Agnete og Havmanden
Statues & Sculptures
Agnete og Havmanden | Hidden fairy-tale sculpture in the canal
Agnete og Havmanden
Hidden fairy-tale sculpture in the canal
Agnete og Havmanden (Agnete and the Merman) is a group of bronze sculptures located by Højbro Plads in Copenhagen, inspired by the Danish folk tale of the girl Agnete and the merman. The sculpture depicts the moment when Agnete leaves the underwater world to return to life on land.
The artwork can be considered a hidden gem, as it is often overlooked due to its discreet placement beneath the surface of the water. Agnete og Havmanden was created by artist Suste Bonnén and installed in the canal in 1992. The sculpture illustrates the narrative of the folk tale and functions as a mythical and decorative work of art in the urban landscape, blending mythology with Danish cultural heritage in a public setting.
Best View
Best View
Many people pass by without noticing the sculpture’s concealed location, often missing the best viewing point, which is located approximately five metres to the right around the corner after crossing Højbro. Agnete og Havmanden can also be viewed from the Christiansborg Palace side of the canal, though the figures can be more difficult to see clearly due to their position beneath the water’s surface.