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Bakken: The World's Oldest Operating Amusement Park

Bakken—a beloved forest amusement park just north of Copenhagen—offers historic rides, live entertainment, and classic Danish charm in the heart of Zealand.

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Nestled in the ancient Dyrehaven woods near Klampenborg, Bakken is the world's oldest amusement park, delighting visitors since 1583. Full of nostalgic charm, it features wooden roller coasters, classic rides, carnival games, and lively entertainment, all surrounded by forest greenery. Bakken blends historic tradition with modern thrills, offering free admission and pay-per-ride fun for families or anyone seeking a vibrant, uniquely Danish day out.

A brief summary to Bakken

Local tips

  • Admission is free; buy a wristband or individual ride tickets at the entrance for unlimited access or only what you want to ride.
  • Try traditional Danish treats like ‘Kæmpe is’ (giant ice cream) and fresh pastries sold throughout the park.
  • Visit outside of peak summer weekends for smaller crowds and an easier experience with young children.
  • Don’t miss a stroll through Dyrehaven to spot the herds of free-roaming deer—especially picturesque in spring and autumn.
  • In the evenings, check out Bakken’s cabaret or catch a performance by the park’s iconic clown, Pjerrot. Shows are family-friendly and free.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From central Zealand (Copenhagen), trains travel frequently to Klampenborg Station, adjacent to the entrance of Dyrehaven. From the station, it’s a scenic walk beneath grand gates into the deer park; Bakken is visible ahead, just past forest paths and open glades. Single train tickets from Copenhagen average 36–48 DKK. Walking from the station takes about 10–15 minutes amid historic oaks.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Copenhagen’s center typically covers the distance to Bakken in 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares in the range of 200–350 DKK for a direct journey, with drop-off at the parking area near Dyrehaven’s main gates. From here, it’s a brief walk beneath old chestnut trees into the park.

  • Car

    Parking is available near the Dyrehaven entrance; municipal lots charge 15–25 DKK per hour, though spots can be in high demand during weekends and holidays. The lot is a short woodland stroll from Bakken. No tolls are required for this stretch, but visitors should anticipate crowds and potential walking distance if lots are full.

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Discover more about Bakken

Bakken, set on the edge of Zealand's royal deer park just north of Copenhagen, is more than just an amusement park—it's a slice of living history and a beloved Danish institution. Founded in 1583, Bakken’s beginnings are rooted in a natural spring, where city dwellers flocked for the clean water and wandering performers set up tents to entertain the crowds. Over centuries, these gatherings evolved into a permanent haven of fun and spectacle, making Bakken the oldest operating amusement park on the planet. Visitors to Bakken step beneath the leafy canopy of Dyrehaven, entering a whimsical world where tradition and laughter meet. Classic wooden roller coasters rattle beside modern rides, while families and thrill-seekers wander the festive avenues lined with candy stands, open-air restaurants, and stalls hawking amusement park fare. The legendary wooden coaster, Rutschebanen, built in 1932, still thrills riders with its vintage clatter and epic views of the treetops. Live shows, comedy acts, and the cheeky mascot Pjerrot—decked in whiteface since Napoleonic times—keep the carnival spirit alive. Unlike most major parks, admission to Bakken is free. The pay-as-you-go system means visitors can stroll, soak up the cheerful ambiance, and only buy wristbands or individual tickets for rides as desired. This makes Bakken a truly accessible destination and a favorite spot for local picnickers, birthday celebrations, and spontaneous summer evenings. In spring and autumn, the changing foliage in Dyrehaven offers a beautiful natural backdrop. The park’s thriving nightlife, taverns, and cabarets draw adults as the sun sets. With over sixty rides and a festive calendar of events, Bakken is a joyful crossroads of the past and present—a place where every generation finds their own sense of wonder.

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