Tivoli Amusement Park - Summer Fun in Copenhagen, Denmark

I had not planned to go to Tivoli this week. I had planned to go shopping in Copenhagen, Denmark has the absolute best shopping in Scandinavia, you know. You didn't know that? Well you do now. But, as I wandered away from the train station headed to the Amager shopping area, there stood this way-too inviting amusement park right there is the middle of everything. I couldn't believe it. You see, I am an Amusement Park junkie from waaaay back. I have hit pretty much every major Theme Park in the US... and then some. I used to plan entire vacations around what Roller Coaster I wanted to ride next. You name me an Amusement Park, and I can tell you their best rides off the top of my head. I had heard of Denmark's Tivoli, but had no clue where it was. I grabbed my husband's arm and in we went.

Tivoli is, like I said, in the middle of all the main Copenhagen action right there next to the Central Station, where all the trains come to. That makes it very easy to get to without having to worry about parking. Entrance is 79 DKK for adults, and 40DKK for children 3-11. Under 3 years is free. That translates to a mere 14 bucks for adults. Niiiice. Now, that is just for admission, mind you. Ride tickets are separate and run 10DKK per ticket, with rides requiring multiple tickets. You can buy an all day unlimited ride pass for 200DKK.

I want to make clear right off the bat that Scandinavians are not big roller coaster freaks like I am, and others are in the United States. We do not have X or Superman over here. Think more along the lines of a really nice State Fair when you think of Amusement Parks over here. Having said that, Tivoli was much better than I had thought it was going to be.

Tivoli is spotless. I mean the grounds are kept pristine and there are flowers blooming all over the place. It is a lovely place to spend an afternoon just strolling around even if you are not into the rides at all. There are restaurants just flat everywhere you look inside this park, too. A Pepsi at the upscale Hereford Beefstouw was only 25 DKK, compared to the 40DKK charged by the Dubliner outside the park. This tells you that prices are very good and they don't gouge you like American parks do. If you buy a drink at one of the numerous kiosks though, you will be charged an additional buck deposit on that plastic glass. Denmark is huge on recycling. They will give that buck back if you return the cup to the designated return place.

Beer is sold at many kiosks and restaurants. Also, please remember this is Denmark so don't bother getting ticked off about the smoking. It is allowed. If you act annoyed, you will get laughed at. Just sayin...

The rides are so well maintained at Tivoli that they shut down their Tower drop ride for full inspection when a similar ride took a girl's leg recently in the United States. They take no chances with safety over here. This should be a comfort to protective parents.

As far as rides go, they do have one pretty damn good roller coaster. Daemonen ('Demon') is a big ol' red steel coaster with plenty of loops and turns to satisfy most enthusiasts. I would compare it to Apollo at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. In other words, well worth the 30 minute wait in line. Oh yes. I said that. Even though the park was pretty full on a Tuesday afternoon, the wait times for rides were not outrageous at all. Not sure how they do that, but they do. The Daemon is 20 meters tall and has 3 very fun loops.

Other rides are the typical State Fair kinda rides. Swings, Drops, Bobsleds in the form of Viking Ships, and that type of thing, along with all manner of children's rides. There are game booths galore, and they are made for a high fun factor. In other words, Tivoli's management realizes that easier it is to win, the more you will play. The games are not too easy as to make them no fun, but just easy enough to be within grasp. Challenging, yet doable... and not overly expensive to play. They balance profit against enjoyment perfectly.

If you find yourself in Copenhagen Denmark this summer... or any summer for that matter... do stop in to Tivoli. We had a blast and had no children with us at all so having a family with you is optional, although it is a great family kind of place.