Once upon a time, a Danish writer named Hans Christian Anderson entertained Scandinavian children with fantastic stories. Some of these: The Emperor’s New Clothes, Princess and the Pea, The Tin Soldier became so popular they soon spread around the world. His most popular story however was The Little Mermaid, a story about a mermaid who falls in love with a man. So celebrated was this tale (and the tail itself) that in 1913, the city of Copenhagen dedicated a small statue to its honour. Sitting just 4ft on an unremarkable rock off the Langelinie promenade, The Little Mermaid has become an icon of the city. 75% of all visitors to the city pay her a visit, especially on her birthday on August 23. This year she turns 100 years old. Although it has been vandalized and restored many times, the statue continues to symbolize the dream of love, and lonely it is to be a fish out of water.
- Quick Facts: Best Time to Visit: June to August
- Worst Time to Visit: January to March
- Do: Watch the sunset from the Langelinie promenade.
- Don’t: Expect to see Ariel from Disney’s Little Mermaid.
Top 10 Experiences in Copenhagen
- Visit Th Little Mermaid at sunset
- Take a ride inside the famous Tivoli Gardens
- Enjoy the shopping at Strøget, the world’s longest pedestrian street.
- Watch the guards on duty at the royal Amalienborg Palace
- Ride the wooden rollercoaster at Bakken, the world’s oldest amusement park
- With over 3000 animals, Copenhagen’s Zoo is one of the world’s best
- Watch the stars from the Round Tower observatory, built in 1642
- Roam the colourful streets of Christiania
- Visit Noma, rated in 2021 as the world’s best restaurant
- Rent a bike to explore the city.
Meanwhile, in Canada…
Inspired by The Little Mermaid, Vancouver has its own girl perched on a harbour rock. The Girl in the Wetsuit is located on the north side of Stanley Park. Inspired by The Little Mermaid, sculptor Elek Imredy’s statue was unveiled in 1972.