Rutschebanen, Tivoli Gardens
A century-old wooden roller coaster weaving through a rocky mountain in Tivoli Gardens, where a live brakeman and rattling timber keep Copenhagen’s past in motion.
Rutschebanen in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens is one of the world’s oldest wooden roller coasters still in operation, a 1914 classic that rumbles through an artificial mountain under the watchful hand of a live brakeman. This family-friendly icon blends gentle drops, tunnels and high wooden trestles with old-world charm and views over the historic amusement park. Tucked inside central Copenhagen, it offers a rare chance to feel early 20th-century fairground engineering still doing what it was built for: pure, timeless fun.
A brief summary to Rutschebanen
- Bernstorffsgade 7, Copenhagen, København V, 1577, DK
- +4533151001
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11:15 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 11:15 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 11:15 am-11 pm
- Thursday 11:15 am-11 pm
- Friday 11:15 am-11:59 pm
- Saturday 11:15 am-11:59 pm
- Sunday 11:15 am-11 pm
Local tips
- Ride once in daylight and again after dark to experience both the views over Tivoli Gardens and the illuminated mountain and lamps.
- If you plan to ride several attractions, consider a Tivoli ride pass rather than paying per ride to make the most of your time.
- The wooden trains can feel bumpy; secure loose items and choose a middle row if you prefer a slightly gentler experience.
- Lines often grow in late afternoon and evening; visiting earlier in the day or during off-peak weekdays can reduce waiting times.
- Look out for viewpoints near the base of the mountain if you enjoy photography; the structure and trains make excellent action shots.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and short walk
From Copenhagen Central Station, reach Tivoli Gardens in about 5–10 minutes on foot; the park’s main entrance is directly opposite the station. Standard local train, regional train and S-train tickets typically cost 20–40 DKK within the city zones, depending on your starting point. Trains run frequently throughout the day, and all platforms and entrances are step-free, making this the most convenient option for most visitors.
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Metro connection
Copenhagen’s M3 Cityringen and M4 metro lines connect many central neighbourhoods to Copenhagen Central Station or nearby stops in roughly 5–15 minutes, with trains usually every few minutes. A single metro ticket within the central zones typically costs around 20–30 DKK. From the metro, follow signs to the station concourse and then walk to Tivoli’s main entrance just across the road. All metro stations have level access or lifts, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
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City bus services
Several city bus routes stop along Vesterbrogade and Bernstorffsgade near Tivoli, with journey times of about 10–25 minutes from many central districts, depending on traffic. Bus tickets for short trips in the city usually cost around 20–30 DKK and can often be bought via travel apps or ticket machines rather than from the driver. Buses provide a good alternative in bad weather, though they may be slower during rush hours around morning and late afternoon.
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Bicycle from central Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it easy to reach Tivoli by bike in about 5–15 minutes from most central neighbourhoods. Expect flat terrain and dedicated bike lanes on major streets like Vesterbrogade. You can use your own bicycle or rent one from city bike schemes or rental shops, usually from around 75–150 DKK per day. Secure your bike only in designated racks near the park entrances, and remember local rules such as using lights after dark.
Rutschebanen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Rutschebanen
A wooden legend at the heart of Tivoli
Rutschebanen is the beating wooden heart of Tivoli Gardens, a dark-stained roller coaster weaving through a rocky, man‑made mountain near the centre of the park. Opened in 1914, it ranks among the world’s oldest operating wooden coasters and has become as synonymous with Tivoli as the gardens and lanterns that surround it. From the midway below you hear the clatter of trains on track, the hiss of brakes and the occasional delighted scream as cars dive into tunnels and emerge on high trestles above the park. Unlike modern steel giants, Rutschebanen is compact and intimate. The track coils tightly around its mountain, passing facades painted to evoke alpine scenery and playful details that recall early 20th‑century fairgrounds. At night, strings of bulbs trace its silhouette, turning the structure into a glowing outline against the Copenhagen sky.Craft, brakemen and early coaster engineering
Part of Rutschebanen’s fascination lies in how it runs. Each wooden train carries a brakeman on board, standing at a central control position to operate manual brakes throughout the ride. This human touch, now extremely rare, allows speed to be adjusted in real time and preserves the feel of an era before computer‑controlled coasters. The ride’s construction is all chunky timber bents, cross‑bracing and steel rail, closer to a traditional wooden trestle bridge than to sleek contemporary track. You can see the layers of maintenance in replaced beams and fresh bolts, evidence of constant care needed to keep such a historic structure running safely. For many visitors with an interest in engineering or design, watching trains dive through the mountain and hearing wood flex and echo under load is as compelling as riding.The ride experience: views, drops and tunnels
On board, Rutschebanen is more about charm than raw intensity. The train climbs by chain lift into the mountain, where dim tunnels and sudden daylight combine to keep you slightly off balance. Modest drops produce a rolling, bouncy airtime rather than a sheer plunge, and the wooden track delivers the characteristic rattle and sway that coaster fans cherish. Sections of the layout offer fleeting views across Tivoli’s lakes, gardens and neighbouring rides, especially from the higher curves along the outer edge of the mountain. In the evening, lamps reflected on the water below and the glow from food stalls lend the ride a different personality, turning each pass through the structure into a quick snapshot of Tivoli after dark.Atmosphere within the wider Tivoli story
Rutschebanen is woven into Tivoli’s broader narrative as a historic pleasure garden. Its mountain backdrop rises above flower beds, lantern‑hung paths and pavilions serving classic Danish treats. Seasonal decorations wrap around the ride: pumpkins and warm colours at Halloween, evergreens and lights at Christmas, bright blooms during the long summer season. Because of its age and moderate forces, the coaster bridges generations. It is often a first “big” ride for children yet remains engaging for adults who grew up with it, creating shared rituals of riding together every time they return to Tivoli. The structure itself photographs beautifully from multiple angles, whether framed by nearby trees or captured with the Copenhagen skyline in the background.Planning your time with this Tivoli classic
