Copenhagen's Most Underwhelming Tourist Trap Is More Disappointing Than It's Worth

Copenhagen is one of Europe's most popular cities for international visitors. The city recorded 11.7 million overnight stays in 2023, and it is estimated that this will increase by 24% by 2030 — making it one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world. Beyond that, Copenhagen is also one of Rick Steves' favorite European summer destinations, and it is easy to see why. With incredible architecture, fantastic restaurants, fascinating museums, and beautiful waterfront views everywhere you turn, there's no denying its allure.

However, despite Copenhagen's wealth of wonderful things to see and do, one of its most popular sights is also one of its most overrated: the Little Mermaid. An incredibly underwhelming experience that's somehow more disappointing than it is worth (even though it is free to visit), the Little Mermaid is a small bronze statue that sits on a rock jutting out of the water in front of Copenhagen's Kastellet fortress. 

At 4 feet tall, and weighing just over 385 pounds, the statue usually surprises visitors with how small and unobtrusive it is. In fact, visitors regularly say how disappointing it is in real life, and its popularity is even baffling to most Danes. Despite this, over a million people come to see the statue every year, queuing to take photos with it in the background, or heading out on a harbor boat tour to get a different perspective. 

The story of the Little Mermaid is world-famous these days, largely thanks to the Disney film released in 1989. Although the original, by one of Denmark's most famous authors, Hans Christian Andersen, has a slightly darker tone, it is one of the country's favorite and most well-known pieces of literature. In 1913, a statue to commemorate Andersen was unveiled by Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of Carlsberg brewery, in the form of his most famous creation.

Until the Disney film came out and sparked huge interest in the story, however, the statue wasn't much more than a local curiosity. But since then, it has become one of the most recognizable and popular things to see in Copenhagen — even though the reality definitely fails to live up to the myth!

Oddly enough, while locals are bemused by the crowds of foreign tourists, the statue plays a significant role in the city as a focal point for protests. In fact, the piece is regularly daubed with paint, sprayed with messages, and dressed in significant items of clothing to make political points. This includes causes as diverse as the Danish national men's football team playing in the Qatar 2022 World Cup and pro-vegan campaigns. Beyond that, it has also been the target for more garden-variety vandalism on several occasions, with her head being removed twice.

While, for some, the Little Mermaid statue is an unmissable addition to any Copenhagen trip, chances are it will leave most travelers somewhat cold. Sometimes quite literally, as Denmark can be chilly for much of the year, and queuing in the salty seaspray on a windy day to get a selfie can leave you soaked and frozen. Luckily, there are plenty of other great ways to spend a day in this stunning European city.

If you are looking for free attractions, Copenhagen is full of interest and intrigue, despite its expensive reputation. Freetown Christiana, the anarchist commune that occupies an entire district in central Copenhagen, is fascinating; a city within the city, operating entirely on its own rules (or lack of them). Additionally, the amazing National Museum of Denmark is another excellent place to visit that doesn't cost a cent. Finally, no trip to Copenhagen is complete without a stroll along the docks at Nyhavn, a stunning waterfront canal that inspired fairytales, to enjoy the brightly-colored houses and historic architecture.

And if you're drawn to the Little Mermaid comes from the Disney adaptation, why not follow in Walt Disney's footsteps and visit Tivoli Gardens? This enchanting spot is the second-oldest amusement park in the world, and is credited with being the inspiration for Walt Disney's world-famous parks. A magical, charming place offering excellent rides and entertainment, it makes for a fantastic day out.