MORE LITTLE MERMAIDS, Denmark: Discover 10 mermaids beyond Copenhagen
Cover art created using photo by Jonas Smith CC BY-NC 2.0 & 1801 Cary Map of Denmark Public Domain
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Mermaids have been an integral part of Danish folklore and fairy tales for hundreds of years.
Since Denmark is surrounded by water, that may come as no surprise. In fact, wherever you are in Denmark, you’re never more than 52km (32 miles) away from the sea! And whilst you may know the three main landmasses, Zealand, Jutland and Funen, you might be surprised that Denmark actually consists of over 400 islands, many of which are so small that they don’t even have a name.
With centuries of sailing and coastal living, it’s perhaps no wonder that so many mermaid sightings have been recorded across Denmark over the past few centuries.
These sightings have found their way into local stories and even into royal history.
There is a story dating back to 1576, where a mermaid urged a peasant to come to the court at Kallundborg to deliver a message that the queen would be blessed with a son, who would become one of the greatest princes of the North. This son was Christian IV, and he is indeed remembered as one of the most popular, ambitious, and progressive kings in Danish history.
Many towns have their own coastal spots associated with mermaid sightings. In some cases, mermaids are even said to have travelled further into settlements via fjords and canals.
And so, in combination with the nationally beloved fairy tale The Little Mermaid written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, there is a sense of fondness across Denmark for these magical, mysterious creatures of the seas. This fondness finds expression in the many statues erected over the past couple of hundred years across the country.
Let’s dive in and discover the top ten mermaids you can visit for free across Denmark!
📍 Scroll down to the bottom to view my Mermaid Map of Denmark on Google Maps for the exact locations!
1. “Han” the Merman
Helsingør, North Zealand
Created by Danish-Norwegian artist-duo Elmgreen & Dragset, 2012. Photo by Susanne Nilsson, CC BY-SA 2.0
Looking longingly out to sea, the Merman Han (meaning “He”) sits on a rock in a pose that clearly echoes the Little Mermaid’s statue in Copenhagen. Whilst he doesn’t wear any fins on his feet, he could easily be her little brother.
Hans Christian Andersen’s original story of The Little Mermaid is not as you know it from the Disney movies. The story begins the same, but it takes a dark turn when the sea witch makes vastly more brutal demands, and the ending is far more sombre. Spoiler alert: the prince marries someone else and leaves our darling mermaid utterly heartbroken.
Read more about the original Little Mermaid fairytale here.
Reflection & Longing
It seems that the statue of Han the Merman could embody the personal melancholy that Hans Christian Andersen expressed in his Little Mermaid story. Andersen wrote the Little Mermaid fairytale in 1836, after suffering the deep heartache of unrequited love for his close friend, Edvard Collin. Collin did not reciprocate his feelings and married, leaving Andersen feeling devastated.
Raised in poverty, possibly struggling with dyslexia, and bullied as a student, Andersen had always felt like an outsider. The ache of longing to be part of something out of reach was a theme in Andersen’s life and was reflected in his writing, particularly in The Little Mermaid. She gave away her very voice in desperation to be part of the other world, where the dancing, walking, capable people are.
But Han the Merman already has a human form and yet he still seems to yearn for the open seas. Perhaps he longs to return to a simpler existence.
Whatever your interpretation, he is quite literally in a state of permanent reflection. Made of highly polished stainless steel, his glittering form reflects the sunlight and dazzles visitors on a clear day.
And it is said that if you stay with him long enough, you might glimpse him winking at you.
More to discover in Helsingør
Helsingør is a royal and cultural pearl north of Copenhagen. This 800-year-old market town has a strong maritime history and boasts one of the best-preserved historic city centres in Europe. On its cute, cobbled streets you’ll find beautifully restored houses in architectural styles dating from the 15th century to modern day.
