Nestled in the heart of Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens stands as a magical oasis of wonder and delight. Since 1843, this enchanting amusement park has captivated visitors from around the world. More than just a collection of rides, Tivoli offers a cultural experience that has inspired generations, including the likes of Walt Disney. With its lush gardens, twinkling lights, and charming architecture, Tivoli creates an atmosphere that transports guests to a world of fantasy and joy. Whether you’re seeking thrilling attractions, gourmet dining, or simply a stroll through beautifully landscaped grounds, Tivoli Gardens promises an unforgettable adventure for all ages.
About Tivoli Gardens
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Tivoli Gardens, also known as Tivoli, is an amusement park and pleasure garden located in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was established on 15 August 1843, making it the third oldest operating amusement park in the world after Dyrehavsbakken in Klampenborg, Denmark and Wurstelprater in Vienna, Austria.
In 2017, Tivoli attracted 4.6 million visitors, making it the most visited amusement park in Scandinavia and the second-most popular seasonal amusement park globally, after Europa Park. It ranks as the fifth-most visited amusement park in Europe, behind Disneyland Park, Europa Park, Walt Disney Studios Park, and Efteling. Tivoli is located in downtown Copenhagen, next to the Central rail station.
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History Of Tivoli Gardens
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Tivoli Gardens, originally named “Tivoli & Vauxhall,” was founded by Georg Carstensen in 1843 in Copenhagen in Denmark. Carstensen persuaded King Christian VIII to provide him with the land by pointing out that entertainment would help people avoid politics. There were such facilities as exotic architecture, theatre, band stands, restaurants and cafes, flower gardens, and mechanical entertainment. The musical director of Tivoli was the composer Hans Christian Lumbye, also called the ‘Strauss of the North’, and he worked for almost 30 years.
In 1874, a new Chinese-style theatre called Pantomimeteatret was built to replace an older theatre and further the tradition of Italian pantomimes. Tivoli was burned down by Nazi sympathisers in 1943, but the place was rebuilt and was opened soon after. The park has always grown through the years but still has that feeling that probably inspired Walt Disney to design Disneyland. Today, the word Tivoli is used in several Scandinavian languages to refer to amusement parks.
Things To Do At Tivoli Gardens
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Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is a fairy-tale theme park that combines the excitement of the rides, the beauty of the gardens and the Danish culture. Here are some of the top things to do at Tivoli Gardens
Ride the Roller Coasters: Feel the thrill of the great Tivoli’s roller coaster, the Rutschebanen, a traditional wooden roller coaster and the Demon, a new and fast-track roller coaster.
Stroll Through the Gardens: Take a stroll in the well-maintained garden that is adorned with flowers of different colours, fountains and beautiful pathways.
Watch Live Performances: Watch a number of live performances, such as concerts, ballet, and theatre performances at the Tivoli Concert Hall and other theatres in the park.
Enjoy the Rides for All Ages: There are rides for everyone, ranging from the gentle carousels for the children to the thrilling rides for the youth at Tivoli.
Dine at the Restaurants: Enjoy mouth-watering foods at the restaurant and food stands where you can find Danish and other international foods.
Visit the Aquarium: Visit the Tivoli Aquarium, which houses a wide variety of fish and other sea animals, exotic fish, sharks, corals, etc.
Experience the Seasonal Events: The attractions may be seasonal, and this means that you get to enjoy Halloween, Christmas, and summer fairs and festivals.
Watch the Fireworks: Capped your visit with a fireworks show, which happens frequently and gives the venue an enchanting ambience at night.
Shop for Souvenirs: There are many shops and stalls where you can find something special to take home and remember your visit to Tivoli. This includes toys, crafts, and souvenirs.
Relax by the Lake: You can also take time to take a break at the beautiful lake, take a paddle boat, or just watch the beauty of nature.
Explore the Tivoli Gardens App: You can download the Tivoli Gardens app to get the most up-to-date information on opening hours, shows, and interactive maps to help you get around when you’re there.
