Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, Europe's Magical Theme Park

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s Magical Theme Park

When you think of European theme parks, what springs to mind? France’s Parc Asterix? PortAventura World in Spain? Germany’s Europa-Park? Disneyland Paris? It may not have quite the international reputation of these and other European parks, but Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens still offers a magical and unforgettable theme park experience.

This beautiful park was built in the center of Copenhagen in 1843, making it a perfect stop during any city tour. It is the world’s second-oldest amusement park, shamelessly designed as an opiate for the masses. Founder Georg Carstensen told then King Christian VIII that “when the people are amusing themselves, they do not think about politics”. In this spirit the park still entertains and delights visitors nearly two hundred years on.

In its first year of operations, Hans Christian Andersen visited the park and penned one of his most famous tales, The Nightingale, which took its inspiration from Tivoli Garden’s manicured landscapes and beguiling lights. The fairytale quality that Andersen perceived lives on, and each year, countless visitors find similar forms of enchantment in this nice park.

The Attractions of Tivoli Gardens

In its early years, Tivoli Gardens featured plenty of unique attractions for visitors to enjoy. These included Asian architecture-inspired structures, various band shells, a full theatre, manicured lawns and flower gardens, as well as primitive mechanical amusement rides, including a merry-go-round and scenic railway. At night, brightly coloured lamps cast a distinctive glow over the park, drawing visitors from all across the city. Regular fireworks displays also drew spectators in the early years.

Today’s attractions include a fully functioning historical Roller Coaster (or Rutschebanen), built entirely from wood in 1914. Along with many modern rides (including a 4-G Zamperla Air Race Ride), the park includes historic Bumper Cars (dating back to 1926) and Galley Ships (built in 1927) as well as giant swings and boat-centred amusements. The Pantomime Theatre puts on free pantomime shows, while the historic Aquarium and Amusement arcades are also popular drawcards. Little wonder, then, that Tivoli Gardens is the world’s most-visited seasonal theme park. However, you can enjoy Tivoli throughout the year as Halloween, Christmas, winter and summer each have their own theme and style with lights and installations.

One spectacle created for 2017 is Olafur Eliasson’s light installation, the Little Sun Light Swarm, which features sculptural solar lights placed around the park’s trees. Eliasson’s installation adds to an already charming atmosphere, making Tivoli Gardens an essential destination for visitors to Copenhagen.

In 2018, Tivoli Gardens was included in Time Magazine’s list of the world’s greatest places citing the Fatamorgana, which is actually three rides in one. At the bottom of the ride are mini-bumper cars for children aged 5 years and up. The tower spins at two speeds–the fast one, not for the fainthearted, have guests seated in a ring with their back towards the centre while they are propelled to great speed, while the slow version gives riders time to enjoy the amazing view. We definitely recommend to include Tivoli while on a tour in Copenhagen.

Odyssey Traveller tours in Denmark

On Odyssey Traveller’s Culture & History of Denmark tour, we learn more about the magic of Tivoli Gardens, and experience its many attractions during our 20 days in Denmark.

If you would like to explore more of Scandinavia, why not try our Scandinavian small group tour? On this tour, we’ll journey to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, soaking in the best of this region’s food, culture, history, landscapes, and museums.

About Odyssey Traveller

We specialise in educational small group tours for seniors, typically groups between six to 12 people from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and Britain. Our maximum number of people on a tour is 18 mature aged travellers.We have some 150 tours and offer 300 scheduled departures on offer each year. Odyssey has been offering this style of adventure and educational programs since 1983.

Odyssey Traveller is committed to charitable activities that support the environment and cultural development of Australian and New Zealand communities.

Odyssey Traveller scholarship for Australia & New Zealand University students.

We are also pleased to announce that since 2012, Odyssey has been awarding $10,000 Equity & Merit Cash Scholarships each year. We award scholarships on the basis of academic performance and demonstrated financial need. We award at least one scholarship per year. We’re supported through our educational travel programs, and your participation helps Odyssey achieve its goals. Students can apply for the scholarship by clicking on this link to find out more details.

Join our loyalty program when you join an international small group tour.

Every International small group tour taken typically contributes to your membership level in our Loyalty Program for regular travellers. Membership of the alumni starts when you choose to take your first international small group tour with Odyssey Traveller, discounts in tour pricing for direct bookings accrue from your third tour with Odyssey Traveller. To see the discounts and benefits of being a Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond alumni member with us, please see this page.

For more information on Odyssey Traveller and our educational small group tours, visit and explore our website, and remember to visit these pages in particular:

• Terms and conditions applicable for booking an Odyssey Traveller tour.
• FAQ’s about Odyssey Traveller

Alternatively, please call or send an email.