This popular amusement park was built long ago in the 16th Century – would you dare to sit on its rides?
It’s almost 450 years old. There’s a winding wooden roller coaster that’s been operating since 1932. Dyrehavsbakken is the oldest amusement park on Earth – would you brave it?
Millions of people do so every year. Don’t worry; despite the park’s old age, there are no rickety rides here. Dyrehavsbakken, meaning “The Deer Park Hill” in Danish, is a popular amusement park that’s totally safe for enjoyment.
A Favourite in History
Since 1583, the park – more commonly called Bakken (“Hill”) – has drawn crowds from around Copenhagen during the spring and summer periods, a trend that has persisted even until today.
Residents of Copenhagen were attracted to the hill’s natural spring, which was believed to have curative properties, and soon even entertainers and hawkers began setting up booths here – originating what is now known as amusement parks.
As Bakken continued to flourish – also thanks to publicity from poets and authors – visitors began to flock here from all over Europe. One of them, a clown named Pjerrot, has now become a mascot of the park.
Modern Rides on Old Land
Bakken may have been around for ages, but it is now a bustling theme park filled with modern rides, attractions and amenities.
Here, you can ride on six roller coasters, one of which has a wooden track that swoops at a speed of 75km/h up 22m into the sky! This one’s called Rutschebanen–Danish for “The Roller Coaster”– and has been open since 1932 (don’t worry, it’s constantly maintained). It is Bakken’s most famous ride, and has been listed as a Coaster Classic by American Coaster Enthusiasts.
Bakken is also home to many other rides and attractions suitable for all ages. It has seven gaming halls with carnival-style games, slot machines and dancing. Pjerrot the clown performs every day for young children.
You can catch a cabaret at Bakkens Hvile music hall, and even a live circus performance at the Circus Revue.
And no visit to a traditional amusement park is complete without food! Bakken has dozens of options, from street food vendors, to buffets, to fancy wine-and-dine restaurants. Treat the kids to quintessential hamburgers and cotton candy, or sample traditional Danish cuisine.
When and How to Visit
Do note that Bakken is open daily only from end-March to end-August. Entry to the park is free, but rides, attractions and food come at a fee. You can purchase discounted coupons, wristbands and season passes online or at the site.
The park is only a 10-minute drive from the main city of Copenhagen. If you’re not driving, you can catch a train on the C-line from the main station in Copenhagen and alight at Klampenborg, the last station.
Bakken is nestled in the woods of Dyrehaven. It’s like venturing into the forest, and being greeted with a nice surprise of nostalgia and fun. This is certainly a must-see when in Denmark!
By Pamela Chow
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