Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and the seat of the government and the Danish monarchs. The city is spread over several islands. The largest part is located on the east coast of the island Zealand in the Baltic Sea. Separated by the strait Öresund lies on the other side the Swedish city Malmö.

Copenhagen canal lined with historic European architecture and ornate spires under an overcast sky

The origins of the city of Copenhagen go back to a fishing village founded by Vikings in the 10th century. The name København is derived from the Old Norse name "Kaupmannahǫfn", which can be translated as "merchants' harbour".

Børsen stock exchange building in Copenhagen viewed from a cobblestone bridge on an overcast autumn day

symmetrical palace wings with ornate arched gatehouses spanning a cobblestone bridge

low-angle view of neoclassical facade with stone ionic columns and triangular pediment

Panoramic view of Christiansborg Palace riding grounds in Copenhagen with symmetrical wings and central tower

Circular stone fountain on a cobblestone plaza framed by classical European palace buildings

Long, light beige building in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a dark roof and a large bare tree in front.

Amalienborg Palace facade with cobblestone plaza under overcast sky

Equestrian statue on a pedestal in a vast cobblestone square framed by symmetrical classical palaces

Wooden bridge over a moat leading to a historic grass-topped fortress gate under an overcast sky

Long red brick barracks building with white windows along a cobblestone courtyard under an overcast sky

Long row of red brick buildings with orange tile roofs and a cobblestone street.

Grassy fortification rampart beside a calm moat with bare trees under an overcast sky

Kastellet memorial in Copenhagen, Denmark with stone walls and cobblestone ground.

St. Alban's Church in Copenhagen, seen from across a canal.

Historic stone and flint church with tall spire and lancet windows beside a bare tree and paved path under an overcast sky

Weathered bronze statue of a seated male figure with green patina in a park setting

Statue of a woman and child below a bust of Queen Louise in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Black and white photo of the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Den lille Havfrue

In 1913 the Copenhagen sculptor Edvard Eriksen created the bronze figure "Den lille Havfrue". The mermaid was inspired by the Danish poet Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale of the same name and is inspired in its design by Henri Chapu's sculpture of Jeanne d'Arc. The bronze sculpture sits on a rock and, with a height of just 125 cm, is one of the smallest landmarks in the world.