World's oldest theme park open since 1583 has over 100 incredible attractions

There are thousands of theme parks across the world, and many of them claim to be the biggest or the best. But only one can say it is the oldest. Tucked away in woodland just north of Copenhagen is a park that first opened its doors more than four centuries ago.

Founded in 1583, it has been welcoming visitors for 442 years. Located in Klampenborg, around 10 kilometres (6 miles) from the Danish capital, it is officially known as Dyrehavsbakken, though most people simply call it Bakken. It is widely recognised as the world’s oldest amusement park.

According to its official website, it sits in the middle of Dyrehaven forest and offers “a historic and nostalgic venue combined with modern and fun amusements and thrill rides”.

The entrance is free, meaning visitors can walk through the park without paying for a ticket.

It all started when a woman named Kirsten Piil discovered a natural freshwater spring in 1583. The spring was believed to have healing powers and drew crowds into the royal hunting grounds.

Entertainers, jugglers and vendors soon followed, and the amusement park slowly took shape.

In 1669, King Frederick III made the area a private royal deer park. It remained closed to the public until 1756, when King Frederick V reopened it.

Today, the park offers around 111 attractions. That includes 33 mechanical rides and 78 other entertainment options such as games, shooting stalls and live shows.

One of Bakken’s most famous rides is Rutschebanen, a wooden roller coaster built in 1932. It is a scenic railway-style coaster, meaning a brakeman sits on board to manually control the speed.

Another standout is Tornadoen, an indoor spinning coaster famous for its sharp turns in the dark.

There is also the Tårngyset – Double Shot, a 30-metre drop tower that launches riders upwards before a series of free falls.

For those who do not enjoy extreme rides, there is a fast-paced family roller coaster called the Mine Train Ulven.

The theme park is also full of traditions that have been around for hundreds of years. One of them is Pjerrot the Clown, who has been entertaining children at the park for more than 200 years.

Cirkusrevyen, Denmark’s largest circus revue, has been staged there since 1935. Visitors can also explore Korsbæk på Bakken, a recreated town inspired by the Danish TV series Matador.

To protect its character, Bakken does not allow big global brands or neon signs. Instead, there are colourful wooden buildings and independent stall owners.

Admission is free, but visitors pay per ride or can buy a wristband for unlimited rides. Wristbands typically cost between 349 and 379 Danish kroner, roughly £40 to £44.

There are also “Fun Cards” for those who only want a handful of rides or games.

Travelling from the UK is really straightforward. Visitors can fly into Copenhagen Airport, then take the C-line S-train to Klampenborg, which takes around 20 minutes from the city centre.

And those who have already visited say it’s definitely worth it.

One person said in a review on TripAdvisor: “Dyrehavsbakken is a nice place to go with family or friends. It is super fun and has lots of different rides. It even has a little cinema.”

Another added: “I am a big fan of beer, so it’s my duty to inform all you beer lovers out there to try the Beertour Bakken provides. You pay 100DKK (£11.55), and you get a 15cl glass which you can fill eight times at any bar or restaurant you like, and every time you get a mark in the stamp card.”

Someone else commented: “This is my favourite theme park in Denmark. I can recommend this place. Every year I go there with my family and it is very cosy. We all enjoy the atmosphere there.”

More information and tickets can be found here.