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The Magical World of Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen

Sure, we saw castles, the Little Mermaid and Vikings during our trip to Copenhagen last summer. But, one of the reasons we really wanted to visit Denmark’s capital city was Tivoli Gardens. This family-friendly theme park was supposedly what inspired Walt Disney in creating and building the overall look of Disneyland.

Tivoli Gardens

It wasn’t hard to see why he was captivated with this park.  Tivoli featured classic and modern amusement park rides, gardens, theaters, concert halls, an aquarium, varied restaurants and even a hotel. We knew as we walked into the park we were entering someplace magical and unforgettable.

Tivoli Gardens sign

Pleasure gardens, which were parks filled with pavilions, music and performances were popular in Europe and were used by the locals as getaways during the 18th and 19th centuries. The King gave 15 acres to build Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s version of the pleasure garden, and was opened in 1843.

Tivoli pond

Tivoli flourished and adapted to the public’s needs and demand over the years while other European pleasure gardens closed down. It is the second oldest park in the world. Tivoli is also the most visited theme park in the Scandinavia region and fourth most visited in Europe.

Tivoli Carousel

The park had originally intended to include travel inspirations from exotic places like the Middle and Far East. These are still evident in some of the structures found around Tivoli.

Tivoli Gardens pagoda

Tivoli Garden Rides

Tivoli’s general entrance fee admission didn’t include any of the amusement park rides or some of the shows.  This à la carte pricing structure meant visitors can simply visit the gardens and restaurants or spend part of the day on the rides. Tivoli offers 26 rides during the summer and 29 rides during the Halloween and Christmas seasons. Two-thirds of the rides were age-appropriate for my then 7 and 9 year olds.

Tivoli Gardens Lake and Demon

Our family favorite was the Flying Trunk which was a ride through Hans Christian Andersen’s land of fairy tales. Yes, we were actually in trunks that floated over the different story book lands and scenes from many of his popular fairy tales with whimsical characters and sets.

Tivoli Flying Trunk

My kids excitedly tried to guess which fairy tale land they were looking at. Since there were no lines during our weekday afternoon visit, we rode the Flying Trunk three times. I don’t think my kids would have ever gotten tired of this ride and could have ridden it repeatedly if we didn’t remind them there were other rides we had to try.

Tivoli gardens flying trunk

Unlike other theme parks, there was only one character that frequented Tivoli. Petzi, a Danish cartoon bear had his own world for the younger set. There were about 40 activities here to keep toddlers to school-age kids busy. Those ranged from playgrounds, small gardens and rides. Unfortunately, we missed meeting Petzi. We didn’t know a single thing about him but that didn’t stop my kids from wanting to meet him and explore this area.

Tivoli gardens Petzi world

There were rides here too for those looking for some thrills and excitement.  Europe’s tallest carousel reaching up to 260 ft (80 m), Himmelskibet or Star Flyer, was a prominent fixture here at Tivoli offering panoramic views of the park. Tivoli Star Flyer

We settled for the old fashioned ferris wheel instead which also gave us a wonderful bird’s-eye view of Tivoli.

Tivoli from above

Rutsjebanen is the oldest running wooden roller coaster in the world. It carries an operator on each ride to control the speed as it goes downhill. My husband and kids actually enjoyed this ride very much. Vertigo, was a looping plane ride that made my stomach queasy just by looking at its movement and hearing the constant screams of joy mixed with fear.

Tivoli gardens Vertigo

The Gardens of Tivoli

My favorite parts in Tivoli had to be its various gardens scattered throughout the park. They were well-maintained, beautifully landscaped with flower beds, shrubs, lakes and fountains. They were perfectly situated between rides and restaurants. We visited in June so the flowers were in bloom where some areas were filled with sweet floral scent.

Tivoli Gardens fountain
There were lakeside gardens decorated with oversized hanging flower baskets perfect for a stroll or for just relaxing on the many benches.

Tivoli hanging garden
There was even a traditional Japanese garden with a few friendly ducks that entertained the kids.

Tivoli Japanese gardens
Eating in Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens has over 40 varied restaurants and food stands found throughout the park. They ranged from hotdog stands to fine dining. There was something here to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds from traditional Danish cuisine to Hard Rock Cafe. Many of them had outdoor dining areas. We ate at three of the restaurants (Bull Diner,A Hereford Beefstouw, wagamama) which were part of our dining plan, and they were all delicious.

