The Little Mermaid (Copenhagen) : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to the enchanted world of The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. This beloved sculpture, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, is one of the most iconic symbols of Denmark and has inspired millions of visitors since its creation in 1913. This blog post will explore The Little Mermaid’s history, interesting facts, and offer you a travel guide so that you can experience this Copenhagen attraction for yourself. Whether you’re a fan of Denmark, Andersen’s literature, or want to take a selfie with Denmark’s most photographable sculpture, this guide has something for you. Let’s dive in!

Interesting Facts About The Little Mermaid (Copenhagen)

1. The Little Mermaid is a bronze statue by Edvard Eriksen, first unveiled in August 1913.

2. The statue is based on the fairy tale The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen.

3. The statue was almost destroyed in 2003 when an axe-wielding vandal attacked it.

4. The little mermaid has her own fanclub. The members meet in front of the statue every year on August 23rd, the anniversary of the statue’s unveiling.

5. The Little Mermaid is the most popular tourist attraction in Copenhagen, drawing more than one million visitors each year.

6. The statue was at one time the target of protests by the animal rights group PETA, who argued that the depiction of animals in public art should be respectful and not exploitative.

7. There are several other statues around the world with the same name, including one in Disney’s Magic Kingdom and several in U.S. cities like Seattle and San Francisco.

8. The Statue of Liberty in New York is often thought to be a copy of The Little Mermaid, although it predates the Copenhagen statue by more than 50 years.

9. The Little Mermaid statue is often dressed in traditional Danish clothing, including the national costume, on birthdays and special occasions.

10. The statue’s arm was blown off in the 1970s by an unknown bomber, resulting in its current armless figure.

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History & Information About The Little Mermaid (Copenhagen)

The Little Mermaid statue, located in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a statue of a mermaid based on the fairy tale of the same name. It was designed by sculptor Edvard Eriksen and first unveiled in 1913. The statue has become an icon of Copenhagen and a major tourist attraction. The statue is made of bronze and granite and stands 1.25 meters tall – just under four and a half feet.

The statue is based on the 1837 story by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. The Little Mermaid story centers around the character of a mermaid who saves a prince by sacrificing her own happiness and eventually turns into sea foam when he fails to fall in love with her.

The statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, a Danish brewer and philanthropist, after he had been inspired by a ballet about the fairytale. The first statue – the original plaster model – was created by Eugène Berman and unveiled in 1909. However, due to its fragility, it only lasted a few months in Copenhagen’s waters. The current bronze version was then molded from a new plaster model created by Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913.

Since then, the statue has become a symbol of Copenhagen and a major tourist attraction, with countless visitors each year. In 1992, it was also declared a national monument of Denmark. Unfortunately, the statue has been vandalized several times, with its head repeatedly being stolen and later found. The statue has also been the target of a number of political protests and artistic modifications over the years.

In 2010, The Little Mermaid statue was featured on a commemorative 100 Kroner coin issued by the National Bank of Denmark. A new edition of the coin was released in 2020 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the statue’s installation.

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Travel Guide For Visiting The Little Mermaid (Copenhagen)

Welcome to the beautiful city of Copenhagen, Denmark!

Start your visit at the Little Mermaid, the most iconic and beloved symbol of Copenhagen. The Little Mermaid is a bronze statue inspired by the character of the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen and was installed in Copenhagen harbor in 1913. It is located at its original site on the Kinkehoved peninsula at the end of the Langelinie promenade.

If you’re looking to take in some history and uncover the city’s past, a great place to explore is the nearby Møllehavn open-air museum. At the Møllehavn, you’ll find a shipyard, handicraft workshops, circular windmills, and traditional fishermen’s sheds.

Take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the breathtaking views of the harbor and the city skyline. The waterfront in Copenhagen is a great place for a leisurely stroll, cycling, rollerblading, and more. Relax in the sun, take photographs, or even watch the boats go by.

If you’re looking to learn more about the city, visit the National Museum of Danish History. This museum is filled with artifacts from the Viking Age to the 20th century. It’s a must-visit to understand Copenhagen’s rich cultural history.

While in Copenhagen, you must try some of the local specialty dishes. Traditional Danish cuisine includes smørrebrød (open sandwiches), stegt flæsk (fried pork belly), and Æbleskiver (apple fritters). For a sweet treat, try the delicious koldskål (buttermilk with sweet cream).

When you’re ready to shop, Copenhagen has plenty of options for you. Be sure to check out the lively food market next to the Little Mermaid statue, or explore the traditional shops and boutiques in Nyhavn. This area is known for its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, antique stores, and lively restaurants and bars.

Whatever you choose to do while visiting the Little Mermaid, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Little Mermaid (Copenhagen)

Q: When does The Little Mermaid open?

A: The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark is open all year round, but exact opening and closing times may vary. Generally, it opens at 8am and closes at dusk.

Q: How much does it cost to visit The Little Mermaid?

A: Entrance to The Little Mermaid is free, but there may be a charge in some areas for additional services such as guided tours.

Q: What is the best time to visit The Little Mermaid?

A: The best time of day to visit The Little Mermaid is during the morning or early afternoon when crowds are typically smaller. In addition, there is often special events or activities that take place in the afternoon, so it can be best to plan an afternoon visit as well.

Q: Can I take pictures of The Little Mermaid?

A: Yes, visitors are allowed to take pictures of The Little Mermaid. It is however important to be respectful to other visitors and not obstruct their view when taking photos.

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