Often described as one of the most livable cities in the world, the capital of Denmark is known for the great quality of life it offers. A bustling metropolis, Copenhagen is a key economic and financial center of Denmark and is known for its royalty, castles and canals. It is also a great city for street art.
But did you know that the city is also intrinsically linked with fairy tales? Well, this is because of the Hans Christian Andersen connection. The famous author who penned the evergreen classics like the Princess and the Pea, The Emperor’s New Clothes and Thumbelina was a native of Denmark.
He lived most of this life in Copenhagen in various addresses including hotels, apartments and visited several gardens, restaurants and cafes. He came in as a 14-year old and worked as an actor in the Royal Danish Theatre. As he started writing fairy tales, the city was one of his main sources of inspiration and he frequented a few places mulitple times. So, if you are a fan of Hans Christian Andersen, here are some places to visit during your Copenhagen trip.
H C Andersen’ Boulevard: This one is located close to the city’s town hall and has a large statue of H C Andersen reading a book. It is a favorite with locals and tourists alike and is a great photo opportunity if you are a fan of this literary genius. There is also another statue dedicated to the author in the King’s Gardens which is next to the renowned Rosenborg Palace.
Hans Christian Andersen’s Experience: this one is also located in the city center and is a visual exhibition of the author’s life coupled with models, pictures and artefacts from his famous fairy tales. With great audio in the background, this interactive museum is where children and adults can see their favorite fairy tales like the Princess and the Pea, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and The Emperor’s New Clothes come alive. The center also houses Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in the same complex which makes it a popular destination for tourists too.
Round Tower: A well known historical monument, the round tower dates back to the 17th century and was originally built as an observation tower for astronomers. It also housed a library which was often visited by Andersen and is known to have been a great source of inspiration for him.
The Little Mermaid Statue: Located in Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen, this is a significant landmark of the city and is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of the same name. Unveiled on 23 August 1913, ‘The Little Mermaid’ was a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the City of Copenhagen. The sculpture is made of bronze and granite and was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale about a mermaid who gives up everything to be united with a young, handsome prince on land. Carl Jacobsen fell in love with the character after watching a ballet performance based on the fairy tale at the Royal Danish Theatre. The brewer was so captivated by both the fairy tale and the ballet that he commissioned the sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create a sculpture of the mermaid. Eriksen’s wife, Eline Eriksen, posed for the statue. Inspite of being vandalized twice, the city has managed to restore the statue to its original glory.
Nyhavn Harbour: the colourful Nyhavn harbor which is one Copenhagen’s most Instagramable spots was home to Andersen and he is said to have lived in three houses along this water front. Of these, house number 20 is most famous and is easily recognizable by the plaque commemorating him on the façade. This is where the author penned tales like the Tinder-Box, Little Claus and Big Claus and the Princess and the Pea.
A detailed version of this article was originally published in The Telegraph.
If you are a fan of Hans Christian Andersen, do read my post about a museum dedicated to him in Solvang, USA.
