Little Mermaid

Little Mermaid featuring a statue or sculpture, a bay or harbour and general coastal views
Photo provided by Visit Denmark/Fotograf Cees van Roeden
Photo provided by Visit Denmark/Fotograf Peter Hauerbach
Little Mermaid which includes a statue or sculpture
Little Mermaid


The sculpture of Denmark’s favourite fairy tale character has been an icon for the city for over a century.

Once upon a time, a small statue was built that would capture the heart of the residents of Copenhagen. Perched upon a rock in the main harbor, The Little Mermaid is there to welcome all guests to the Danish capital. This sculpture has become an icon for the city and is one of the most popular photo opportunities with visitors. It is not uncommon to find a small crowd surrounding it on a sunny day.

The small bronze sculpture depicts a character from a famous Danish fairy tale, a sad story of unanswered love. A young mermaid convinces a witch to take her voice in exchange for legs so she can live on the shore with the prince she loves. When he decides to marry a princess instead, she refuses to kill him to break her spell so that she can return to the sea. The Little Mermaid was written by the famous author, Hans Christian Anderson, who lived in Copenhagen in the 1800s. Read the original short story before you visit Denmark for full appreciation.

To reach the statue, stroll down the picturesque Langelinie promenade, which stretches along the harbor and Langelinie Park. The promenade is one of the most relaxing walks in the city. Listen to the cawing seagulls and watch the ocean cruise ships as they pull in to dock. Bring lunch and make use of the picnic facilities in Langelinie Park to spend a few hours by the water.

Visitors are urged not to climb on the statue, as its exterior has suffered much damage over the past century. Several times the statue has been decapitated. In 2003 it was blown off the rock with explosives, quite a feat given it weighs over 380 pounds (175 kilograms).

The Little Mermaid is located near Copenhagen’s city center, and is easily reached on foot or by bike. The Østerport metro station is a short walk away. Those arriving by car will find parking at the harbor terminal for a fee.

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Things to do near Little Mermaid

Near the iconic Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, visitors can enjoy various activities such as biking along the waterfront, exploring local art galleries, and catching a theatre performance. A must-try experience is a boat tour, offering a unique perspective of the city’s picturesque canals and landmarks. Whether you’re keen on culture or simply soaking in the atmosphere, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in this charming area.

Shopping

In Copenhagen, visit Torvehallerne, a vibrant public market just 621m from the Little Mermaid, offering local produce and unique gifts. For a larger experience, if you're up for a drive, Field's Shopping Centre is 2.5km away, featuring a variety of shops, dining, and entertainment.

Recreation

At Parken Stadium, immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of live sports and enjoy invigorating activities nearby. For a night of entertainment, head to Vega or Pumpehuset, where you can revel in captivating concerts that promise to uplift your spirits and create lasting memories.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Paintball Arena, located 373m from the Little Mermaid, where you can enjoy an adrenaline-fueled paintball match. For a scenic adventure, hike the Natursti Til Hedeland trail, located 8.1km away, offering stunning outdoor views and lush landscapes.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Little Mermaid is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Royal Danish Theatre Play House or the Royal Danish Playhouse, both offering cultural experiences. For a more relaxed vibe, visit Baron Boltens Court for a cosy drink and romantic atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Little Mermaid

Visiting the iconic Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen offers a delightful blend of culture and family experiences. Explore nearby attractions such as charming piazzas, historic churches, and engaging museums. For a convenient stay, consider hotels near the Little Mermaid monument, allowing easy access to these local points of interest and enriching your holiday in this enchanting city.

  • Nyhavn: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Nyhavn, a picturesque canal lined with colourful townhouses and bustling cafés. This lively spot is perfect for a leisurely stroll or enjoying a meal by the water, capturing the friendly vibes of Copenhagen.
  • Strøget: Explore Strøget, one of Europe's longest pedestrian streets, where you’ll find a mix of high-end shops, street performers, and charming boutiques. The city vibes here are palpable, making it an ideal place for shopping and people-watching.
  • Kongens Nytorv: Discover Kongens Nytorv, a grand piazza that serves as a cultural hub. Surrounded by historical buildings and art, the square offers a blend of city energy and cultural significance, perfect for relaxation or a scenic photo opportunity.

Best time to go to Little Mermaid

The best time to visit Little Mermaid can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Little Mermaid falls in July and August. August has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Little Mermaid falls in February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February34.9°F (1.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March38.5°F (3.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
November44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December38.1°F (3.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Little Mermaid

To save money on your visit to the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January to February or October, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance. Sundays are the least expensive days to stay, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates and look for last-minute deals. Additionally, explore free attractions in the area and take advantage of public transport, which is efficient and budget-friendly. For further savings, consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for a better deal.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Little Mermaid are January to February and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Little Mermaid is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Little Mermaid is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Little Mermaid is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will show you a range of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and special offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Little Mermaid hotel reservation with your flights and activities when you book an Expedia package.

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