The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue) statue in Langelinie, Copenhagen is a little over 100 years old today. The statue was unveiled in August of 1913 after it was created by Edvard Eriksen. The statue is made of bronze and is one of the top tourist attractions in Copenhagen perhaps also the "most photographed Dane". When we were there, there was at least two tourist buses full of Russian travellers. There were also a handful of Asians swarming the unassuming little statue.
The statue was a gift by Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the city of Copenhagen and was of course inspired by the story written by Hans Christian Andersen.
Carl Jacobsen fell in love with the character after watching a ballet performance based on Andersen's fairytale at the Danish Royal Theatre. His endearment to the character made him commission Eriksen to create the statue. Eline Eriksen, the sculptor's wife, posed as the model while the statue was being created.
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| This was my view of the statue from the cannon near the memorial for fallen soldiers in the Kastellet. |
Since it was unveiled in 1913, the statue has lost an arm, bombed, beheaded, made to wear a bikini, written on among others. She had share of bullying and that is no good. Then again, the statue still sits comfortably on her rock for over 100 years. She deserves a visit from you too if you are planning to walk the harbor of Copenhagen. It's a must!
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| On the way to the harbor from the Asia House/Building. |
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| Den Lille Havfrue in Copenhagen, Denmark |
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| Tourists swarming the statue eager to have a photo with their fairytale heroine. |
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| The statue sitting comfortably on her rock. |
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| Langelinie Harbor |
Tourist Tip: I took the last picture above while we were aboard a boat of the Canal Tours in Copenhagen. The boat anchors for a good 5 minutes so tourists can get off the boat and see the statue up close. If you require more than 5 minutes then you can stay for a little over an hour so you can explore the harborfront and then hop on to the next boat (Canal Tours Copenhagen is managed by Strömma DK). The tour costs DKK75 per person or PHP600 (1 DKK= 8 PHP).
Have you visited the statue of Little Mermaid? Let me know how your experience was like by leaving a comment below or you can visit other articles from our Denmark vacation:
Hiking in Gribskov - http://www.littlemisskessa.com/2014/01/denmark-diaries-part-2-hiking-hilly.html
Tivoli Gardens - http://www.littlemisskessa.com/2014/01/denmark-diaries-3-memories-of-tivoli.html
Fredericksborg Castle and Museum - http://www.littlemisskessa.com/2014/01/denmark-diaries-4-piece-of-royalty.html
Hiking in Gribskov - http://www.littlemisskessa.com/2014/01/denmark-diaries-part-2-hiking-hilly.html
Tivoli Gardens - http://www.littlemisskessa.com/2014/01/denmark-diaries-3-memories-of-tivoli.html
Fredericksborg Castle and Museum - http://www.littlemisskessa.com/2014/01/denmark-diaries-4-piece-of-royalty.html