Tivoli Lake

How about a Pirate ship docked along Tivoli Lake? This was actually a family restaurant that we didn’t get a chance to eat. We loved its look of authencity despite the plastc hanging sharks.

Tivoli pirate ship

For the adults, there’s a Biergarten to satisfy those German food cravings or a refreshing drink on a hot night inspired by Oktoberkest. This was located near the area for carnival games.

Tivoli Biergarten

Tivoli Gardens Show

Performing arts, pantomime theater and live music have been part of Tivoli’s history for more than a century. The Chinese Peacock Theater had free shows and we were lucky enough to catch two of them. The wordless drama was based on the love of two characters of Columbine and Harlequin with Pierrot, the clown.

Tivoli Chinese Peacock Theater
It was every entertaining and the kids loved it. They even had special seating for the kids in the front. Their sets and costumes were beautiful and colorful. We were really glad no words were necessary to convey the story which made it universally appealing for all the tourists in the crowd.

Tivoli pantomime show

One of the things that stood out for me as we walked around Tivoli was its sense of community. It was one of the most popular tourist attractions in Copenhagen but it was also where the locals seemed to like hanging out to watch shows and concerts, enjoy a picnic or eat at the many restaurants. The theme parks we have visited in the US have that impersonal feel while Tivoli had an old world charm and traditional feel. It almost felt like a combination of Disneyland from long ago, New York’s Central Park and a state fair.

Tivoli Lake

We were there during a football match between Denmark and Portugal. It was such a festive atmosphere as the game was shown on the big screen in the central square. The kids and I were out exploring the other rides while my husband watched the game with all the fans. He found it so interesting and satisfying to be a part of the fanatical European football crowd he has often seen on TV. We certainly heard the loud cheers and jeers as it reverbrated throughout the park.

Tivoli Garden crowd

The Nimb Building

A white Moorish or Taj-Mahal looking building, with towers and minarets, was a dominant feature and attraction upon entering Tivoli. Copenhagen’s most luxurious hotel with only 14 rooms averaging over $800 US per night and over $1,200 US for suites are inside this Nimb building. There were also a couple of upscale restaurants in here. Needless to say, staying here was beyond our budget so we just happily admired from the outside.

Tivoli Nimb Hotel
Tivoli takes on a magical glow at night when the lanterns and 120,000 incandescent bulbs light up the park. The twinkling lights were found everywhere. Here is the Nimb building at dusk all lit up.

Tivoli Nimb at night
Tivoli was a special place to visit once it got dark and this meant after 9 PM during the summer. More crowds appeared eager to have dinner or stroll along the romantic promenades. You have to go to Tivoli twice (or stay for a while) to experience both sides of Tivoli’s festive atmosphere.

Tivoli at night

Tivoli Gardens was the highlight of my kids’ Copenhagen trip. Even though we spent 8 hours on our first day here and covered most of the park, my kids didn’t want to leave and we returned a few days later. Can you tell how much fun these rides were?

Tivoli gardens rollercoaster

Tivoli caters to people of all ages and interests, locals and tourists. The mixture of modern and old world charm filled with landscaped gardens, amusement park rides, varied entertainment and restaurants was unique and magical. These are just a few of the reasons this historic park has survived for over a century and continues to fascinate visitors. It is definitely a can’t miss attraction when visiting Copenhagen.

Tivoli gardens cars
Cool cars at Tivoli

Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen Tips and Basics

  • The park is only open 220 days a year between April – September with special opening days during Halloween and the holiday season.
  • Admission (8 years old and up): 95 DKK ($16.50 US)Admission to the park does not include any of the amusement park rides. Copenhagen Card includes free admission to Tivoli Gardens.
  • There are ticket machines around the grounds where you can get tickets for the rides. Each ride takes 1 – 3 (20DKK each) tickets.
  • Multi-ride passes for unlimited rides are also available or all-inclusive packages. Check the Tivoli Gardens website for more ticket options.
  • Look into the neighboring hotels with Tivoli Gardens Package specials. We stayed at the Copenhagen Island hotel which included the Tivoli all-inclusive package.
  • Go during weekday for less crowds and with hardly any lines on the rides. It got crowded at night.
  • See the Tivoli Boys Guard (life size toy soldiers) during the weekends.
  • Fireworks are every Saturday at 11:45 PM. Unfortunately, we weren’t there on a weekend.
  • Tivoli is easily accessible since it is right across from Copenhagen Central Station.

*Have you visited and enjoyed Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen?