Crowds ebb and flow through the day, often peaking from late afternoon into the evening when more visitors focus on rides. Many guests combine Rutschebanen with neighbouring attractions, looping between coasters and calmer experiences like the gardens or lakeside paths. Allow time not just for the ride but to observe it in motion from ground level, where you can appreciate how the trains thread between supports and in and out of rockwork. For enthusiasts, multiple laps at different times of day reveal subtle changes in speed and feel as temperature, wind and passenger load vary. However you approach it, Rutschebanen repays a little unhurried attention; this is living amusement‑park history, still doing its job in the middle of modern Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Copenhagen Central Station
0.1 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.2 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
0.2 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Frihedsstøtten
0.2 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.3 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Lur Blowers
0.4 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
The Stable Boy's House
0.7 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Church of Our Lady
0.7 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.8 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Jorcks Passage
0.8 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.8 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.8 km
Explore the world of neoclassical sculpture at Thorvaldsens Museum in Copenhagen, home to the works of Bertel Thorvaldsen and a treasure trove of art and architectural inspiration.
The War Museum
0.9 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Gammel Strand
0.9 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Lille Langebro
0.9 km
Explore Kronborg Castle, the iconic setting of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' and delve into Denmark's Renaissance history.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Tube
0.1 km
Step into a World War II bomb shelter transformed into a mind-bending immersive experience with 17 interactive rooms.
Himmelskibet
0.1 km
Spin 80 meters high on the world's tallest carousel swing for breathtaking Copenhagen views.
Tivoli Gardens
0.1 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
Red Sightseeing Copenhagen
0.1 km
Hands-on science, vintage vehicles, and maritime history come together in this interactive, family-friendly branch of Malmö Museum, housed in an iconic industrial building.
Model train display
0.1 km
Discover the enchanting Model Train Display in Copenhagen, showcasing intricate landscapes and charming miniature railways for all ages.
Statue of Andersen
0.3 km
A larger-than-life Hans Christian Andersen sits in bronze on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli Gardens in the city’s vibrant heart.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.3 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
City Hall Square
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s grand urban living room: a historic civic square framed by City Hall, whimsical fountains, and the gateway to the pedestrian heart of the city.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.3 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.4 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.4 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Rainbow Square
0.4 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.4 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.4 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.5 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
Essential places to dine
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.1 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Spisestedet FEED
0.2 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
LUN restaurant & winebar
0.4 km
Andalusian-inspired tasting menus, serious wine and cocktails, and a warm candlelit atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district.
Rio Bravo
0.4 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Retour Vesterbro
0.4 km
Relaxed French-inspired bistro in the heart of Vesterbro, serving generous steaks, classic comfort dishes and cocktails in a warm, urban Copenhagen setting.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.4 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
L'appetito
0.4 km
Traditional Italian plates, thin-crust pizzas and warm trattoria charm just off Copenhagen’s busy city centre streets.
Smagsløget
0.5 km
Discover Smagsløget in Copenhagen: where traditional Danish flavors meet innovative culinary experiences in an inviting atmosphere.
Restaurant Noi
0.5 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Restaurant Karla
0.5 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Ristorante Buono
0.5 km
Cozy Vesterbro Italian with candlelit tables, generous pasta and risotto, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel in the heart of Copenhagen’s evening dining scene.
Maple Casual Dining
0.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen dinner spot on Vesterbrogade, serving polished home-style dishes, generous desserts and warm service in a cozy, modern neighborhood setting.
Cofoco
0.6 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.6 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.6 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.1 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Souvenir Gift Shop
0.2 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
0.3 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.4 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Viking Souvenirs
0.5 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.6 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Souvenir Shop
0.6 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
København K
0.6 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Wasteland
0.6 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Quirky Lane
0.6 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Notre Dame
0.7 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.7 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.8 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Library Bar
0.1 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Jernbanecafeen
0.2 km
Densely decorated, railway‑themed pub opposite Copenhagen Central Station, where model trains, red carpets and cold beer create a lively Vesterbro living room.
Proud Mary Pub
0.3 km
Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
The Shamrock Inn
0.3 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
The Scottish Pub
0.3 km
Lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s main square, pouring pints and whisky late into the night with music, sports on TV and an easygoing, social crowd.
CUBE bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at CUBE Bar, a stylish venue offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.4 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Rooftop Bar
0.4 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Southern Cross Pub
0.4 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
The Marble Bar
0.4 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Taphouse
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.5 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Spunk
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.
Curfew
0.5 km
Discover Curfew in Copenhagen: a chic cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for your night out.
Musen & Elefanten
0.5 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
