Explore Copenhagen with the Little Mermaid Self-Guided Tour

Copenhagen is home to many of the world-famous attractions, but none is more beloved than ‘The Little Mermaid’. Placed in the Langelinje dock, this bronze sculpture of the Little Mermaid has been fascinating tourists of Copenhagen since 1913. If you’re wondering how you can explore the Little Mermaid and its surroundings on a self-guided tour of Copenhagen, then look no further.

When most people think of the Little Mermaid, they immediately think of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale of the same name. And it’s hardly a wonder why – the story, with its fantastical creatures and beautiful landscape, captures both our imaginations and hearts. But what few people realize is that even after reading the story, there is still so much to learn and explore when it comes to the Little Mermaid and her relationship to Copenhagen.

Self-Guided Tour: What to See With the Little Mermaid

To make the most out of your trip to Copenhagen, take time to explore on a self-guided tour and take a deep dive into the alluring story of the Little Mermaid and how she has become such a loved part of Copenhagen. Make your way to Langelinje pier to begin the tour in true fairy tale fashion. Once here, you’ll see the bronze sculpture of the Little Mermaid that was created in 1913; a must-stop for every tourist and admirer of this classic tale. Don’t forget to snap a few photos here, or even watch it from a distance as it sits atop a rock against the backdrop of surrounding seascape.

After enjoying a bit of time with the Little Mermaid, catch a glimpse of the beautiful pale-green Kastellet military fortress on your right. This magnificent structure was built in the 1620s under King Christian IV and over the centuries has withstood numerous upheavals and battles. Now, Kastellet serves as an iconic popular attraction and one of the main tours – both official and private – of Copenhagen.

If that’s not enough to take you down memory lane, head to Amalienborg Palace where you can learn more about Denmark’s royal history and grab some souvenirs. Built in 1794, this royal palace is home to Denmark’s royal family, with four grand buildings facing onto a grand courtyard. Overlooking this beautiful palace is the dramatic Frederick’s Church – the national church of Denmark fondly known as ‘the Marble Church’ because of its elaborate roof design.

Continue your journey to two other historically important sites: Rosenborg Castle and Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Rosenborg Castle was built by King Christian IV in 1606 as a summer residence for Danish royals; it would later be used as one of the country’s treasuries for some time. You can explore this historical site with its beautifully landscaped grounds and see where was once used as an armory (also known as Kings Garden). Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum, located nearby Rosenborg Castle, was erected by Carlsberg’s founder Carl Jacobsen in 1888. Visit here to observe fine artworks ranging from Greek sculpture to French Impressionist works, learn more about Nordic culture pre-18th century, or even have lunch as well as buy home some souvenirs at their vibrant cafe-laden courtyard.

For greater convenience while taking your self-guided tour, you may be interested in booking this guided tour of Copenhagen that will take you by all the sites mentioned above at your own pace.

What Else Can You Do on Your Self-Guided Tour?

While exploring the city on your own will provide you with an unforgettable experience on its own accord, there are also many activities you can enjoy when taking a self-guided tour around Copenhagen. One of them is visiting a boat tour that will take you closer to the Little Mermaid or State Museum; or swimming at Amager Beach Park, located on its own private beach just off Copenhagen harbour. It features a 9 hole mini golf course with stunning ocean views and plenty of places for kids to run around.

In case you’re more looking forward to immersing in some local culture and trying out unique dishes while taking your self-guided tour, pay a visit to waterfront district Paper Island or look up some of Copenhagen’s best restaurants like Noma or 108 – which offer Michelin star fine dining at its finest. Here you can also find plenty of vegan restaurants also with local produce if it’s something which interests you more.

Interesting Facts About The Little Mermaid Ever Since Its Inception

Since its erection in 1913, The Little Mermaid has been watched over by thousands of tourists every year. The statue has changed hands several times, either being vandalized or stolen; or simply taken away for assembly after floods or storm damages. It is an unmistakable symbol for Copenhagen that needs to be admired for its resilience as much as for its beauty – oftentimes a beacon for weary sailors coming home to port.

But what some may not know is that there are other versions of the charming motto besides the one made famous by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. In what may be seen as more realistic and somewhat less romantic interpretation, Danish writer Adrienne Tolstoi’s take on Andersen’s original text suggests that “human love is short-lived compared to divine love” – which is brilliantly represented by the often-forgotten phrase etched into The Little Mermaid’s pedestal “Uti min Havn” or “out of my harbor’. This little known tribute imbues The Little Mermaid with added significance that has gone unnoticed for many years until modern times but which still holds very meaningful today: love is timeless and eternal, even when human love disappoints us.

Conclusion

The Little Mermaid self-guided tour through Copenhagen allows you to encounter many of Denmark’s historical sites as well as enjoy attractions like Paper Island and Amager Bech Park in order to get completely absorbed into Danish culture, culinary scene and daily life. Whether you’re interested in fairy tales or wish to embark in a bit more realistic European adventure, exploring the city on a self-guided path will help create lasting memories and impart unique experiences no other guided tour will ever be able to supply. To make the most out of your tour, you may be interested in booking this guided tour of The Little Mermaid where you can learn about even more interesting facts about her story and how she became such an important symbol to the city she calls home.