Tivoli Gardens

35 thoughts on “The Magical World of Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen”

  1. Hi Mary,
    No, I haven’t been to Tivoli Garden. Been wanting to visit, especially more so after reading this post. Interesting to learn that Tivoli was actually the inspiration behind Disney. But I think I’ll enjoy this more than Disney, being more authentic and more personal as you have mentioned. And awww…great to see my adopted siblings having a great fun. Love their photos on the roller coster. The look of joy and excitement on their faces is so priceless. Fantastic post!

    1. I hope you and Keith can visit it one of these days. It really was more personal and I love the sense of community. Thanks Marisol! Always love reading your comments :-)

  2. I learned a lot in this post, not having heard of the gardens before or that Walt
    Disney fashioned Disneyland on them. I like the idea of paying a low entrance fee
    and then paying individually for rides and attractions. The photo of your kids on
    the roller coaster is my favourite.

  3. I can see how this inspired Disney. It’s absolutely beautiful! I didn’t realize it’s been around for so long.

    We have a Tivoli Gardens here, a housing project with a bad rep. Wonder if they know about this Tivoli Gardens, after which I’m sure they were named.
    Also, “European pleasure gardens” made me smile.
    Great post, as usual, Mary.

    1. Thanks Marcia! Haha…I had some funny thoughts with pleasure gardens too :-) Maybe the Jamaican version initially wanted the housing project to be a happy place? It was very beautiful!

  4. It must have been so fascinating to visit the place that inspired Walt to create Disneyland. I can definitely see the influences with the attention to both rides and the gardens. That Flying Trunk ride reminds me of It’s A Small World. Thanks for showing us this lovely park.

  5. Tivoli is great, isn’t it? Probably my favourite amusement park anywhere. I’ve been lucky to stay at the Nimb on business before. Definitely splurge-worthy hotel.

  6. Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista

    Tivoli is an awesome park and I would love to visit again! I agree, it does have a very different feel to it and I think its partly because of the à la carte pricing structure. I grew up around the corner from Disneyland and remember very well when they had this type of pricing. We used to love going to the park just to wander, eat, shop and see some of the music. I miss it now and would love to have the days of “E” tickets back :)

  7. I’m not normally a theme park kind of gal but The Tivoli Gardens have always interested me. It looks like they really do offer something for everyone. It sounds like your timing was just perfect with no line-ups. It looks less commercial than some – or am I just reading something into the pictures.Great post Mary.

  8. Maria Alexandra @Latinabroad

    A fusion between theme park and a regular, peaceful park — what a great idea! Looks like lots of fun. I particularly love all the bright colors. You captured these gardens so well.

    – Maria Alexandra

  9. The gardens look beautiful! I so love gardens and I can’t wait to visit some this spring. I did not know that this was part of where Disney got his idea, but you can see it in some of the similarities. Very cool!

  10. This is high on my list of places to visit! Just curious, did you do a cruise from Copenhagen? we have been considering that with our 8 year old. If not, did you consider it?
    Thanks!

    1. Hi! Tivoli is one of the best amusement parks we’ve visited. Unfortunately, we didn’t do a cruise from Copenhagen. I considered it but my husband didn’t want to do the Baltic cruise since he didn’t want to be rushed through the Scandinavian areas. It’s the same reason he won’t do a Mediterranean cruise. :( He’ll only consider a Greek Isles cruise. It would be really great for an 8 year old though. Copenhagen is such a great port city to start and end a cruise. Good luck with your plans and please let me know if you have any more questions. Thanks for stopping by.

  11. It’s me again. I was telling my husband tonight that I want to go here if we ever make it to Copenhagen. It turns out that he visited Tivoli Gardens when he was about 9 years old and says that it was the highlight of the trip. He still remembers the roller coaster with the brakeman, and I told him that you said it’s still that way. Thanks for sparking some reminiscing.

    1. Michele, that is so great your husband still remembers Tivoli including the old roller coaster. What an experience that must have been to remember it after all these years. My daughter was 9 when we visited so I hope she’ll have these great and lasting memories of Tivoli too. I hope you and the family get to visit soon. It would be wonderful for your husband to reminisce a bit with the kids.

  12. I learn something new everyday. I didn’t know (or maybe remember) that Tivoli Gardens was the inspiration for Disneyland. Looks beautiful. I’m not much for wild rides at amusement parks, so that little boat ride looks good to me.

  13. Looks like you got really lucky with the weather – such blue skies make for beautiful photographs! I was in Tivoli once a long time ago and it was dark and rainy and not quite as much fun, as you might imagine. I love your post!

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