Statue of Andersen

In the heart of Copenhagen, just beside the city’s central amusement park and across from City Hall, sits a bronze statue of a man holding a book — eyes turned toward the famous Tivoli Gardens. This is Hans Christian Andersen, the beloved author whose fairy tales shaped childhoods around the world.

From The Little Mermaid to The Ugly Duckling, Andersen’s stories made Denmark famous far beyond its borders. The statue in his honor isn’t just a photo stop — it’s a tribute to imagination, language, and the lasting power of storytelling.

The Hans Christian Andersen statue is located in Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square), one of Copenhagen’s most central and busiest locations. It faces the entrance to Tivoli Gardens, as if Andersen himself is watching the joyful crowd entering the world of fantasy he helped inspire

🧔 Who Was Hans Christian Andersen?

Born in 1805 in Odense, Andersen rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most famous writers in the world. He wrote novels, poems, and plays, but he’s best known for his fairy tales, which include:

• The Little Mermaid

• The Emperor’s New Clothes

• The Princess and the Pea

• The Snow Queen

• The Ugly Duckling

📖 His stories have been translated into over 150 languages and continue to be adapted into films, plays, ballets, and children’s books.

🗿 About the Statue

The statue was sculpted by Henry Luckow-Nielsen and unveiled in 1965. It shows Andersen seated on a stone bench with a book in his hand, mid-story, as if ready to tell another tale to any child who passes by.

Key features:

• Life-sized, approachable, and designed to be interactive — children often sit on the bench with him

• Andersen’s face is turned toward Tivoli Gardens, symbolizing imagination and joy

• The statue is made of bronze and has developed a charming patina over the years

🧒 It’s common to see school groups and families stopping by the statue to tell stories or take photos with 'the storyteller of Denmark.'

📸 Best Time to Visit and Take Photos

• 🌇 Golden hour (early evening) – Soft light makes the bronze glow

• ⛅ Cloudy days – Bring out the color of the statue better for photos

• 🎄 December – The square is full of Christmas lights and decorations

Pro tips:

• 📷 Stand back to include both the statue and Tivoli in the frame

• 🧍 Walk around the statue for side angles showing Andersen’s thoughtful expression

🧳 Travel Tips

• 💡 Free to visit, always accessible — no ticket required

• 🧒 Bring children — they’ll love sitting beside him

• 📝 Consider bringing a small book or reading one of his fairy tales on the bench

• 🧭 Combine your visit with nearby attractions like City Hall, Tivoli, or Strøget (the pedestrian shopping street)

🗺️ What’s Nearby?

You’re in one of the most central parts of Copenhagen — perfect for a half-day walking route. Within just a few minutes’ walk you’ll find:

• Tivoli Gardens – Historic amusement park full of charm

• City Hall (Rådhuset) – An architectural and political landmark

• Strøget – One of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets

• The National Museum of Denmark – Excellent exhibitions about Danish history

• The Round Tower (Rundetårn) – Unique views over the city