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Rides At Tivoli Gardens
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Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen offers a variety of rides and attractions that cater to different tastes and ages. Here’s a brief overview of some of the highlights:
The Roller Coaster: It is the oldest wooden roller coaster in the world, and it was built in 1914. It is one of the most typical and well-known attractions that guarantee that visitors will have a good time.
The Flying Trunk: A dark ride through the stories of Hans Christian Andersen and includes such stories as “The Little Mermaid,” “The Ugly Duckling,” etc.
The Pantomime Theatre: A lovely theatre with live acting without speaking, singing, and dancing.
The Open Air Stage: Organizes concerts, musicals, ballets, and other performances all year round with artists from Denmark and international artists.
The Aquarium: This is a small but beautiful aquarium that presents marine life, fish, sharks, rays and turtles.
The Demon: A current model of a roller coaster with three turns and a maximum speed of 77 Km/h. It also has an optional VR feature for those who are interested in that sort of thing.
The Star Flyer: A giant swing that takes you 80 meters up in the air and spins you around at a speed of 70 km/h while giving you a bird’s eye view of Copenhagen.
The Rutschebanen: This is another wooden roller coaster from 1914 that provides a rather slow and old-fashioned ride through hilly terrain and dales.
The Tik Tak: A carnival-type ride that spins and makes you light-headed and happy.
The Vertigo: A death-defying ride that turns you round and round at 100 km/h and then turns you upside down.
Rasmus Klump’s World: A recreational area for children inspired by the Danish comic strip figure Rasmus Klump, which includes a playground, water park, train, and restaurant.
The Chinese Area: An elaborate oriental setting with buildings, gardens, lights, and sculptures such as a pagoda, a dragon boat and a restaurant.
Opening Hours And Entry Fees
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Tivoli Gardens operates at varying hours throughout the week. From Monday to Thursday and on Sunday, it opens from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, while on Fridays and Saturdays, it stays open later, until midnight.
Visitors can enjoy the full Tivoli experience with an entrance and ride pass, priced from 349 DKK for adults, allowing unlimited access to rides. For children aged 3-7, the package starts at 174 DKK. This combined ticket offers the flexibility to explore all attractions as much as desired.
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Best Time To Visit
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Summer, from June to August, Halloween in October, and Christmas from November to January are the best times to visit Tivoli Gardens. Summertime brings a lot of events and shows to the recreation area, which is why it’s always busy. Tivoli in Halloween and offers the visitors great treats and novelties. The recreation area transforms into a colder time of year during Christmas and it turns into a cheerful city with lights, outlines and markets during the bubbly season.
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One way to describe Tivoli Gardens is as a world of magic, history, and fun. This park is all about having fun, from the beautiful buildings to the exciting rides that everyone should try. You can also bring your kids or just go for a romantic walk at night. If you are planning your next trip, it is worth visiting Copenhagen, which has its main attraction – Tivoli Gardens. Spend time in the magical environment, have fun, and see why this wonderful park has been attracting people for almost two hundred years. Do not lose the chance – book your trip to Copenhagen today and let Tivoli Gardens weave its spell on you.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tivoli Gardens
What is special about Tivoli Gardens?
Tivoli Gardens is renowned for its historic charm, lush gardens, and thrilling rides. Opened in 1843, it is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world and even inspired Walt Disney. It features the world’s oldest wooden roller coaster
Is Tivoli the oldest amusement park?
No, Tivoli Gardens is the third-oldest operating amusement park globally. The oldest is Dyrehavsbakken, which is also located in Denmark.
In which country are Tivoli Gardens located?
Tivoli Gardens is situated in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Is Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen worth visiting?
Absolutely! Tivoli Gardens is worth a visit for its stunning gardens, exciting rides, live concerts, and seasonal events, offering a unique blend of history and entertainment.
Can you enter Tivoli for free?
No, entry to Tivoli Gardens requires a ticket. However, children under 3 years old can enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
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