Statue of Hans Christian AndersenThe grand bronze statue of Andersen beside City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli. The natural starting point, and a favourite photo spot. Free and right in the centre.
Nyhavn 20 (Andersen's Home)One of the colourful Nyhavn townhouses where Andersen lived, and where he wrote some of his earliest fairytales. Look for the plaque. The lively canal outside is a lovely place to pause.
Nyhavn 67 (Andersen's Home)Another Nyhavn house where Andersen lived for around 20 years, one of three addresses he kept on this canal. A short stroll along the waterfront from the others.
Magasin du Nord MuseumNow a grand department store, this building was once the Hotel du Nord, where the young Andersen rented a tiny attic room. A small free museum upstairs tells the story of his time here.
The King's Garden (Rosenborg)A favourite walking spot of Andersen's, this royal garden holds a seated statue of him near the path. Combine the literary stop with the castle and the dragon playground in the same park.
The Little MermaidThe harbour statue inspired by Andersen's most famous fairytale, unveiled in 1913. Copenhagen's signature landmark and a fitting stop on his trail; she's smaller than people expect.
Tivoli Gardens (Andersen's Inspiration)Andersen loved Tivoli and is said to have drawn on its exotic pavilions for tales like The Nightingale. A magical spot to end the trail; it's a paid amusement park, but the gardens alone enchant.
Assistens Cemetery (Andersen's Grave)The leafy Nørrebro cemetery where Andersen is buried, more a peaceful park than a solemn graveyard, where locals walk and picnic. His headstone is a quiet, moving final stop.