City where fairytales live on O n the waterfront by Co- penhagen’s Langelin- ie Pier stands the bronze figure of the Little Mer- maid – small, fragile, yet irresistible. Sculptor Edward Eriksen’s 1913 work was inspired by Hans Chris- tian Andersen’s famous 1837 fairy- tale. Andersen (1805–1875) was the poor son of a cobbler from Odense, who would grow up to nourish the world with his dreams. From The Ugly Duck- ling to The Emperor’s New Clothes, his stories are all about the search for a place under the sun - or under the snow. Walking the promenade to the pier re- veals the Little Mermaid sitting grace- fully on a rock overlooking the water, gazing longingly out over the water. Created by Edward Eriksen in 1913, the sculpture has become one of Co- penhagen’s most significant sights and a symbol of the city – Andersen’s mer- maid characterised by the quiet yearn- ing, love and deep sacrifice that lie at the heart of the story. That’s why the Little Mermaid is more than a postcard scene. Visiting it is a way of connecting with Danish literary heritage, the histo- ry of the Copenhagen harbour and one of world literature’s most enduring love stories. Whether viewed from the shore or from a passing ship, it remains a symbol of longing, transformation and the soul of the city.
And just a 90-minute drive away is Andersen’s house in Odense, which hasn’t been converted into a typical museum. Beautifully designed, this impressive place invites you to step into the creative mind of Denmark’s
most famous writer. Designed by Jap- anese architect Kengo Kuma, this mu- seum combines architecture, nature and story in a unique journey. Ex- tending between indoor and outdoor spaces, exploring the house leads you through rooms filled with light, sound and stunning visual installations. Whether you’re a longtime admir- er or recent discoverer of Andersen’s stories, you’re sure to find something here to spark your imagination, with his fairytales materialising before your eyes. The walls react to movement and stories float around you, while a digi- tal mermaid “swims” by as the narra- tor whispers, “If you don’t love me, I’ll turn to foam”… Young visitors will love Ville Vau - a playful world designed just for chil- dren. There they can dress up, explore fairytale environments and let their creativity run wild in an interactive, kid-friendly space. This is the perfect place for families to experience Ander- sen’s magic together. The high-speed train from Copenha- gen to Odense takes about 75 min- utes, while the museum is just a five-minute walk from the station. and December sees the town transform in- to Andersen’s Christmas fair – with waffles, carousels and live fairytale characters. You simply must come.
Andersen je bio veliki putnik koji je posetio mnoge zemlje Andersen was a great traveller who visited many countries
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