Sitting quietly on a rock by the Langelinie promenade, this small bronze statue has become a symbol of the city and a classic stop for visitors.
Visit The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen
The Little Mermaid, known in Danish as Den Lille Havfrue, is one of the most photographed attractions in Copenhagen. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale, the statue looks out over the water and connects the city’s literary history with its strong maritime identity.
If you are arriving at Copenhagen Airport, booking car rental through Terminal3.dk gives you a flexible way to reach your hotel, travel with luggage and explore more of Denmark beyond the city centre. For The Little Mermaid itself, the best approach is usually to park nearby and explore Langelinie, Kastellet and the harbourfront on foot.
The history of The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid statue was created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913. It was a gift to the city from brewer Carl Jacobsen, who was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale and a ballet performance based on the story.
Although the statue is modest in size, its cultural importance is much larger. Over time, it has become one of Copenhagen’s best-known symbols and a regular stop for first-time visitors, cruise passengers, walking tours and photography routes along the harbour.
Why The Little Mermaid is worth visiting
Some visitors are surprised by how small the statue is, but that is part of its quiet charm. The Little Mermaid is not a grand monument or large museum attraction. It is a simple, poetic sculpture in a waterfront setting, and its meaning comes from the story, the sea and its place in Copenhagen’s identity.
Visitors come here for:
- A classic Copenhagen photo stop on the Langelinie promenade
- A connection to Hans Christian Andersen and Danish literary culture
- Harbour views and a pleasant waterfront walk
- Easy access to nearby attractions such as Kastellet and the Gefion Fountain
- A quick, free landmark visit that fits easily into a wider sightseeing route
Where is The Little Mermaid?
The Little Mermaid is located on the Langelinie promenade, north of central Copenhagen. The statue sits close to the water and is within walking distance of Kastellet, the Gefion Fountain, St. Alban’s Church, Churchillparken and the Museum of Danish Resistance.
This makes it easy to include The Little Mermaid in a half-day walking route around Copenhagen’s harbourfront and historic military district.
Best time to visit The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid can be visited year-round and is free to see from the public waterfront. The area is busiest during the day, especially in summer, on weekends and when cruise ships are in port.
For a quieter visit, arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Morning light can be good for photos, while the evening atmosphere along the harbour can be especially pleasant in warmer months.
What to expect when you visit
The statue is easy to view from the promenade, but the area can become crowded. Be patient if you want photos, and take care near the water and rocks. It is best to enjoy the statue as part of a wider walk rather than making it your only destination for the day.
Allow around 10 to 20 minutes for the statue itself, or longer if you want to walk along Langelinie, visit Kastellet or continue toward Amalienborg and the harbourfront.
Attractions near The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is located near several of Copenhagen’s most interesting historic and waterfront sights.
Langelinie
Langelinie is the waterfront promenade around The Little Mermaid. It offers harbour views, walking paths, cruise activity and a relaxed maritime atmosphere.
Kastellet
Kastellet is a star-shaped 17th-century fortress with green ramparts, walking paths, a windmill and historic military buildings. It is one of the best nearby attractions to combine with The Little Mermaid.
The Gefion Fountain
The Gefion Fountain is one of Copenhagen’s most dramatic monuments. It shows the Norse goddess Gefion driving four oxen and is a short walk from The Little Mermaid.
St. Alban’s Church
St. Alban’s Church stands close to Kastellet and the Gefion Fountain. Its Gothic Revival architecture makes it a distinctive stop in the area.
The Museum of Danish Resistance
The Museum of Danish Resistance is located in Churchillparken near Kastellet and tells the story of Denmark during the German occupation from 1940 to 1945.
Should you drive to The Little Mermaid?
You can drive to the wider Langelinie area, but The Little Mermaid and nearby attractions are best experienced on foot once you have parked. Parking near central Copenhagen and the harbour may be paid, limited or restricted, especially during busy periods or when cruise ships are in port.
If you are using a rental car, drive to a suitable parking area nearby, check local parking signs carefully and continue on foot. This gives you the convenience of Copenhagen Airport car rental for your wider trip while allowing you to enjoy the waterfront properly.
Why rent a car at Copenhagen Airport?
For short distances inside central Copenhagen, walking, cycling and public transport are often convenient once you have parked. However, renting a car at Copenhagen Airport is useful if you are travelling with luggage, children or a group, staying outside the centre, visiting family or planning day trips beyond Copenhagen.
With a rental car from CPH Airport, you can combine The Little Mermaid and Copenhagen’s waterfront with castles, museums, coastal towns and other destinations around Zealand.
Easy day trips after visiting The Little Mermaid
After exploring The Little Mermaid, Langelinie and Kastellet, your rental car gives you the freedom to continue beyond the city.
- Dragør for a charming old fishing town close to Copenhagen Airport
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art for art, architecture and sea views
- Kronborg Castle in Helsingør for Danish history and coastal scenery
- Roskilde for the cathedral, Viking Ship Museum and historic town centre
- Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød for royal history, gardens and impressive architecture
- Malmö in Sweden via the Øresund Bridge, if your rental agreement allows cross-border travel
Suggested Little Mermaid itinerary from CPH Airport
Morning: Arrive at Copenhagen Airport, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel or a convenient parking area near the city centre.
Late morning: Walk along Langelinie and visit The Little Mermaid before the busiest part of the day.
Lunch: Continue toward Østerbro, Nyhavn, Amalienborg or the harbourfront for lunch, coffee or Danish pastries.
Afternoon: Visit Kastellet, the Gefion Fountain, St. Alban’s Church or the Museum of Danish Resistance.
Evening: Return to your rental car and drive to your hotel, a restaurant outside the centre or your next Copenhagen stop.
Practical tips for visiting The Little Mermaid
- Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds.
- Expect the statue to be smaller than many photos suggest.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking along Langelinie and around Kastellet.
- Check the weather, as the waterfront can be windy.
- Use official parking areas if arriving by rental car.
- Check Copenhagen parking signs carefully before leaving your vehicle.
- Combine The Little Mermaid with Kastellet, the Gefion Fountain and Langelinie.
Why book Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk?
With Terminal3.dk, you can search and compare car rental at Copenhagen Airport before you travel. This helps you choose the right vehicle for your itinerary, whether you need a compact city car, an automatic rental car, a family vehicle, an SUV or extra luggage space.
The CPH Car Rental Centre is connected to Copenhagen Airport, making it convenient to continue your journey after landing. From there, you can drive to your accommodation, visit Copenhagen’s waterfront attractions and plan day trips around Denmark at your own pace.
Book your CPH Airport car rental and see The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is one of Copenhagen’s essential landmarks. With its connection to Hans Christian Andersen, its harbourfront setting and its location near Langelinie, Kastellet and the Gefion Fountain, it is an easy and memorable stop on any Copenhagen itinerary.
Book your Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk, park near the city centre and enjoy the freedom to explore The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen’s waterfront and the best day trips around Denmark at your own pace.
