Pops’ Copenhagen Travel Guide – Part 2, Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens, or just Tivoli, is the second oldest amusement park in the world and is located in the center of Copenhagen. The park was opened in 1843 and attracts millions of visitors every year. This is just not an amusement park but to me it is the soul of Denmark. There are many shops and restaurants, live outdoor plays, parades, rides and games. As you are walking about the park you may come across a parade with a band made up of children and a royal carriage with a boy and girl acting out the parts of King and Queen. At the front of the park is an outdoor theater where you can watch ballet, plays and pantomime.  In the back are the amusement rides. To the right as you enter the park through the main gate are the games. Some of them have a Wild West theme. Throughout the park you will find shops and places to eat.

 

I have been there many times and at different times of the year, paddling a boat on a pond in the summer and ice skating on the same pond in the winter. Both times of the year have their advantages.

In the summer the days are very long and the weather is warm and sunny. When you enter the park make sure you pick up a schedule. You will want to watch one of the shows in the outdoor theater. Also, make sure you are around for one of the parades. It is definitely worth it. Other than that stroll the park at your leisure and enjoy the exhibits, rides and beautiful grounds. The park is open late so take your time and enjoy.

 

In the fall the park closes for the winter but it is open for a few weeks in December. After the park is closed it goes through a transformation and is decorated for Christmas. I have been to Denmark in December a few times and I can’t think of a better place to be to get you in the Christmas spirit. It is like Christmas was made for Scandinavia. This is where you can see the children outside late in their snow suits with their rosy cheeks. To keep you warm try the Grog they serve throughout the park. It is a hot alcoholic drink and very tasty. In the indoor exhibit halls you will go into another world of Santa’s village and the North Pole. It kind of reminds me of the Small World ride at Disneyland only a lot better.

My advice would be to see the park both during the day and at night. At night the park lights up and has a different feel.

This is a must see when you are in Copenhagen.