Tivoli Gardens first opened its doors to visitors in 1843. It has been bringing joy to locals and visitors to Copenhagen ever since and is one of the oldest working fairgrounds in the world. Situated in the heart of the city centre, it offers traditional fairground rides as well as live performances in a variety of venues and also boasts some of the finest restaurants in the city.
Tivoli Gardens attracts over four million visitors each year, because there is something here to please everyone. Over time, the gardens have managed to ingrain themselves into the fabric of the city. For visitors arriving by train, one of their first impressions of the city will be of the carousels and roller coasters of the gardens as they pass over the city’s Central Station next door.
There is a perfect balance of traditional and modern rides here. The Himmelskibet or Star Flyer is one of the tallest carousels in the world and there are traditional wooden roller coasters alongside the very latest in fairground thrills such as The Demon that reaches speeds of 70 kilometres per hour! There are rides to suit both adrenaline junkies and visitors looking for gentler rides.
Away from the thrills and spills of the bigger rides, there is much to explore in the gardens themselves, which span some 8.5 hectares and are beautifully landscaped. At the centre of the gardens is a lake where you can board a boat and enjoy a cruise or head to one of the waterfront bars for refreshments. Somewhat incongruously perhaps, one of city’s finest restaurants can also be found in Tivoli Gardens. Noma, which specialises in traditional Nordic foods with a modern twist, is a restaurant that is internationally recognised for the quality and inventiveness of its menu.
Situated in central Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is easily accessible on foot or by bicycle. The main train station is next door. If you are coming by car, parking is available, but limited. Open daily from April to September, there is an admission fee to enter the gardens. Opening is limited during the winter months.
