History & Highlights

The Little Mermaid & Port of Copenhagen Free Tour

Denmark's most famous statue and the harbor that built an empire

4.7 (523) · Bookable via Civitatis

Copenhagen's harbor made the city rich long before anyone had heard of Hans Christian Andersen, and this tour walks the waterfront where that history is still visible. It ends at the Little Mermaid, the small bronze statue unveiled in 1913 and inspired by Andersen's fairy tale — smaller and more modest in person than any postcard suggests, and all the more interesting for it.

Getting there takes you past Kastellet, a star-shaped 17th-century fortress that still functions as a military base and public park in one, and along stretches of harbor once controlled by the Danish East India and Asiatic Companies. Your guide separates the myths around the mermaid statue from what's actually documented, including the vandalism it has survived over the decades — a detail most visitors never learn.

Tour highlights

The Little Mermaid statue
Kastellet fortress
Gefion Fountain
Amalienborg Palace
Copenhagen Harbour promenade

Meeting point

Amaliegade 14

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This tour is free — there's no charge to join. At the end, tip your guide whatever you feel the experience was worth. 100% of tips go directly to them.

Frequently asked questions

Is the The Little Mermaid & Port of Copenhagen Free Tour really free?

Yes — there is no ticket and no upfront cost. You reserve a free spot, join the tour, and at the end tip your guide whatever you feel it was worth. Most travelers tip the equivalent of €10–20 per person, but the amount is entirely up to you.

Where does the The Little Mermaid & Port of Copenhagen Free Tour start?

The tour meets at Amaliegade 14 ( Amaliegade 14). Look for the guide with the FreeTour sign; the exact meeting point is confirmed in your booking.

How long is the tour, and what languages is it in?

It lasts around 2h30 and is guided in English. Groups are capped at about 6 people so the experience stays personal. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.