Welcome to Fairy-Tale Copenhagen!
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a Hans Christian Andersen story, the Little Mermaid statue is your perfect starting point. Perched on a rock along the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen, Denmark, this bronze beauty has been captivating visitors since 1913. Let’s dive into her story and why she’s worth a visit.
A Tale Cast in Bronze
The Little Mermaid was brought to life by sculptor Edvard Eriksen, inspired by Andersen’s famous fairy tale about a mermaid who sacrifices her voice for love. Unveiled on August 23, 1913, she’s a petite figure—just 1.25 meters tall—but her charm draws over a million visitors annually. Here’s a quirky tidbit: her head was modeled after ballerina Ellen Price, but since Price wouldn’t pose nude, Eriksen used his wife, Eline, for the body. Talk about a personal touch!
She’s not just a pretty face, though—she’s a survivor. Over the years, she’s been vandalized, decapitated, and even doused in paint, yet she always bounces back, a symbol of resilience as much as romance.
Picture Time!
Welcome to Fairy-Tale Copenhagen!
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a Hans Christian Andersen story, the Little Mermaid statue is your perfect starting point. Perched on a rock along the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen, Denmark, this bronze beauty has been captivating visitors since 1913. Let’s dive into her story and why she’s worth a visit.
A Tale Cast in Bronze
The Little Mermaid was brought to life by sculptor Edvard Eriksen, inspired by Andersen’s famous fairy tale about a mermaid who sacrifices her voice for love. Unveiled on August 23, 1913, she’s a petite figure—just 1.25 meters tall—but her charm draws over a million visitors annually. Here’s a quirky tidbit: her head was modeled after ballerina Ellen Price, but since Price wouldn’t pose nude, Eriksen used his wife, Eline, for the body. Talk about a personal touch!
She’s not just a pretty face, though—she’s a survivor. Over the years, she’s been vandalized, decapitated, and even doused in paint, yet she always bounces back, a symbol of resilience as much as romance.
Picture Time!