Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens
Day 4) Tivoli Gardens, located smack dab in the centre of Copenhagen and minutes from the City Hall Square is a world famous, historic amusement park. However, Tivoli feels much more like a public garden than a theme park.
Founded in 1843, it is a beautiful, romantic park with lanterns in the trees that create a unique and charming atmosphere. Tivoli was inspired by the so called “romantic pleasure gardens” of Europe, romantic in the sense that they were landscaped according to the English tradition of forming naturalistic ornaments. Tivoli's founder, Georg Carstensen had seen pleasure gardens on his journeys throughout Europe, and in 1841 he applied to King Christian VIII for permission to establish and run his Tivoli for just five years and fortunately for us, it has been opened ever since.
Tivoli is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. There are 32 restaurants, 26 amusements, 400.000 flowers, artiste shows and 150 concerts. Rock concerts are held every Friday on the open air stage and classical music, ballet and international performances at the Tivoli Concert Hall with a gigantic aquarium forming the back wall of the foyer. Over the years the Smashing Pumpkins, Sting and the Sugarbabes have been just a few performers who have graced Tivoli with their presence. Traditions in the form of an original pantomime theatre dating back to 1874, can also be experienced at Tivoli.
Tivoli Gardens is probably best known for its wooden roller coaster, Rutchebanen, which was built in 1914. It is one of world's oldest wooden roller coasters that is still operating today. An 80 meter high carousal known as Himmelskibet, was introduced at Tivoli Gardens in 2006 and is the highest of its kind, in the world. Brand new thrilling rides such as The Deamon, a three-loop roller coaster, The Golden Tower known for its fabulous view and exhilarating drop as well as The Monsoon can be enjoyed at Tivoli.
Tivoli Gardens can be credited for drawing many tourists to Copenhagen. In November, 2006 for example, there were 6 percent more overnighters in Copenhagen compared to the same year before. Occupancy for hotels and hostels are up about 24 percent for all of 2006 in comparison to previous years. Much of the credit has to be given to Tivoli’s earlier opening times. Plans are in the works for a 160 room, luxury hotel to be build on Tivoli's grounds overlooking the City Square. It should be opened there between 2009 and 2010.
Admission, adults 12 years + DKK 75
Admission, children 3-11 years DKK 35
Admission, children 0-2 years Free
Tivoli is open for business again on April 12, 2006. For more information visit http://www.tivoli.dk/
