Special edition. April 1st, 2023 |
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Is this a new beginning for Copenhagen when we talk about experience-based attractions? |
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Usually, we don't send out breaking news, but this morning we discovered that something massive will happen in Copenhagen in a not-so-distant future. Something that probably could be a game-changer for tourism in northern Europe. |
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Copenhagen is, as you might know, holding the title of being World Capital of Architecture in 2023, and now a new architectural landmark will be added to Copenhagen. Esteemed Danish Architets Vilhelm Lauritsen Architects has announced a new project, unlike anything currently in the architectural landscape of Copenhagen. |
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MERMAID ISLAND: COPENHAGEN'S NEW SENSATIONAL ATTRACTION |
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Copenhagen is set for a new, 150-meter sensational landmark, as the small, historic harbour island of Trekroner will be transformed into a large-scale entertainment setting meant to attract visitors from all over the world. |
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Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks are about to get competition as a new large-scale entertainment project is underway. The project is revealed on the back of Copenhagen as the World’s Capital of Architecture 2023. |
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Rendering: Vilhem Lauritzen Architects |
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Funding the project is a large international investor that plans to commercialise a previously unused part of Copenhagen’s habour bay area. The investor wishes to remain anonymous for the time being; however, a source close to the client says that their market studies show a large profit potential in providing Central Copenhagen with a combination of an iconic landmark of high sensational value and a classic theme park. |
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Mermaid Island is inspired by H.C. Andersen’s world-famous fairytale and the coming landmark will be located on what is today known as the island of Trekroner at Copenhagen’s harbor. It will be 150 meters high with an 80-meter base and two giant internal ramps for biking and an outside hiking path. On top will be a restaurant with a 360-degree view, direct arrival access from the biking path and with an after-dinner rappelling opportunity. The landmark will also be surrounded with one of the longest rollercoasters in Northern Europe. |
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Rendering: Vilhem Lauritzen Architects |
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The architects behind the project is renowned Danish centennial architectural and design firm Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects. |
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Jane Wirenfeldt Nielsen, Head of Communication at Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects says; “This project is a dream come true. Architects want to mark the world with icons and our intention with this project was to have fun and leave our personal signature on Copenhagen for future generations. I truly believe we succeeded – and I have no doubt that this will be an award-winning landmark for generations.” |
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Rendering: Vilhem Lauritzen Architects |
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As part of the design process, Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects involved target groups and facilitated workshops with tourists and a local second-grade school class. |
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Rendering: Vilhem Lauritzen Architects |
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Jane Wirenfeldt Nielsen says; “Findings showed that their needs for a green, community-based urban oasis were completely counterproductive to current trends More is more and Mermaid Islands primary function is to impress and induce a general feeling of sensation – it doesn’t really serve any purpose. In recent years, architectural trends have moved towards large-scale, parametric architecture and our clients demand high-profit, experience-based solutions. And since the location at Copenhagen’s harbor lacks grandiosity, we have reduced the new island’s reference to the surrounding area.” |
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To ensure durability, the monument is made from 400 tons of concrete, steel and copper. However, to compensate emissions, the architects have taken measures to promote biodiversity by cladding it with greens imported from Brazil and the mermaid’s head face directly south as a clear reference to climate change. |
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Rendering: Vilhem Lauritzen Architects |
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Jane Wirenfeldt Nielsen; “The political part of the design process was really important to us as we passionately want to address concerns of global deforestation and climate change.” |
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The island is expected to welcome visitors by 2033. |
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That is truly something to wake up for on this particular 1st of April. We’re as taken by surprise as anyone that this project at this scale will pop up as a jack in the box and massively change the cityscape of the Copenhagen we know and love. |
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Next time we'll be back to our regular schedule, which will be a little more down to earth and evolve around taste and sensory experiences to be had in Copenhagen. |
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The Editorial Team, Copenhagen Unfolded |
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Copenhagen Unfolded is published by VisitCopenhagen. Our goal is to tell the world about Copenhagen and the great experiences that are to be had here. Be sure to also check out www.visitcopenhagen.com and our social channels. |
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This issue of Copenhagen Unfolded is put together by Kasper Syhler, Frederik Ibsing and Andrea Sonne. |
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Save money on your trip to Copenhagen. With a Copenhagen card you get free entry to the city's most popular attractions, free public transport and you can bring two children under 12 years old. Prices from only DKK 459 for 24 hours. Read more. |
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From only 60 Euros for 24 hours. |
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