Live the spirit of Hamlet. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Kronborg Castle is the world-famous setting for Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”. Once home to kings and queens, this fortified castle boasts stunning views across to Sweden and a rich, fascinating history. Encounter the mythical statue of Holger the Dane, who sleeps deep in the basement below the castle, awaiting the day when Denmark is under threat - then he will awake and defend the mother country.
Experience Shakespeare like nowhere else. Every August Kronborg Castle welcomes the Open Air Shakespeare Festival Hamletscenen. Enjoy classic theatre performed in an iconic setting as you’ve never seen it before. Plays are performed in English, Danish or German - all with subtitles.
Learn about a seafaring history dating back to the Vikings. At the M/S Maritime Museum, you’ll experience award-winning architecture and interactive exhibitions. Hear about the intriguing mythology of shipping and the technology that made it possible to navigate the oceans and tie the world together.
How to visit Helsingør
Want to enjoy a tranquil moment gazing across the sea with this handsome Merman? Find out more and how to visit Helsingør on Visit Copenhagen’s website here.
Staying in Copenhagen? Why not visit Kronborg Castle, Frederiksborg Palace and Denmark’s old capital of Roskilde - all in a one-day tour!
2. Mermaid of Munke Mose Park
Odense, Funen
“Havfruen” by Hans Pauli Olsen, 1998. Own photo.
In the tranquil Munke Mose Park by the Odense Å river that winds through the town, sits a mermaid statue on a high plinth. She is simply named “Havfruen” (Mermaid) but unlike the youthful, lonely Little Mermaid of Copenhagen, she has a more womanly figure and is accompanied by shoals of fish.
Seemingly balancing high in the air, she is a mermaid to be admired from below as if we were at the bottom of the ocean watching her swimming above us.
This is also why her head and shoulders look disjointed and strangely small in proportion. It is to give the impression that she is peering above the water’s surface as if she is distorted by refraction. In a way, the whole of her being is so much more than what can be seen on the surface.
Made in bronze by artist Hans Pauli Olsen, Havfruen was installed in Odense in 1998 and adds to the town’s abundance of mythical and fairytale-themed statues. As the birthplace of beloved author, poet and playwright Hans Christian Andersen, many of Odense’s statues relate to his stories, which makes this lovely city a rather magical place to visit.
3. Seahorse-riding Mermaid
Odense, Funen
“Havhesten” by Carl Hugo Liisberg, 1939. Own photo.
Another mermaid-themed statue in Odense is only a couple of minutes’ walk away. Following along the river in the beautiful Munke Mose Park, you’ll encounter a daring mermaid riding a fierce-looking sea horse rearing out of the water.
This bronze statue by Danish sculptor Carl Hugo Liisberg was inspired by the popular Danish folktale “Agnete and the Merman”. Hans Christian Andersen wrote this story into a play, featuring a dramatic poem called “Agnete’s Cradle”, which Liisberg transformed into this powerful scene.
Just across the open grass, you’ll also find an impressive statue of Andersen’s “Wild Swans”.
It’s the perfect place to sit on the steps and watch the boats and the ducks go by. You can even take a River Cruise and see scenic spots like Odense Zoo along the way.
More to discover in Odense
Odense is the capital of Funen, Denmark’s central island, west of Zealand where Copenhagen is located. It is named after the Norse god Odin and was founded over a thousand years ago.
Odense is a fairytale haven, full of old cobbled streets with pretty, pastel-coloured houses. It has the perfect small-city balance of there being plenty going on, but also having a really relaxed vibe - ideal for a cosy, romantic getaway!
Lose yourself in a fairytale at the spectacular Hans Christian Andersen Museum HC Anderson Hus and his childhood home H.C. Andersen Barndomshjem. Opened in 2021, this world-class museum takes you on an audio tour through the life and works of the author, but this is no ordinary, dull tour. Packed with interactive experiences like touch screens, animations, videos and augmented reality to play and interact with, plus top-notch voice acting, you can easily lose yourself in this childhood wonderland - no matter your age! For kids, there is even an exciting, sensory play area with live events and storytelling at weekends.
