One of the highlights of our recent family vacation was getting to visit the Copenhagen Mermaid… better known as the Little Mermaid statue. This iconic tourist spot was packed with guests but worth the wait because our children are all such huge fans of mythical creatures and the occasional fairy tale.
We Visited The Copenhagen Mermaid – The Little Mermaid Statue
During our tour around Denmark, we learned that the statue of the little mermaid has been disfigured several times throughout history. So, this isn’t QUITE the original statue. Parts of it have been replaced over time.
I didn’t have many expectations about what I would find, but I must admit that I did find the Copenhagen Mermaid quite striking. Simple and beautifully stated. The first thing I noticed was how close they put it to the shore. This makes it easy to take photos.
There are many different versions of this children’s story available to watch. I’ve seen several adaptations where it is a very sad story, where Ariel loses her sisters because they turn to seafoam. Did that traumatize me as a child? Absolutely. However, I wonder if sculptor Edvard Eriksen wanted to hold onto that original pain because the statue feels sad.
Maybe it’s just the moment when Ariel was pining to be human? Who knows? That’s the beauty of art. It’s up to interpretation.
Related: How To Draw The Little Mermaid
There are so many amazing places to visit while in Copenhagen. This is one of the best places to add to your destination list. After that, hop on over to Tivoli Gardens, catch a ballet performance, walk through the many beautiful garden and don’t forget about the Opera house. No matter what you do, you will have a beautiful day in Denmark.
We paid for a hop-on / hop-off bus and a stop was actually named The Little Mermaid Statue – so it was pretty easy to find. But if you don’t decide to pay for one of those buses … just ask around. Everyone speaks English in Copenhagen and they will guide you to the Copenhagen harbor with ease.
This was a very, VERY easy trip to take with the kids. I truly hope you consider it.
- The Little Mermaid statue is made out of bronze and was created by Edvard Eriksen.
- You can find her perched on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- It is 4.1 ft tall and weighs 385 lb.
- She has traveled once or twice before. So, this isn’t the only place she’s known. You can actually find a replica of her at the airport once you land in Copenhagen! Be on the lookout for her – a much smaller scale.
Hopefully, people will leave her alone!! She’s been spray painted, damaged, and dented, and even had her head removed! YIKES! The Copenhagen Mermaid is based on Danish author Hans Christian Andersen’s original works.
The original Little Mermaid statue was unveiled in 1913. A truly iconic piece for the area. Have you seen her before? What did you think?
Related Posts:
- Little Mermaid Movie Treats – Mermaid Tails
- An Intimate Drawing Class With Mark Henn To Celebrate The Little Mermaid Release
- An Interview With Jodi Benson ~ The Voice Of Ariel In Disney’s The Little Mermaid
- Little Mermaid Coloring Pages