Tivoli Gardens, nestled in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a magical blend of history, culture, and adrenaline-pumping fun. Opened on 15 August 1843, this enchanting amusement park, known locally as Tivoli, is the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world. Its timeless allure has drawn millions of visitors, making it the most visited amusement park in Scandinavia and a beloved destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Founded by Georg Carstensen, Tivoli Gardens was initially named Tivoli & Vauxhall, inspired by the Jardin de Tivoli in Paris and the Vauxhall Gardens in London. Carstensen's vision was to create a space where people could find joy and respite from their daily lives. He famously convinced King Christian VIII to grant him the land by stating, when the people are amusing themselves, they do not think about politics. The park's location, just outside the Vesterport (West Gate), was a strategic choice, offering easy access while maintaining a sense of escape from the bustling city.
From its inception, Tivoli Gardens featured a variety of attractions, including exotic buildings, a theatre, bandstands, restaurants, cafés, flower gardens, and mechanical rides like a merry-go-round and a primitive scenic railway. At night, the gardens transformed into a fairy tale wonderland, illuminated by colored lamps and spectacular fireworks reflected in the park's lake, a remnant of the city's old moat.
Music has always been an integral part of Tivoli Gardens. Hans Christian Lumbye, known as the Strauss of the North, served as the park's musical director from 1843 to 1872. His compositions, inspired by the gardens, include Salute to the Ticket Holders of Tivoli and Carnival Joys. Today, the Tivoli Symphony Orchestra continues to perform many of Lumbye's works, keeping the park's musical heritage alive.
One of Tivoli's most iconic attractions is the Pantomimeteatret, or pantomime theatre, which opened in 1874. Built in a Chinese style, the theatre features a mechanical peacock tail as its curtain. The theatre has been home to Italian pantomimes, a tradition introduced by Giuseppe Casorti. The performances, based on the Commedia dell'Arte, feature characters like Cassander, Columbine, Harlequin, and Pierrot, delighting audiences of all ages without the need for spoken dialogue.
Tivoli Gardens is renowned for its thrilling rides, each offering a unique experience. The Rutschebanen, a wooden roller coaster built in 1914, is one of the world's oldest still in operation. Known as the Mountain Coaster, it features an operator-controlled braking system to ensure a safe yet exhilarating ride.
The Demon, a modern roller coaster, offers a heart-pounding journey with an Immelmann loop, a vertical loop, and a zero-G roll. For those seeking a panoramic view of Copenhagen, the Star Flyer, a 260-foot-high swing ride, provides breathtaking vistas of the cityscape.
Other notable rides include the Aquila, a giant swing and spinner with centrifugal forces up to 4G, and Fatamorgana, a hybrid Condor ride offering both mild and thrilling experiences. The park's newest addition, Tik Tak, is a spinner ride that throws visitors through time and space, rotating both vertically and horizontally at high speed.
Tivoli Gardens is not just for thrill-seekers; it offers a plethora of attractions for families and children. The Flying Suitcase, a dark ride inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales, and the Dragon Boats, where visitors can pilot their own boat, are perennial favorites. The park also features classic rides like bumper cars, carousels, and mini Ferris wheels, ensuring fun for all ages.
Tivoli Gardens is more than just an amusement park; it is a cultural hub. The Pantomime Theatre offers free shows, and the Tivoli Guard Boys, a marching band of boys aged 9 to 16, perform regularly. The Tivoli Festival, held from May to September, features over 50 events, including opera, symphony concerts, and rock performances. The Concert Hall and the Glass Hall Theatre host a variety of music and theatre shows, adding to the park's vibrant cultural scene.
Tivoli Gardens has endured through the ages, evolving while maintaining its original charm. It survived the Nazi occupation during World War II, when many of its buildings were burnt down, and was quickly rebuilt. This resilience is a testament to the park's enduring spirit and its place in the hearts of the Danish people.
Today, Tivoli Gardens continues to enchant visitors with its blend of history, culture, and amusement. Whether you're seeking thrills, family fun, or a cultural experience, Tivoli Gardens offers something for everyone. As Georg Carstensen once said, Tivoli will never, so to speak, be finished. This sentiment rings true as the park continues to evolve, delighting generations of visitors with its timeless magic.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.
Buy Gift Vouchers
