Little Mermaid Tours and Activities

Little Mermaid showing general coastal views, a statue or sculpture and a bay or harbour
Photo provided by Visit Denmark/Fotograf Cees van Roeden
Photo provided by Visit Denmark/Fotograf Peter Hauerbach
Little Mermaid which includes a statue or sculpture
Little Mermaid


The sculpture of Denmark’s favourite fairy tale character has been an icon for the city for over a century.

Once upon a time, a small statue was built that would capture the heart of the residents of Copenhagen. Perched upon a rock in the main harbor, The Little Mermaid is there to welcome all guests to the Danish capital. This sculpture has become an icon for the city and is one of the most popular photo opportunities with visitors. It is not uncommon to find a small crowd surrounding it on a sunny day.

The small bronze sculpture depicts a character from a famous Danish fairy tale, a sad story of unanswered love. A young mermaid convinces a witch to take her voice in exchange for legs so she can live on the shore with the prince she loves. When he decides to marry a princess instead, she refuses to kill him to break her spell so that she can return to the sea. The Little Mermaid was written by the famous author, Hans Christian Anderson, who lived in Copenhagen in the 1800s. Read the original short story before you visit Denmark for full appreciation.

To reach the statue, stroll down the picturesque Langelinie promenade, which stretches along the harbor and Langelinie Park. The promenade is one of the most relaxing walks in the city. Listen to the cawing seagulls and watch the ocean cruise ships as they pull in to dock. Bring lunch and make use of the picnic facilities in Langelinie Park to spend a few hours by the water.

Visitors are urged not to climb on the statue, as its exterior has suffered much damage over the past century. Several times the statue has been decapitated. In 2003 it was blown off the rock with explosives, quite a feat given it weighs over 380 pounds (175 kilograms).

The Little Mermaid is located near Copenhagen’s city center, and is easily reached on foot or by bike. The Østerport metro station is a short walk away. Those arriving by car will find parking at the harbor terminal for a fee.

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Best Lodging Options Near Little Mermaid

Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade

Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade

2 out of 5
Borgergade 9, Copenhagen
Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade
Go Hotel Østerport

Go Hotel Østerport

3 out of 5
Oslo Plads 5, Copenhagen
Go Hotel Østerport
Admiral Hotel Copenhagen

Admiral Hotel Copenhagen

4 out of 5
Toldbodgade 24-28, Copenhagen
Admiral Hotel Copenhagen
Phoenix Copenhagen

Phoenix Copenhagen

4.5 out of 5
Bredgade 37, Copenhagen
Phoenix Copenhagen
CABINN Copenhagen

CABINN Copenhagen

3 out of 5
Arni Magnussons Gade 1, Copenhagen
CABINN Copenhagen
Babette Guldsmeden

Babette Guldsmeden

4 out of 5
Bredgade 78, Copenhagen
Babette Guldsmeden
Adina Apartment Hotel Copenhagen

Adina Apartment Hotel Copenhagen

4 out of 5
Amerika Plads 7, Osterbro, Copenhagen
Adina Apartment Hotel Copenhagen
The Churchill Penthouse by Daniel&Jacob’s

The Churchill Penthouse by Daniel&Jacob’s

4 out of 5
Amaliegade 43, Copenhagen, Sealand
The Churchill Penthouse by Daniel&Jacob’s
The Citadel apartments by Daniel&Jacob’s

The Citadel apartments by Daniel&Jacob’s

3.5 out of 5
Esplanaden 46, Copenhagen
The Citadel apartments by Daniel&Jacob’s
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Little Mermaid

When visiting the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, be sure to enjoy biking along the scenic waterfront, exploring local art galleries, and catching a theatre performance. Don't miss the opportunity for sightseeing around the city and checking out small exhibitions that showcase Danish culture and creativity. These activities will enrich your experience and provide a deeper understanding of the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the iconic statue.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the Little Mermaid, visit Torvehallerne, a vibrant public market just 1.6km away, perfect for local goods. Rorholmsgade Arts & Crafts, also 1.6km away, offers unique handmade items. If you're up for a drive, Field's Shopping Centre is 6.4km away, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Parken Stadium, a mile from Little Mermaid, where you can soak in the sports energy. Enjoy a concert at Vega, located three miles away, for an entertaining evening. For family fun, head to Vesterbro Pool, also three miles away, for outdoor swimming and relaxation.

Adventure

For an adrenaline rush, head to the Paintball Arena, located 966m from the Little Mermaid. Experience thrilling paintball battles in an adventurous atmosphere. If you prefer hiking, explore Natursti Til Hedeland, 20.9km away, or Kirkestien Over Tryggevaelde Aadal, 40.2km away, both offering scenic outdoor trails.

Nightlife

Experience the charm of Copenhagen's nightlife near the Little Mermaid. Catch a mesmerizing performance at the Royal Danish Playhouse or enjoy a cozy drink at Baron Boltens Court. For a cultural evening, visit the Royal Danish Theatre Play House, where entertainment and romance blend beautifully.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Little Mermaid

Visiting the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen offers a blend of cultural and family-friendly experiences. Nearby attractions include charming piazzas, historic churches, and insightful museums, perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture. While exploring the iconic Little Mermaid statue, consider staying at hotels close to other popular Copenhagen sites for a convenient and enjoyable visit.

  • Nyhavn: This vibrant canal, located 1.6km from the Little Mermaid, is lined with colourful 17th-century townhouses, bustling cafés, and charming boats. The friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying local cuisine.
  • Copenhagen Opera House: Just 1.3km away, this architectural marvel offers a unique blend of culture and entertainment. With stunning views of the city and a romantic ambiance, attending a performance here is a memorable experience.
  • Rosenborg Castle: Located 1.6km from the Little Mermaid, this enchanting castle showcases Danish royal history and beautiful gardens. Its romantic setting and rich culture make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Little Mermaid

The best time to visit Little Mermaid is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February34.9°F (1.6°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March38.5°F (3.6°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
November44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December38.1°F (3.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Little Mermaid

To save money on your visit to the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February and October for lower hotel prices. Booking a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on sites like Expedia can lead to great savings. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays tend to be the most expensive. Utilize Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly accommodations, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for added savings. Additionally, walking is an excellent way to explore the area without spending on transport.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Little Mermaid are January to February and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Little Mermaid is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Little Mermaid is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Little Mermaid is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable accommodations first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Little Mermaid hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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