Overview:

The Little Mermaid is a bronze sculpture depicting a mermaid, located in the Copenhagen Harbor in Denmark. The sculpture is the symbol of the city and was created in 1913 by Edvard Eriksen. The statue is an icon of Copenhagen and is visited by tourists from around the world. The sculpture is inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale of the same name. The statue is 1.25 meters (4.1 ft) tall and weighs 175 kg (385 lbs). There is a plaque at the base of the sculpture which reads “Giv mig havn, giv mig strand/Sig du er min, sig du er din”, which translates as “Give me harbor, give me strand/Say you are mine, say you are yours”. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Denmark
Prominent Features:

1. The Mermaid Statue: The world-famous Little Mermaid Statue is the most iconic landmark in Copenhagen, Denmark. The bronze figure of a mermaid was inspired by author Hans Christian Andersen’s well-known fairytale. It sits atop a rock at the entrance of the harbor, where visitors can get close enough to touch her. 2. Amalienborg Palace: This royal palace is located just across the harbor from The Little Mermaid and is home to the Danish royal family. It is the site of the royal changing of the guard and also houses the Museum of Danish History. 3. Nyhavn: Nyhavn is a seventeenth century canal lined with colorful townhouses and filled with old-world charm. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike to enjoy the lively atmosphere. 4. Church of Our Saviour: This church was built in the 17th century and consists of a large spiral staircase adorned with intentionally mismatched statues. Visitors can climb the 400-step staircase for breathtaking views of the city. 5. Christianshavn: This is a city within a city located in Copenhagen. It is full of quaint canals, cobblestone walkways, and is known to be the home of bohemian life in Copenhagen. It’s also home to the Copenhagen Opera House and Christiania, the autonomous “hippie paradise” that’s been operating since 1971. This national monument of Denmark portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The bronze statue of The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark has a long and storied history that dates back to 1913. It was created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen to commemorate the popular Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, and has since become the harbinger of Copenhagen. The statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen of Carlsberg Breweries. The inspiration for it came from a ballet adaptation of the tale by the Royal Danish Ballet, that Jacobsen attended and was so inspired by. The gorgeous bronze statue stands at the entrance of the port of Copenhagen, atop a rock, gazing, perhaps longingly, towards the horizon. It stands at a height of only 4 feet, hardly the size of the typical mermaid tales, yet, its small stature gives it a childlike quality. Since its completion, The Little Mermaid has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in Copenhagen and it holds a place in the hearts of many Danes and in the wider world. It has been a victim of vandalism, including the arm being sawed off twice and once someone even threw paint all over it. The Danish people, however, remain resolute in their dedication towards their beloved statue and it is now safeguarded 24/7 by an armed guard. As a result, the statue has grown to be a symbol of resilience and a symbol of Copenhagen itself. Today, it is a major tourist attraction, and thousands come to pay homage to it every year. You must visit one of these historical places in Denmark on your Denmark tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Little Mermaid statue, which is housed in Copenhagen Harbor, has become world famous since its unveiling on August 23, 1913. 2. The story of The Little Mermaid comes from the beloved fairytale of the same name written by Danish author and poet Hans Christian Andersen in 1837. 3. The Little Mermaid statue was created by Edvard Eriksen, who worked in bronze and was a professor at Royal Danish Academy of Art. 4. The statue has been vandalized numerous times and was beheaded twice in the 1960s, with anonymous people later returning the stolen head. 5. The statue was moved multiple times since its original installation, most recently in October 2018, due to an increasing number of tourists. 6. For tourists wishing to visit the statue, the closest metro is Nordhavn Station, which is about a 5-minute walk away. 7. Statues of many of Andersen’s fairy tales characters have been built in other areas of Copenhagen, such as the Snow Queen, the Tin Soldier, and even a LEGO version of the Ugly Duckling in Legoland. Visit one of the famous monuments of Denmark with your friends and family.