At Langelinje Pier you will find one of Copenhagen's most important tourist attractions: The Little Mermaid.

The statue from 1913 was originally a gift to the city donated by brewer Carl Jacobsen. The statue is made of bronze, is 125 cm tall and weighs 175 kg.

The story of the Little Mermaid is from writer Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale by the same name, a story about the unhappy mermaid who wish she goes on shore.

Inspired by a ballerina

The statue was inspired by ballerina Ellen Price, who in 1909 danced the lead role in the ballet The Little Mermaid at the Royal Theatre.

According to history Ellen Price, however, would not model in the nude for sculptor Edvard Eriksen. The artist's wife Eline Eriksen modelled for the sculpture The Little Mermaid.

On 23 August 2013 she will be 100 years old.

The headless mermaid

The little mermaid has several times been the victim of vandalism. Twice she has lost her head, once the arm was sawn off, and several times she has had paint poured on her. 

But every time she is rescued and restored, so she can stay in her place by the water and bid travelers welcome to Copenhagen harbor.