The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue)
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Must-Do Experience,
Popular with Locals,
Tip - What to See & Do,
Statue / Monument
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The Little Mermaid statue rests on a rock in the harbor of Copenhagen. Based on the fairytale by acclaimed Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, the modest but beautiful statue is a Copenhagen icon and a major tourist attraction.
Carl Jacobsen, heir to the Carlsberg beer fortune, commissioned the statue in the early 20th century after watching the ballet about the fairytale in Copenhagen's Royal Theatre. Jacobsen asked sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create the statue, which was unveiled in August of 1913. The statue's head was modeled after the ballet's prima ballerina but the body was modeled after Eriksen's wife.
Latest Reviews
Review by cook31100, May 2013
Doing what: Copenhagen City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Got a great overview of the city. it was a windy and rainy day so at least we got to see what we could through the window
Review by Kathleen H, May 2013
Doing what: Copenhagen Panoramic City Tour with Harbor Cruise
We also rode the 'hop on, hop off' busses, but this panoramic city tour was better. The English language tour 'translation' via headphones was very interesting and comprehensive, and we were able to see parts of the city that weren't covered by other busses. The Harbor and Canal cruise was really nice as well, and our tour guide was very good. Well worth our sightseeing money. We also appreciated being able to adjust our tour departure time, which allowed us to take advantage of better weather.
Review by HenryAlyce T, USA, October 2012
Doing what: Copenhagen Panoramic City Tour with Tivoli Gardens
Great tour; great guide. We especially liked the double decker buses. Allowed everyone to have a great view.
The bronze sculpture is a cultural icon in Denmark and has been the subject of various acts of vandalism since the 60s. The statue is in fact very small in size, but nevertheless has become the symbol of Copenhagen.
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