated. One photo, and that's it. I know that it's a major staple of Copenhagen, but it's NOT something that's a hidden gem. Yes, it's pretty. But it's not a sparkle. Look throughout the city and people can find things that really **sparkle** and make a bigger statement. read more
Nothing is more sad than Hans Christian Andersen's "Den Lille Havfrue" ("The Little Mermaid"). The Little Mermaid turned 15 years old, went to the surface of the ocean and saw a prince, went to the Sea Witch so she can have legs in turn for her tongue. The prince ends up marrying a princess and the Little Mermaid turns into sea foam because she didn't get her kiss from her true love. Although, I wanted our trip to see the Little Mermaid to be Disney-like -it was more HC Andersen-esque after walking 5 miles and a swarm of tourists with fanny packs covered the statue. There was a Sakura Festival nearby too which drew a large crowd of people dressed in anime costumes to this area. After I took a few pictures of the Little Mermaid, I couldn't wait to leave. There's nothing else to do here. read more
8 years ago
Couple options for viewing the statue. If you take the cannel ride they will park near the statue and you can skip the crowds to take a pic. If you want to take a pic next to it than you'll have to go to the shore and the site itself and line up. If your near the seaport or coming from a cruise you can walk there in about 30 mins. If you don't care about history l, Little mermaid or statues go the other direction and just go into town. read more
The little mermaid is definitely not a site to be missed- but only because Copenhagen is known for the statue. She's underwhelming and basic- don't expect too much. Too many people crowding the statue and braving the cold and rainy weather that made the experience not too pleasant. Glad I got to check her off my list- on to the next one! read more
Prior to going to Copenhagen, many of my friends told me that the statue would be anti-climatic. So, when I finally saw it in-person, I didn't have high expectations. But, when you think of Copenhagen, you think of The Little Mermaid Statue. It is a must-see when you visit. I went into it thinking...this is something to cross off my bucket list since it is my very first time in Denmark! To be honest, I enjoyed my walk to the statue rather than seeing the statue itself. It is a small statue laying on a rock next to the water. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice statue. But, it is also overcrowded with tourists taking selfies. I was lucky enough to not have photo-bombers in the photos I took. The surrounding area is quite relaxing. There is a fort, a picturesque church and fountain statue. I walked the length of the harbour and I was able to people watch along the way. SO, should you go or not? If it is your very, very first time in Copenhagen, DO IT! Then, you don't ever have to visit the Little Mermaid again. :) read more
I had no idea this thing existed. My spouse mentioned something about a Little Mermaid statue. Of course I was thinking Disney, and wondering what all the fuss is about. Luckily we were on a cruise and the dock was close by so we walked over. The 15 minute walk was through a quaint park. The statue is perched on a rock very close to shore so photo ops were great. There are benches along the park walkway if you want to take in the views of the harbor and relax. OVERALL: A nice, free attraction to see. read more
One of the most sought out tourist attractions in Copenhagen. I honestly didn't know about this statue until my mom requested that a picture of it be one of the things I bring her back from my trip. We went at a time were it was busy, but not as busy as expected. The story behind this monument is interesting. We as Americans and other nationals LOVE the Little Mermaid, but in Denmark they are not as enthusiastic. We were told of how the statue has been chopped up and abused because of this. I believe her arms have been also cut off before. I would say if you love the Mermaids please make your way to it. They also have a nice gift shop tucked away by it where you can use Euros as well as Danish Krones which was a pleasant surprise. So happy that I was able to see this! Grade: B+ read more
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