Little Mermaid

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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
ProfilHotels Copenhagen Plaza
1 Hotel Copenhagen
Apartments by Brøchner Hotels

Tours & day trips

See all 217 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 118 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 35 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 25 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 8 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade

Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade

2 out of 5
Borgergade 9, Copenhagen
Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade
Go Hotel Østerport

Go Hotel Østerport

3 out of 5
Oslo Plads 5, Copenhagen
Go Hotel Østerport
Admiral Hotel Copenhagen

Admiral Hotel Copenhagen

4 out of 5
Toldbodgade 24-28, Copenhagen
Admiral Hotel Copenhagen
Phoenix Copenhagen

Phoenix Copenhagen

4.5 out of 5
Bredgade 37, Copenhagen
Phoenix Copenhagen
CABINN Copenhagen

CABINN Copenhagen

3 out of 5
Arni Magnussons Gade 1, Copenhagen
CABINN Copenhagen
Babette Guldsmeden

Babette Guldsmeden

4 out of 5
Bredgade 78, Copenhagen
Babette Guldsmeden
Adina Apartment Hotel Copenhagen

Adina Apartment Hotel Copenhagen

4 out of 5
Amerika Plads 7, Osterbro, Copenhagen
Adina Apartment Hotel Copenhagen
The Churchill apartments by Daniel&Jacob’s

The Churchill apartments by Daniel&Jacob’s

3.5 out of 5
Amaliegade 43, Copenhagen
The Churchill apartments by Daniel&Jacob’s
2 bedroom condo in kã¸benhavn

2 bedroom condo in kã¸benhavn

København
2 bedroom condo in kã¸benhavn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Little Mermaid

Near the iconic Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including scenic bike rides, captivating art displays, and vibrant theatre performances. Essential experiences encompass delightful boat tours that showcase the city's stunning waterfront, alongside various artistic performances and engaging activities that highlight the cultural richness of Copenhagen. Whether exploring on land or water, there's something for everyone to appreciate.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Torvehallerne, a vibrant public market only 1.6km from the Little Mermaid, offering a lively atmosphere. Rorholmsgade Arts & Crafts, also 1.6km away, features unique handmade items. If you're up for a drive, Field's Shopping Centre, 6.4km away, boasts entertainment and family vibes.

Recreation

Parken Stadium, located 1.6km from the Little Mermaid, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Vega, 4.8km away, is a vibrant music venue hosting live performances. For a refreshing family outing, visit Vesterbro Pool, also 4.8km from Little Mermaid, with its outdoor sports vibe.

Adventure

Experience thrilling action at the Paintball Arena, located 966m from the Little Mermaid, where you can engage in exciting paintball matches. For a scenic adventure, hike the Natursti Til Hedeland trail, situated 20.9km away, or explore the picturesque Kirkestien Over Tryggevaelde Aadal, 40.2km distant.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Little Mermaid is vibrant and varied. Enjoy a cultural evening at the Royal Danish Playhouse or the Royal Danish Theatre Play House, both offering captivating performances. For a more relaxed vibe, Baron Boltens Court is perfect for drinks and entertainment in a romantic setting.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Little Mermaid

Visiting the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen offers a delightful mix of culture and family-friendly experiences. Explore the nearby piazza, where you can relax and soak in the atmosphere, or visit the stunning churches and museums that reflect Denmark's rich heritage. Whether you're seeking an artistic adventure or a leisurely stroll, the attractions around the Little Mermaid cater to all tastes, making it a perfect destination for every traveller.

  • Nyhavn: Nyhavn is a picturesque canal lined with colourful 17th-century townhouses, bustling with friendly vibes. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, where you can savour local cuisine at charming cafés and restaurants, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Strøget: Strøget is Europe's longest pedestrian street, offering a lively city vibe. Here, you can explore an array of shops, boutiques, and street performers, making it a perfect spot for shopping and people-watching.
  • Copenhagen Opera House: The Copenhagen Opera House is a stunning architectural marvel that exudes culture and romance. Attend a performance or take a guided tour to experience its impressive design and enjoy the enchanting surroundings along the waterfront.

Best time to go to Little Mermaid

The best time to visit Little Mermaid is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February34.9°F (1.6°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March38.5°F (3.6°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No RainMostly 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

For a budget-friendly visit to the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January to February and October, while avoiding the pricier May to June and August. Book your hotel around a month in advance for better rates, and look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Sundays are the least expensive days to stay, while Fridays are the most costly. Additionally, utilise Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and preferences, and consider package deals for flights and accommodation to maximise savings.

  • 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: Certainly. Here’s a paraphrased version of the text in a trusted and attentive tone, using British English:Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can sort the results to view hotels from the most affordable to the priciest, ensuring you find the best deals first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Little Mermaid hotel reservation with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia