It seems every time I go to Copenhagen, I end up at the statue of The Little Mermaid. There isn’t much there and the tiny statue surprises most people on their first visit. The statue itself is a replica of the real thing which is hidden at an undisclosed location but it’s emergence as a political symbol is interesting. It’s been vandalized many times, probably because it’s so close to the edge of the water. Typically the vandalism is in correlation to some political statement and the Danish government has talked about moving it out further into the harbor, although it doesn’t seem likely to happen in the near future.
You’ll find large crowds at the statue during the warmer months but there wasn’t anyone around when The Little Mermaid was found chilling in ice. I hope she’s warmer now. You can see my entire album from Copenhagen last month or enjoy a few danishes in Denmark.
She’s going to be moved even further soon. The Little Mermaid is going to China:
http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/press/latest_news/copenhagen_sends_little_mermaid_to_shanghai
I wonder if they are sending the real one or copy then?
I’ve read that the original never goes anywhere, but seems strange to send a replica. Wonder why it’s under such tight lock and key??
Interesting, there’s also one in Vancouver’s Stanley Park.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ayngelina/1804568648
Shucks, says I must be signed in to see the content. Is it a copy of this mermaid or another one?
She looks so forlorn and cold!
Must be cold with no clothes on!
I’ve visited the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. What an interesting perspective in the winter. I never thought about her surrounded by ice.
She seems so out of place in the ice doesn’t she?
I’ve seen this statue in the summer, never in the winter though. What a striking difference!
I remember seeing the statue in the summer – looks so ordinary in in the ice but figured it was a unique shot at least 🙂
Impressive statue, hope to see it in person one day.
It’s a tiny little thing, I think you’ll be surprised to see how small she really is 🙂
I first saw the Little Mermaid in summer and it was one of the disappointments of my travel. Surrounded by snapping tourists, she looked a tiny forlorn figure. Looks like she’s had a bit of a bath too since I last saw her. Her August birthday is specially celebrated too – read http://www.travel-wonders.com/2009/04/little-little-mermaid-copenhagen.html for more.
I agree with your post, I wonder how the statue became such a draw in Copenhagen.
I’ve read many times that this emblem of the city is disappointing to see. yet I’m drawn to seeing it in person. I think it’s the kind of thing that evokes an emotion, one way or another. And I like that.
I think most people expect it to be bigger 🙂
A replica of a real mermaid?! Wowee, didn’t know they actually existed. 🙂 I was a big fan of the Hans Christian Andersen tale as a kid, so I’ll definitely have to see this is person.
P.S. Liked your StumbleUpon Tweet – very helpful. We’ve been on it for awhile but haven’t had a chance to figure out how to make the most of it. We’re sendingpostcards
Who would have thought mermaids are Danish?? Guess they like chilly waters 🙂
Glad you liked the Stumble post and found it useful, it perplexed me for quite a while before I got the hang of it. I’ve subscribed to your account and just stumbled you homepage too btw 🙂
I’ve always wanted to see her. My parents used to have a little statue they picked up in Copenhagen. Striking picture of her in the wintertime!
Thanks!
beautiful landmark! i wonder how old it is?
Unveiled in 1913 🙂
I am looking for an inexpensive copy of the Copenhagen mermaid on her rock, like the one I purchased in 1983 (it was stolen). She is metal, bronze looking, and perched on her little rock. I have only seen one like it on E-bay, but the mermaid is different. I want one that looks like the original mermaid, facing the correct direction, and with or without Kobenhaven sticker attached. Any help locating one on line would be greatly apprectiated…
I will keep this in mind if I ever come across anything and will tweet out the comment to see if anyone in Copenhagen might be able to help you out. I’m guessing they must sell something like that at souvenir shops there.
Thank you. I have seen pictures people have taken in airports and sovenir stands where the mermaids are sold like the one I want, but when I look on line I can’t find any for sale. Any help would be greatly appreciated…
I put it out on Twitter for you so hopefully something turns up. I’d also recommend checking the Danish versions of Amazon.com and Craigslist…and if I’m ever in Copenhagen I can pick you one up if I come across it.
It’s not on my current travel path at the moment but you can keep up with it on my newsletter – if you see me going to Copenhagen shoot me a reminder and I’ll send you a statue if I can find it.
http://www.foxnomad.com/contact/newsletter/