The Little Mermaid — Attraction in Nordic countries

My visit to The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen was a long time coming. The seed of fascination was planted back in my high school days when I read a news article about the statue being vandalized and decapitated. The act of defacing something so beloved only highlighted its significance to me, and I was deeply impressed by the passion people had for this seemingly simple figure.

This fascination only grew stronger during a trip to Germany that same summer. I saw a statue of Loreley perched on a cliff by the Rhine river, and while the figures and legends were different, I couldn't help but draw a connection between these two mythical female figures tied to water and folklore. The key difference is that the Lorelei actively causes destruction through her song, while the Little Mermaid sacrifices her voice for a potentially life-changing transformation and love. It was a testament to how these statues, no matter how grand or small, become symbols of a nation's identity.

So, when I finally arrived at the Langelinie promenade today, I felt a sense of pilgrimage. The first thing that struck me was how much smaller the statue was than I had anticipated. All the photos and news clips had made her seem larger-than-life, so meeting her in person, sitting quietly on her rock, was a bit of a surprise. But this initial observation was quickly overshadowed by a sense of awe.

Despite her diminutive size, she is utterly captivating. The detail in her bronze form, the serene expression on her face as she gazes out at the harbour it’s all so carefully crafted.

She is not a monument to be viewed from afar, but a piece of art to be appreciated up close. It’s easy to see why she has become such a powerful symbol for Copenhagen and a source of national pride.

The area surrounding the statue is always bustling, a testament to her enduring popularity. People from all over the world come to pay their respects to this quiet, dignified figure. It’s a bit of a surreal experience, standing among the crowds, all of us captivated by this little mermaid who has faced so much adversity.

In the end, my expectations were both subverted and exceeded. The Little Mermaid isn’t about being big and grandiose. She is a symbol of resilience, a quiet beauty that has captured the hearts of people around the globe. While she may be smaller than I imagined, her significance is immeasurable. A truly...

The Little Mermaid statue is about a 45 minute walk from the main areas of town. Stop by the Kastellet fort and park if you are walking and see the Eternal Flame and Memorial wall. For the canal boat tours, you can only see the back of the statue, so we had to walk here separately to see the front of the statue. The Hop On/Hop Off buses to do here as well.

It is smaller than life size and more of a graceful woman sitting with her legs to the side with a drapey fish tail. As a child in school, I had did a book report on her story and made a clay figure of the mermaid in a shoe box, so I had to see the real thing in spite of the reviews.

I wouldn't have minded her small size, but what really annoyed me about the experience was the near constant stream of tourists climbing the rocks, hanging on the statue, and draping things on her for their stupid pictures. Not only did that spoil the artistic beauty of the statue but it made it difficult to get your own picture with so many people being selfish to get a picture climbing and hanging on to the statue. You really can't just get a picture and say you saw the statue. No one will believe you unless you are hanging on the statue yourself?

Apparently, all the rough and rougher treatment has broken the statue several times plus her head has...

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen is one of the city’s most iconic and beloved landmarks — and for good reason. Though it may be smaller than many expect, there's something truly special and peaceful about seeing it in person.

Set on a rock by the water’s edge, the statue beautifully captures the delicate and melancholic spirit of Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale. The setting adds to the charm — surrounded by gentle waves, passing boats, and a quiet sense of calm despite the many visitors nearby. It’s the kind of place where you naturally pause, reflect, and take in the atmosphere.

What I appreciated most was how such a simple sculpture could carry so much emotion and cultural meaning. It’s not grand or flashy, but rather graceful and poetic — much like the story behind it.

Yes, it’s often crowded, especially during peak hours, but I still found the experience rewarding. Arriving early in the morning or later in the evening can make it feel more personal and serene.

If you’re in Copenhagen, visiting the Little Mermaid is a must — not just to check it off a list, but to enjoy a quiet, meaningful moment by the sea. A small statue with...