Go back in time at Den Fynske Landsby - an open-air living history museum. Experience the old ways of craftsmanship and living in harmony with nature, and how we can use our forebears’ wisdom to build a more sustainable future.
Immerse yourself in a magical world of wizards, witches, Vikings, trolls and fairies at the Magiske Dage Fantasy Festival. Every October, the centre of Odense is transformed into a magical fantasy fair with costumed characters galore, food stalls and fun activities for adults and children alike.
How to visit the 2 Mermaids in Odense
If you’re visiting Copenhagen, it’s easy to take a Day Trip to Odense by car or train. You’ll be able to get away from the buzz of the city and enjoy an authentic experience of Denmark’s friendly and “hygge” (cosy) delights.
4. Mermaid Maelstrom
Svendborg, South Funen
“Mermaids Creating a Maelstrom” by Niels Hansen Jacobsen, 1929. Photo by Peter, CC BY-SA 2.0
In the main square of Svendborg lies “Mermaids Creating a Maelstrom”, a fountain with three bronze mermaids rising out of swirling waters as its centrepiece.
Created in 1929, this dynamic statue is surrounded by medieval, half-timbered buildings and the town’s oldest parish church.
The church dates back to around 1180 and is consecrated to St. Nicolaus who is not only the protector of children, but also the patron saint of seafarers and merchants - understandable for a harbour town that connects to the many islands south of Funen.
Svendborg has been named the most charming shopping town in all of Denmark, and you can see why. This cute seaside town is perfect for strolling down narrow crooked streets, moseying in its quirky little shops and getting comfortable in its many cosy cafés.
It’s also a hotspot for gastronomy and music. Svendborg hosts over 700 live music events every year and is home to the biggest food market in the Nordics.
So there’s something for everyone who enjoys a taste of the good life!
More to discover in Svendborg
Discover a peaceful haven. Enjoy the Silence of the Sound - a 2.5-hour audio-guided walk featuring stories from Svendborg’s most beloved writers, and learn about the cultural history while taking in the beautiful sights of the coast.
Go island-hopping. Hop across to one of the southern islands, like the enchanting Aero. With its charming fairytale streets and dinky little shops, walking routes and cycle hire, you’ll be getting away from it all and unwinding in no time.
Dive into the deep blue sea. Whether kayaking, diving, fishing, sailing or yachting - Svendborg and the surrounding areas are a blue playground for water lovers and wannabe mermaids.
How to visit Svendborg
From Copenhagen, you can combine a visit to Svendborg with a Day Trip to Odense by car or train. Then hop on a train at Odense to be in Svendborg within around 45 minutes.
5. “Elle” the Mermaid
Bogense, North Funen
“Elle” by Poul R. Weile, CC BY-SA 4.0
Elle isn’t your typical demure and gentle mermaid. This green-tinted bronze statue is a wild, young woman. Her whole leaning figure, including her boobs(!) and untamed hair, look like they’re being blasted towards the sea by coastal gales. Her arms are supported by two marble seal pups as if she’s propping herself up on them to peer out of the ocean.
Placed on the furthest end of the Bogense pier, Elle casts her eyes out to sea, keeping a watchful eye on the sailors. But in the olden days, it would have been the other way around.
Bogense was once known as “the mermaids’ town” because of the many recorded mermaid sightings. Witnesses used to say that mermaids could be seen playing in the sea and that they’d even come into the creek for a visit.
Created by Danish artist Poul Weile, the statue was commissioned by Nordfyns Bank and gifted on its 100th birthday to the town of Bogense.
More to discover in Bogense
Located on the northern coast of Funen island, Bogense is a market town that dates back to the 13th century. Although it was ravaged by a fire in 1575, the town was rebuilt and continued to be an important trading spot for the locals. Many of its centuries-old timbered buildings remain, its oldest house dating back to 1420.
