Bakken: The World's Oldest Operating Amusement Park

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.