Summary
At Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, you can experience the second oldest amusement park in the world. Located conveniently near the central station, this iconic park is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the city.
Upon arriving in Copenhagen, we had little knowledge about Tivoli Gardens. Our Go Ahead Tours guide, Derek, recommended visiting the park at night. Following his advice, we strolled to the Tivoli entrance, just a short 10-minute walk from our hotel at Copenhagen Island.
Earlier that day, we had purchased a Copenhagen Card to explore the various sights in the city, which pleasantly included our entrance fee to the park.
Flashing our passes, we entered a mesmerizing forest adorned with neon lights and decorative lamps.
Tivoli Gardens Overview
Although typically not fans of gimmicky attractions, upon entering Tivoli Gardens, all hesitation vanished, and we fell in love with this gem of Denmark.
About Tivoli Gardens
Established in 1843, Tivoli Gardens transports visitors back in time to a magical oasis nestled in the heart of the city. We were welcomed by a picturesque walkway illuminated by red lanterns arching overhead.
Alongside the walkway, a row of funhouse mirrors sparked laughter as we reminisced about our youth while seeing our distorted reflections.
Tivoli Gardens features numerous attractions that can keep visitors entertained for hours. The offerings include a laser light show, pantomime performances, and nostalgic rides such as a ferris wheel and carousel that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Maintaining its old-world charm, Tivoli Gardens preserves the essence of a classic amusement park while simultaneously offering thrilling modern rides that captivate even the most adventurous thrill-seekers.
The roller coasters and exhilarating drops compete with those found in some of the world’s best amusement parks.
- If you’re traveling on a budget, consider making nearby Malmo your base to explore Copenhagen more affordably.
From the thrilling Vertigo— a looping plane ride that soars 30 meters (90 feet) into the air reaching speeds of 100 km (60 miles) per hour— to the towering 80-meter (240-feet) Star Flyer, recognized as one of the tallest swing rides globally, there is something for everyone.
Interestingly, you don’t have to partake in rides to enjoy your time at Tivoli Gardens. Dave and I relished simply walking through the park, admiring the enchanting light displays.
We were fascinated by the Chinese-inspired pavilions and the charming pirate ship positioned in the lake. The dragon, woven high above and surrounded by hanging Chinese lanterns, took our breath away as we navigated through the park’s winding pathways.
Moreover, Tivoli has several restaurants that provide charming spots for enjoying dinner with family or friends while observing the vibrant atmosphere.
If you are interested in exploring more about nearby destinations, it’s worth looking into some well-curated travel guides.
Beautiful Art at Tivoli
The stunning artistry and beauty captivated us, making Tivoli Gardens an ideal setting for a delightful outing. Originally intending to take photographs and explore, we found ourselves enchanted, wandering through the park and discovering its hidden gems at every turn.
Tivoli brought back memories of our youth, filling us with joy. What could be more delightful than two young lovers savoring ice cream cones while strolling hand in hand through a funhouse?
It’s no surprise that Walt Disney drew inspiration from Tivoli Gardens when designing Disneyland. He echoed the founder Georg Cristensen’s sentiment that Tivoli will never be truly completed, a notion Disney reiterated nearly a century later.
Even renowned Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen found inspiration in Tivoli. His fairy tale “The Nightingale” is reflected throughout the park, which features various tributes, including the ride “The Flying Trunk,” a puppet show inspired by his stories, and a store dedicated to Andersen.
You will undoubtedly find yourself enamored with Tivoli Gardens from the moment you pass through the gates and enter this whimsical world that has been crafted over a century and a half.
Tivoli Gardens Fast Facts
- It is recognized as the most visited seasonal park globally.
- Tivoli opens in April and remains open throughout the summer until September, with seasonal openings for Halloween and Christmas.
- Admission is complimentary with a Copenhagen Card.
- Without the Copenhagen Card, entry is priced at 110 DKK during weekdays and 120 DKK on weekends.
- Rides require an additional fee, with unlimited rides available for 220 DKK.
- There are two entrances: the Main Entrance located in Vesterbrogade and the Central Station entrance in Bernstorffsgade.
- Tivoli Gardens houses a hotel within its premises.
- The garden has implemented an excellent recycling program where a 5 DKK deposit is added for disposable drink cups, refundable upon return at designated recycling stations.
