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Monument · Copenhague, Região da Capital
A Pequena Sereia (Den Lille Havfrue)
The 1913 bronze statue seated on a rock on the Langelinie promenade, inspired by the tale of H. C. Andersen. It measures about 1.25 meters and is located near Kastellet.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About A Pequena Sereia (Den Lille Havfrue)
A Pequena Sereia is the best-known statue in Copenhagen. It was commissioned by brewer Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of Carlsberg, after seeing the ballet based on the tale by Hans Christian Andersen, and was unveiled on 23 August 1913. Sculptor Edvard Eriksen used the ballerina Ellen Price as the model for the face and his own wife, Eline, for the body.
The bronze figure, about 1.25 meters high, sits on a rock at the edge of the Langelinie promenade, looking out over the water. Many people are surprised by its small size; the site is worth visiting for the surrounding walk, which links the fortress of Kastellet, the Fonte de Gefion and the cruise ship pier.
Andersen's tale, published in 1837, tells of a mermaid who trades her voice for human legs to be near a prince. The statue became a symbol of the city and has been copied in several countries. Nearby, on the water, sightseeing boats often stop so passengers can see the statue head-on.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
15 to 30 minutes; combine with Kastellet and Fonte de Gefion, which require another hour.
Best time
Early in the morning, before tour buses and cruise-ship groups, or in the late afternoon. At midday, especially from May to September, the waterfront gets crowded.
How to get there
It's on the Langelinie promenade, about 2 km from Nyhavn, a 25-minute walk via Amalienborg and Kastellet. The nearest train station is Østerport, a 15-minute walk. Harbour sightseeing boats pass in front.
Tip
Walk from Amalienborg, passing the Marble Church, the Fonte de Gefion and the bastions of Kastellet: the route is more interesting than the statue on its own. By bike, there's a cycle path all the way.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about A Pequena Sereia (Den Lille Havfrue)
Is the Little Mermaid very small?
She is about 1.25 metres tall and sits on a rock near the shore. The size surprises many visitors; she is best appreciated as part of the walk around Kastellet and Langelinie.
Who made the statue?
The sculptor Edvard Eriksen, commissioned by the brewer Carl Jacobsen. It was unveiled in 1913.
How to get to the Little Mermaid?
On foot from Nyhavn in about 25 minutes; by train to Østerport and then a 15-minute walk. The canal sightseeing boats also pass by.