Online guide to visiting Tivoli Gardens theme park in Copenhagen

A historic Danish amusement park

Contact

Telephone:
+45 3315 1001
E-mail:
info@tivoli.dk
Website:
Direct contact

Address

Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København, Denmark

GPS: 55.674942213159, 12.571078414188

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Tivoli Gardens are located in the heart of Copenhagen, between the town hall and the main train station of Denmark’s capital (Copenhagen Central Station). Imagined in 1843 by Georg Carstensen, officer in the Danish army, it is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. It was the King of Denmark, Christian VIII (1786-1848), who granted a five-year licence to its founder to establish a theme park on the edge of the city of Copenhagen with the idea of diverting its inhabitants from politics.

The architecture of Tivoli Gardens is inspired by the Italian city of the province of Rome, Tivoli, for its ancient villas and water gardens, considered as masterpieces of the Renaissance. Although it is only open during the Danish summer seasons (April-September), the Christmas period and at the time of Halloween, this leisure area stands out as the most popular theme park in the whole of Scandinavia. It combines attractions and rides with artistic and cultural shows that are appreciated by residents as much as by international visitors. A veritable city in the city in Wonderland, Tivoli Gardens welcome more than 4 million people into a magical atmosphere per year. Each park season (Easter, summer period, Halloween, Christmas and winter cycle) offers its share of experiences through a different program of shows or activities.

The Tivoli Gardens leisure park offers around thirty attractions and entertaining shows for the entire family: the oldest wooden roller coaster (Rutschebanen) established in 1914, one of the largest carousels on the planet and an impressive merry-go-round erected more than 80 metres high (Himmelskibet), one of the highest in the world. The latter offers a fantastic view of the capital of the Kingdom of Denmark. At nightfall, Tivoli Gardens become part of a romantic atmosphere with its exotic architecture, its historic buildings and its lush gardens very well-developed. Illuminations, animations and attractions make the visit experience even more exhilarating for its visitors.

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  • The park location in the city centre of Copenhagen
  • The range of attractions and rides for all ages; the magical and nostalgic atmosphere inside the place
  • The Star Flyer ride (or Himmelskibet) offering a dishevelling experience at 80 meters in height; the stunning attraction Vertigo considered one of the best in Europe; the Roller Coaster (Rutschebanen) leaving an air of nostalgia (one of the few roller coasters in the world to still be piloted by a train manager on board)
  • Outdoor concerts and events organized every day; the many disguised characters leaving a festive air hovering
  • The Pantomime Theatre and its Chinese style and The H.C. Andersen castle (the Fairy tale House)
  • The dazzling illumination of the park after dark; guard displays in traditional uniforms
  • The water bodies, gardens and profusion of flowers
  • The Christmas market and its enchanting family atmosphere (multicoloured lighting, deluge of decorations, food stands, light shows, musical brass band hosted by young Danes…)
  • The wide variety of shops, restaurants and bars; the new Tivoli Hjørnet restaurant area (the building was imagined by the same architectural firm that designed the Louvre pyramid in Paris)
  • Despite its certain age (the leisure park celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2018), Tivoli Gardens are not the oldest theme park in the country. It is largely supplanted in time by Bakken (or Dyrehavsbakken), a dozen kilometres north of Copenhagen, in Klampenborg. Inaugurated in 1583, Bakken proudly bears the title of the oldest amusement park in the world still in operation.
  • A cultural institution of the country, Tivoli Gardens have an older existence than the first constitution of Denmark dated 1849 (establishing a constitutional monarchy by ending absolutism).
  • The Disneyland parks founder, Walt Disney, is said to have visited Tivoli Gardens in the early 1950s to learn from its decor, architecture, atmosphere, rides and attractions.
  • More than 1,000 Christmas trees are installed in Tivoli Gardens for the end of year celebrations. They are dominated by a main fir 10 meters high decorated with thousands of sparkling crystals (conceived by the Swarovski company) whose value is estimated at 150,000 US dollars.
  • In the coming years, the park is expected to host a new 18-floor hotel that will take the form of a green pagoda. It will be named after the Danish storyteller and poet Hans Christian Andersen. This architectural project provides for a renovation of The H.C. Andersen castle opened in 1893 (acquired by Tivoli Gardens in 1978) as well as better pedestrian and cycling traffic at the entrance to the park.
  • Privilege the Halloween festive or Christmas fairy period to visit Tivoli Gardens as a family in a magnificent natural setting with a Danish tradition.
  • Entrance to the park, access to the gardens and numerous shops is chargeable and several options exist to take advantage of attractions (individual or package prices).
  • The Copenhagen Card gives you free entry to Tivoli Gardens and over 80 attractions, places to visit and museums in Copenhagen. Valid for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours, it includes free access to public transport in the entire Danish capital region (each adult on the card can be accompanied by two children aged 0-9 years).
  • A mobile app allows you to know precisely all the events programmed on site.
  • The Rasmus Klumps World concentrates most activities for children (it takes its name from a Danish comic book created in 1951).
  • Unlike the vast majority of world amusement parks where industrial food is predominant, the quality of food served in Tivoli Gardens should be emphasized.

Where to eat

  • Andersen Bakery
    (Danish breakfast)
  • Reffen
    (the temple of street cuisine)
  • Tight
    (trendy and original)

Where to go

  • Nyhavn
    (animated and colored canal)
  • Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
    (sparkling collections)
  • Rosenborg Castle
    (Danish crown jewels)

Where to stay

  • Copenhagen Backpackers
    (ideal for backpackers)
  • Copenhagen International B&B
    (family rooms)
  • Andersen Boutique Hotel
    (modern and central)
From €271
Duration:
2 to 4 nights
Available from:
26 March 2023
Available to:
1 February 2024
Star rating:
4 stars
Stays

Copenhagen, Europe’s happiest city

Fall in love with the charming Danish capital

The Kingdom of Denmark is one of the oldest monarchies in the world, dating back to approximately 900 AD. It is believed that the royal lineage descended from the Danish King, Gorm the Old. Historical evidence suggests that Vikings originated in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. It is unclear as to how the Vikings became the feared seafarers who raided, pirated, and traded their way through parts of Europe from the 9th to 11th century, but it is believed that they started as humble farmers and fishermen in the 7th century. Today, the Viking legacy is prevalent throughout the country with a plethora of museums celebrating their contribution to Danish culture, history and heritage. If you are interested in Viking history, The National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen (the Danish capital) houses the country’s largest collection of Viking-age artefacts. Denmark proudly boasts the title of the happiest country in the world, and it is easy to see why. This colourful country is after all home to Lego, Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales and of course the Danish cookie!

Your stay at the fabulous 4- star Absalon Hotel in the heart of Copenhagen’s most eccentric neighbourhood, Vesterbro, will undoubtedly provide you with a delightful experience. Vesterbro pulsates with creative energy and boasts the city’s trendiest bars, restaurants and art galleries. The hotel has been in the same family for the past three generations and has gradually expanded from 11 to 161 units. Despite its expansion and popularity, it has retained its warm, welcoming touch throughout the years. What’s more, the hotel is within walking distance (200 m) from one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, Tivoli Gardens. Copenhagen is a smorgasbord of experiences, best explored on foot or by bicycle (these can be rented from reception). Popular attractions include the seasonal Tivoli Gardens shows; the charming historical city centre of Indre By (Danish for Inner City); the colourful Nyhavn quay and the trendy Christiania. This enthralling city has so much to offer including: shopping avenues, palaces, castles, museums, church monuments, gourmet restaurants, Viking trails, green spaces and gardens.

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