Monument in Copenhagen
The Little Mermaid is a bronze statue on the waterfront at Langelinie, inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Free. The statue is small and famously disappointing to many visitors, but it remains the most iconic landmark in Copenhagen and every budget traveler walks out to see it at least once. The walk along the harbor from the city center passes Kastellet and the Gefion Fountain, making the journey better than the destination.
Practical
On foot
Free and low-cost routes that stop at Little Mermaid.
The Copenhagen Harbor to Little Mermaid Walk is a self-guided waterfront route from Nyhavn to the Little Mermaid statue. Free. The route passes the Royal Opera House, Amalienborg Palace, and Kastellet fortress before arriving at the harbor edge in 1.5 to 2 hours.
Nearby
Other places worth the walk, and what each one costs.
Amalienborg is the winter residence of the Danish royal family, four identical rococo palaces arranged around an octagonal courtyard with a statue of Frederick V at its center. Free to see from outside.
Assistens Cemetery in Norrebro is where Hans Christian Andersen, Soren Kierkegaard, and Niels Bohr are buried. Free.
Christiania is a self-governing community occupying a former military base in Christianshavn, established by squatters in 1971. Free to enter.
Christiansborg Palace on the island of Slotsholmen is the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister's office. The tower is free to visit and offers the highest viewpoint in Copenhagen.
The Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) in Christianshavn has a famous external spiral staircase winding around the outside of the spire, offering the best panoramic view of Copenhagen from 90 meters up. Entry to the church is free.
Copenhagen's historic fish market waterfront along the canal, now a picturesque row of colorful townhouses. Free to stroll, it connects Christiansborg with the pedestrian shopping streets and offers some of the best canal views in the city center.
Working out what Copenhagen costs?
The whole of Copenhagen