Take a dip. Swim in pristine waters on the fine sandy beach, or in the bathing jetty at the Old Harbour where you can jump in the sauna afterwards.
Walk through shallow waters to a deserted island. Æbelø is a wild nature reserve home to sea eagles, deer, sheep and many rare insects and birds - remember to bring your binoculars.
Go wild. Join a safari at the Ditlevsdal Bison Farm or go on an Alpaca Walk in the forest.
How to visit Bogense
If you’re visiting Copenhagen, you can combine a visit to Bogense on the north coast of Funen with a Day Trip to Odense by car or train. Then hop on a train at Odense to be in Bogense within around 45 minutes.
6. The Little “Wanna Be” Mermaid
Horsens, Jutland
“Wanna Be Mermaid” by Maria Rubinke, 2019. Photo © Kaj & Annie-Mari Hansen 2019, used with permission
A little girl has big dreams of becoming a mermaid - so big in fact, that she is trying to fit herself into an enormous fish.
The Wanna Be Mermaid at Trøjborgs Plads in Horsens was created by Copenhagen artist Maria Rubinke. It tells a story about the dreams we have, whether we are young or old, and how they can feel too big, too unwieldy, too strange for us to fulfil. But when we use the imagination of our childhood selves, we can achieve things that feel improbable.
“Wanna Be Mermaid” by Maria Rubinke, 2019. Photo © Kaj & Annie-Mari Hansen 2019, used with permission
The Casa Investment Group commissioned the statue to contribute to the development of Horsens and create a focal point on the waterfront - a place to spend some time reflecting on our own dreams. It was revealed in December 2019 and is set to be followed by further sculptures in the port area.
More to discover in Horsens
Journey back to the Middle Ages. Every August, Horsens hosts the magical Middelalderfestival, Northern Europe’s biggest Medieval Festival. Experience nerve-wracking knights’ tournaments, laugh with eccentric entertainers, bop around with raucous musicians, and visit authentic stalls, all within the walls of the historic prison.
Make a great escape at Faengslet, the award-winning prison museum. Learn about dramatic escapes, life ‘on the inside’, experience the eerie atmosphere of the dark dungeons - and if you’re really brave, stay the night in one of the prison cells!
How to visit Horsens
You can fly to either Billund or Aarhus from Copenhagen and internationally, and then take the train to Horsens.
Alternatively, have a real adventure by travelling across the water from Copenhagen to Aarhus in a Nordic Seaplane and travel by train the rest of the way.
To experience the scenic route, take the train from Copenhagen, which takes around 3 hours. Once you arrive, it’s easy to travel by bus or hire a car to explore the surrounding areas - including the flagship Legoland Resort in Billund!
7. “Agnete and the Merman”
Aarhus, Jutland
“Agnete og Havmanden” by Johannes Clausen Bjerg, 1940. Photo by Tanya Dedyukhina, CC-BY-3.0
Agnete and the Merman is a merfolk story of loss and longing. It is a traditional Danish folktale in which a young woman falls in love with a merman, but despite starting a family with him in the ocean depths, she yearns for home. It’s a melancholic tale, which is typical for mermaid stories.
There are variations of the story - as many as nineteen, have apparently been documented. It was also a favourite of the beloved fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen.
Agnete and the Merman
Hans Christian Andersen describes the story as follows:
“There is an old Danish folks-song of Agnete and the Merman, which bore an affinity to my own state of mind, and to the treatment of which I felt an inward impulse.
The song tells that Agnete wandered solitarily along the shore, when a merman rose up from the waves and decoyed her by his speeches. She followed him to the bottom of the sea, remained there seven years, and bore him seven children.
One day, as she sat by the cradle, she heard the church bells sounding down to her in the depths of the sea, and a longing seized her heart to go to church. By her prayers and tears she induced the merman to conduct her to the upper world again, promising soon to return. He prayed her not to forget his children, more especially the little one in the cradle; stopped up her ears and her mouth, and then led her upwards to the sea-shore.
