The Little Mermaid statue has been vandalized, beheaded, and blown off its rock multiple times since 1964, requiring constant repairs.
The bronze statue was inspired by ballerina Ellen Price, who performed the lead role in a ballet adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale.
The Gefion Fountain, located nearby at the entrance to Langelinie, is the largest monument in Copenhagen and depicts a Norse goddess driving four oxen.
Langelinie park contains the Ivar Huitfeldt Column, a memorial to a Danish naval hero who blew up his own ship in 1710 to prevent it from being captured by the Swedish fleet.
During World War II, the pier and adjacent warehouses were used by German forces, leading to sabotage actions by the Danish resistance.
Langelinie is a historic waterfront promenade in Copenhagen that serves as a primary docking point for international cruise ships. The area is globally recognized as the permanent home of The Little Mermaid statue, commissioned by brewer Carl Jacobsen in 1913. The pier stretches along the Øresund Strait, connecting the city center to the Kastellet fortress grounds. Visitors can walk the entire length of the quay, which features maritime monuments, ornamental fountains, and landscaped green spaces. The pier occupies a strategic position near the entrance to Copenhagen's harbor, historically serving as a critical commercial shipping artery. The current site remains largely defined by its industrial heritage repurposed for public leisure and maritime traffic.
The wooden jetty platform slightly to the left of the Little Mermaid statue provides the best unobstructed angle.
Walk the full length toward the Kastellet fortress to escape the immediate crowds around the statue.
Visit during the early morning or late evening to avoid the intense foot traffic caused by cruise ship arrivals.
Check the Copenhagen cruise ship schedule online to anticipate high-traffic days when the area is at maximum capacity.
Do not attempt to climb onto the rock where the Little Mermaid statue sits, as it is slippery and strictly prohibited.
