Den Lille Havfrue

It's definitely a bucket list item. Don't expect to be wowed, and it's a bit out there from the main tourist area. Take some pics and call it a day lol

As far as iconic local statues go, Den lille Havfrue (The Little Mermaid) is worth the short look you need to enjoy it. Gayle and I certainly did, including the surrounding neighborhood and water views.

The bronze statue was designed by Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913. It's based on the 1837 fairy tale (of the same name) by Hans Cristian Andersen and depicts a mermaid becoming human. I could have sworn that I first saw this statue in Nyhavn when I visited Copenhagen in the early 1980s, but I guess that's old age for you!

The Little Mermaid is a "must see" when in Copenhagen. This iconic little lady is worth the journey, offering many beautiful statues along the way.

For best opportunity, visit her earlier in the morning. Late morning and later results in abundance of tourists taking photos, crowding the statue, and tour boats passing through.

"But a mermaid has no tears, and therefore she suffers so much more..." - Hans Christian Andersen

Every great European city has a gigantic landmark to claim it's own. Paris has the Eiffel, Rome has the Colosseum, London has Big Ben, and København has Den Lille Hafvrue. All 4-feet tall of her quietly sitting on a boulder, where the North Sea meets the Baltic. To me, it's not the size that matters, it's the story of the Little Mermaid... I believe in fairytales.

The statue dates to 1913 (sculptor Edvard Eriksen)
and honors Den Lille Hafvrue by Hans Christian Andersen, written almost 200-years ago in Denmark. She might be underwhelming to some, but to me, it's all about the story of unrequited love.

Those that complain or don't appreciate this little landmark probably expected a 25-foot Ariel, right? All those Disney fans complaining about the long walk to get to her, complaining about how tiny she is, complaining about this and that *sigh*. Did you know Den Lille Hafvrue, didn't even have a name! No one named Ariel here, but Prince Eric was, well...

Oh, it's a sad story by Hans Christian Andersen - sad with many emotional moments, but it's also so very beautiful. After all this is not the Disney version, this is the original, Den Lille Hafvrue. A story for unrequited love, for the persistent, those that hope, foolhardy love that continues quietly even as it is unappreciated, unrecognized, and unseen. This is her true story... the story of The Little Mermaid.

I confess I'm an old soul, that has traveled the world for many years, decades, yes even centuries. To me, the long walk to Den Lille Hafvrue was enjoyable with many Nordic and historical sites along the way. And yes, maybe, just maybe, Prince Eric did not reciprocate the love she gave me in 1837, but I'm here to finally tell you how much I love you...

A story for unrequited love. I will love you forever.

My trip to Copenhagen would not have been complete if I didn't see The Little Mermaid statue, even though it was a bit out of the way. I knew we arrived when I saw the tour buses and crowds. I took my picture and went on my way.

I had already read reviews beforehand so I knew that the Little Mermaid statue was fairly small. As a result, I was not disappointed like others. I was also lucky enough to come when there was no crowd. It is a small, human sized bronze statue that sits on a rock. Built in 1913, it is based on the fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. It is one of those things people go to for a quick photo to say that they've been there.

I guess I was here except the other cruise ship tour groups blocked my view. So we just walked on.

Quite underwhelming, but cool to spot when in the area. I don't know that I'd go out of my way again to come sea this statue, but that being said it was cool to see it in person. The waterfront where it is located is quite beautiful and worth to visit, though.

Copenhagen's iconic fairytale landmark: The Little Mermaid statue is recommended to visit at least once. It's small and super touristy as there's always an overwhelming amount of tourists huddling around to take their obligatory pictures (I was one of them). I didn't have high expectations coming here but it was great seeing the statue in person and appreciating Denmark's history.

It was a bit of a jaunt from the main city to see the little mermaid. She sits quietly waiting for passerby's and as remote as her rock and location. We all come to take a glimpse. She sits quietly and so peacefully.

What was the story about this little mermaid? Is she still waiting for her young human prince to come from the land. Beautiful bronze and the granite rock she is perched on.

She still looks great and hasn't been worse from the torrent of water hitting her over the years.