When, however, she entered the church, all the holy images, as soon as they saw her, a daughter of sin and from the depths of the sea, turned themselves round to the walls. She was affrighted, and would not return, although the little ones in her home below were weeping.”
Image: John Bauer, Public domain
This bronze statue set in a fountain was created by sculptor Johannes Clausen Bjerg and was gifted to Aarhus by the Carlsberg Foundation and Aarhus Lighting Service in 1940.
The fountain has taken a place in popular culture in recent years, as a place for freshly graduated students to celebrate the end of summer exams by splashing in the cool water, and sometimes even adding some bubble foam.
The story is so well known that there is another sculpture of Agnethe and the Merman in Copenhagen - but this one is underwater!
More to discover in Aarhus
Aarhus is a small, cosy city, nestled in nature. It offers plenty of culture and activities - in fact, it was named the European Capital of Culture in 2017. Surrounded by The Lake District, beaches, forests and national parks, Aarhus is a buzzing hub that calls itself the “city of smiles”.
Walk through a rainbow. ARoS Aarhus Art Museum is a colourful highlight that makes a stunning addition to anyone’s Instagram feed.
Go forest bathing and feel like a druid. Soak up the primeval energies of Kalø Forests, where twisting trees envelop burial mounds, stone age monuments and a bronze-age stone circle. Then explore Kalø Castle Ruins at the end of the longest medieval road in Denmark.
Be a big kid. Have fun at Tivoli Friheden amusement Park where there are exciting rides and seasonal events all year round.
How to visit Aarhus
You can fly directly to Aarhus from Copenhagen and internationally.
Alternatively, have a real adventure by travelling across the water from Copenhagen to Aarhus in a Nordic Seaplane.
To experience the scenic route, take the train from Copenhagen, which takes around 3.5 hours. Once you arrive, it’s easy to travel by bus or hire a car to explore its many areas of natural beauty.
8. “To Homesickness” Mermaid
Asaa, North Jutland
“To Homesickness” by Palle Mørk, 2021. Photo by Beethoven9, CC BY-SA 4.0
She may be sweet and demure, but the Mermaid of Asaa has been at the centre of international controversy ever since she was revealed.
Entitled “To Homesickness”, sculptor Palle Mørk was pretty surprised in 2021 when his stone statue appeared in the New York Times titled "Denmark Now Has Two Little Mermaids. The Famous One Is Suing".
Edvard Eriksen sculpted the famous Little Mermaid in Copenhagen at the turn of the last century. His heirs have claimed that Asaa’s new mermaid bears too close a resemblance, so they filed a lawsuit against the town of Asaa. They demanded a payout and for the statue to be destroyed.
Initially, the mayor of Asaa thought it was a joke.
But this isn’t the first time the Eriksen estate has fought to protect its licensing rights. They’ve sued a handicrafts company for a needlepoint pattern, a Danish newspaper for a mermaid cartoon and even The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid - whose likeness couldn’t be further from the original if it tried.
The case is ongoing at the time of writing, but it would be pretty sad for Asaa to lose the mermaid that a group of locals purchased together to gift to the harbour as a 140th anniversary present.
Many have come to visit her while they still can, so if you’re in the area, you might want to do the same - just in case!
9. Skagerak Mermaid
Hirthals, North Jutland
“Havfruen” by Stinne Teglhus, 2016. Photo by Mef.ellingen, CC BY-SA 4.0
There’s nothing little or demure about Hirthals’ mermaid statue.
She is a voluptuous and proud woman, balanced on top of her rock in the centre of the roundabout outside the port administration building. Her hair is swept aside by the wind as she gazes out to sea.
This bronze statue was created by sculptor Stinne Teglhus, with the help of her 21-year old daughter who modeled the pose for her. The sculpture was commissioned by Skagerak Group for the inauguration of its renovated old railway building in 2016.
