Bakken – The World's Oldest Amusement Park

Four Centuries of Amusement Park Heritage

Bakken's story begins in 1583 when visitors were drawn to the site by a freshwater spring and the natural beauty of the surrounding woodland. The location remained a popular gathering place for centuries until King Frederick III closed the grounds in 1669 to establish them as private royal hunting grounds. In 1756, King Frederick V reopened the area to the public, and performers, vendors, and rides gradually transformed it into the amusement park that exists today. This makes Bakken not only the world's oldest continuously operating amusement park but also a living testament to over 440 years of Danish leisure culture and entertainment tradition.

A Forest Setting Like No Other

Unlike urban amusement parks, Bakken is uniquely positioned within Jægersborg Dyrehaven, a sprawling woodland area that encompasses the park and extends far beyond it. The forest setting creates an atmosphere that blends the excitement of rides and games with the tranquility of nature. Visitors can encounter over 2,000 free-roaming deer throughout the grounds, along with tall trees, green meadows, and winding paths. This integration of amusement park attractions and natural landscape offers a distinctive experience—you can enjoy thrilling rides in the morning and then take a peaceful forest walk in the afternoon without leaving the same location. The combination of nostalgia, entertainment, and natural beauty makes Bakken a one-of-a-kind destination in Scandinavia.

Rides, Games, and Entertainment for All Ages

Bakken features 33 rides and over 78 additional attractions including shooting galleries and gaming arcades. The park's most iconic ride is an 82-year-old wooden roller coaster, one of the oldest functioning rides of its kind in the world. Beyond the mechanical attractions, the park offers daily live entertainment, including performances by Pierrot, a white-faced clown who has been a beloved fixture at Bakken for over 200 years and continues to delight visitors of all ages. The park's diverse ride collection caters to everyone—from gentle carousels and family rides for young children to adrenaline-pumping roller coasters for thrill-seekers. During summer months, the park operates daily with extended hours, and special seasonal events such as Harvest Week and Christmas celebrations add variety throughout the year.

Dining and Refreshment Throughout the Grounds

The park offers a wide variety of dining options reflecting both traditional Danish cuisine and international flavors. Visitors can enjoy open-faced sandwiches, fish and chips, Spanish tapas, noodles, and other contemporary dishes at numerous restaurants and fast-food stalls. Ice cream parlors and beverage stands are scattered throughout the park, making it easy to refuel between rides. The dining experience ranges from casual grab-and-go options to sit-down restaurants, with menus designed to accommodate different budgets and tastes. Many establishments feature outdoor seating where guests can enjoy meals while surrounded by forest scenery.

Flexible Pricing and Accessible Entry

Admission to Bakken is completely free—there are no entrance fees regardless of age or visit duration. Visitors pay only for the rides and attractions they choose to experience. Multiple payment options are available: all-day wristbands (turbånd) provide unlimited access to all 33 rides; Fun Cards (Humørkort) offer 44 digital coupons usable for both rides and games; or individual rides can be paid for with cash or card on a per-use basis. Wristband prices typically range from 229 DKK for children to 329 DKK for adults, making it a more affordable option than many competing attractions. Cash prices are reduced on Wednesdays, providing an additional savings opportunity for budget-conscious visitors.

Seasonal Operations and Visitor Patterns

Bakken operates seasonally, typically opening in late March and remaining open through late August or early September, with extended hours during summer months. The park also offers special seasonal experiences during autumn (Harvest Week in October) and winter (Christmas celebrations in late November and December). Weekday afternoons and mornings are significantly quieter than weekends, with July weekends experiencing peak crowds. The park's location in a car-free zone within Dyrehaven encourages visitors to arrive by train, bicycle, or on foot, creating a more relaxed atmosphere compared to car-dependent amusement parks.