10. “The Lady of the Sea”
Sæby, North Jutland
“Fruen fra Havet” by Marie Benthe Norheim, 2001. Photo by Thomas Dahlstrøm Nielsen, CC BY-SA 4.0
With her two faces, the Lady of the Sea looks both inland and out to sea. She shows her human, clothed side to the land of mortals, but her mermaid’s tale faces her otherworldly ocean home.
The statue’s title refers to the play by famous Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. He wrote The Lady of the Sea in Sæby in the summer of 1881. It tells the story of a woman who sees herself as a mermaid washed ashore. She yearns for the sea whilst struggling with the dark forces inside and outside herself.
Artist Marie Benthe Norheim sought to incorporate the theme of this play, in addition to the image of the Virgin Mary as a protective power. The town of Sæby was known as Mariested in the Middle Ages, thanks to the ancient Carmelite monastery that was consecrated to her. In Sæby’s church, there is a fresco in which Mary holds out her cloak as a refuge for the people. To mirror this image, Norheim invited more than 880 local schoolchildren to create their own protective symbols. The children’s designs were cast in glass and inlaid into the concrete statue’s enormous cloak.
These colourful, glittering scales are a rather lovely mantle of protective wishes for all inhabitants of both land and sea.
More to discover in North Jutland
North Jutland, or Nordjylland, is the most northern point of Denmark. So if you’re looking for a remote, untouched seaside getaway with plenty of wild nature, walking, cycling and coastal activities, it’s ideal.
In addition to the three mermaid sites I’ve mentioned, here’s what else you can discover:
Explore the gateway to the wild north - Start your adventure in Aalborg before crossing the fjord into Nordjylland. Stroll through cosy, cobbled streets with colourful houses, marvel at the dramatic modern architecture of the Utzon Centre and House of Music, and grab some street food at a disused furniture factory that’s been transformed into the quirky, cool eatery The Lighthouse.
Go deep into Viking territory - Lindholm Høje is one of Denmark’s largest and best-preserved Viking grave sites with a museum that brings the exciting and dramatic history of the Vikings to life.
See where oceans collide - at the furthest northern point lies the town of Skagen, where there is a beautiful section of sandy beach called Grenen. This is where the North Sea and the Baltic Sea collide, creating an awe-inspiring natural spectacle. Walk or hire bicycles to watch the powerful forces of nature, where you might even spot some seals playing in the waves if you’re lucky!
How to visit the 3 Mermaids in North Jutland
You can fly to Aalborg, the largest town in North Jutland, from Copenhagen in just 40 minutes. For the scenic route, take the train from Copenhagen, which arrives in just over 4 hours.
There are even direct flights from the United States and the United Kingdom.
Once there, it’s easy to travel by bus, or for complete freedom, you can hire a car to explore all its secrets.
Mermaid Map of Denmark
Check out all the mermaid sites you can visit in Denmark beyond Copenhagen on my Google Map below.
Could Denmark be the most mermaid-decorated country in the world?
Possibly! Honestly, I was surprised to find so many mermaid statues here - and I’m sure there’ll be some that I’ve missed. What I do know is that I loved exploring Copenhagen, Odense and parts of Funen, and finding mermaids along the way made the experience all the more magical.
The experience is even more special knowing that there is a real folk history of mermaid sightings in all these places.
So is Denmark worth a visit?
If you love looking for mermaids while:
exploring a beautiful, friendly country rich in Viking history and folklore
visiting fantastic museums, exceptional art collections and bold historic buildings
relaxing in cute cafés, strolling down romantic cobbled streets with colourful buildings and enjoying exceptional food
…then yes, Denmark is well worth a visit! I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to visit again.
Did you know there are 5 Mermaids to find in Copenhagen?
Click below to find out where you can see them while strolling through the most picturesque parts of the city.
