Tivoli Gardens facts for kids

This article is about Tivoli (disambiguation)|Tivoli. For other uses, see Tivoli Gardens (disambiguation).

Quick facts for kids
Tivoli Gardens
Attractions
The entrance to Tivoli
Location	Copenhagen, Denmark
Coordinates	55°40′25″N 12°34′06″E / 55.67361°N 12.56833°E / 55.67361; 12.56833
Opened	15 August 1843; 182 years ago (1843-08-15)
Owner	Tivoli A/S
Operated by	Tivoli A/S
General manager	Lars Liebst (current) Susanne Mørch Koch (from 1 September 2020)
Attendance	4.25 million in 2024
Total	25
Roller coasters	4
Water rides	2

Tivoli Gardens, often called just Tivoli, is a famous amusement park and beautiful garden in Copenhagen, Denmark. It first opened on August 15, 1843. This makes it the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world. Only Dyrehavsbakken in Denmark and Wurstelprater in Austria are older.

In 2024, Tivoli welcomed 4.25 million visitors. This makes it the most visited amusement park in Scandinavia. It is also one of the most popular seasonal parks globally. Tivoli is located right in downtown Copenhagen, close to the main train station.

History of Tivoli Gardens

How Tivoli Started

Tivoli Gardens was first named "Tivoli & Vauxhall." The name "Tivoli" came from a garden in Paris, France. That garden was named after a town near Rome, Italy. "Vauxhall" was inspired by a famous garden in London, England.

Tivoli's founder was Georg Carstensen. He got permission to create the park from King Christian VIII. Carstensen told the King that "when the people are amusing themselves, they do not think about politics." The King agreed and gave him about 15 acres (61,000 square meters) of land. This land was just outside the city walls.

Early Attractions

From the very beginning, Tivoli had many fun things to see and do. There were buildings designed to look like they were from faraway lands. The park had a theater, places for bands to play, and many restaurants and cafes. There were also beautiful flower gardens.

Early rides included a merry-go-round and a simple scenic railway. After dark, colorful lamps lit up the gardens. On some nights, special fireworks shows lit up the sky. Their reflections could be seen in Tivoli's lake.

Music and Entertainment

Hans Christian Lumbye was Tivoli's music director for many years. He was known as the "Strauss of the North." He wrote many songs inspired by the gardens. The Tivoli Symphony Orchestra still plays his music today.

In 1874, a Chinese-style Pantomimeteatret (pantomime theatre) opened. Its stage is inside the building, but the audience stands outside. The theater's "curtain" is a mechanical peacock's tail. This theater has always shown Italian pantomimes. These shows feature characters like Cassander, Columbine, Harlequin, and the funny servant Pierrot. Since there is no talking, visitors from all over the world can enjoy the shows.

Aerial photo of the park

Tivoli During World War II

During World War II, in 1943, some buildings in Tivoli were burned down. This was done by people who supported the Nazis. But temporary buildings were quickly put up. The park was open again in just a few weeks.

In June 1944, parts of Tivoli were bombed again. This included sections of the Rutschebanen roller coaster. Danish officials wanted to fix the park quickly. The Rutschebanen was repaired and reopened only 25 days later.

Tivoli's Growth

Tivoli is always changing but keeps its old charm. Georg Carstensen once said, "Tivoli will never, so to speak, be finished." Years later, Walt Disney said something similar about his own park, Disneyland. He said it would "continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."

In several Nordic languages, the word tivoli now means any amusement park.

Exciting Rides at Tivoli

Dragon Boat lake and Dæmonen roller coaster in the background

Tivoli Gardens has many fun rides. Some are classic, and some are very thrilling!

Roller Coasters

The Roller Coaster (Rutschebanen) is a famous wooden roller coaster. It was built in 1914 and is one of the oldest still running. An operator rides along to control its speed. It reaches speeds of 50 km/h (31 mph) on a 720 m (2,360 ft) long track.

The Demon (Dæmonen) is a steel roller coaster. It has three inversions: an Immelmann loop, a vertical loop, and a zero-G roll. The ride lasts about one minute and forty-six seconds. In 2017, Tivoli added a virtual reality option to this ride. Riders could fly through ancient China and see dragons.

The Camel Trail (Kamelen) is a steel roller coaster that opened in 2019. It goes up to 26 km/h (16 mph) on a 60.2 m (198 ft) track. Kids as young as 2 can ride it.

The Milky Way Express (Mælkevejen) is a powered roller coaster. It opened in 2019 and reaches 36 km/h (22 mph) on a 312 m (1,024 ft) track. This ride is also for kids aged 2 and up.

Other Thrilling Rides

Aquila is a giant swing and spinner ride. It opened in 2013 and can create forces up to 4 Gs. You need to be at least 1.2 m (3.9 ft) tall to ride.

Fatamorgana is a 141 ft (43 m) tall ride that opened in 2016. It has two ways to ride: a calmer version in gondolas or a thrilling version where you spin at high speed.

The Golden Tower is a drop tower ride. It opened in 1999 and drops you from 207 ft (63 m) high.

The Skyship (Himmelskibet) is a very tall swing ride. It opened in 2006 and is 260 ft (80 m) high. It gives amazing views of Copenhagen.

Tik Tak is a spinner ride that opened in 2018. Riders are spun vertically and horizontally at high speeds, feeling forces close to 4G.

Children's Rides

Tivoli also has many rides perfect for younger visitors:

The Astronomer (Astronomen) – space-themed roundabout boats.
The Blue Sapphire (Den blå Safir) – a mini Ferris wheel.
The Animal Carousel (Dyrekarrusellen) – a classic carousel from 1920.
The Dragon Boats (Dragebådene) – pilot your own boat on the water.
The Flying Suitcase (Den Flyvende Kuffert) – a dark ride inspired by H.C. Andersen stories.
The Lighthouse – an air carousel.
The Little Dragon – a swing ride.
The Panda (Pandaen) – a mini drop tower.
The Vintage Cars – on-track cars.

Former Attractions

Vertigo – This giant swing ride closed permanently in 2021. It reached speeds of 100 km/h (62 mph) and heights of 98 feet (30 metres).

Other Attractions and Entertainment

Shows and Performances

The Pantomime Theater offers free pantomime shows daily.
The Tivoli Guard Boys are boys aged 9-16 who perform music and parade through the park.
The Concert Hall hosts concerts with famous classical musicians.
The Glass Hall Theater features music events and theater shows for kids.
Open Air Stage hosts music and other shows.

Special Events

Tivoli hosts many special events throughout the year:

Tivoli Festival runs from May to September. It includes opera, symphony concerts, pop, and rock artists. On Fridays, there are weekly rock concerts called Friday Rock.
During the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Tivoli Gardens is a popular spot for jazz concerts.
In October, Tivoli celebrates with a Halloween Fest.
In December, the park transforms for Christmas Holidays.
During the summer, there are fireworks shows every Saturday. In 2022, these fireworks took place on the roof of The Concert Hall.

Other Fun Spots

Tivoli Aquarium is located under The Concert Hall. There is an extra charge to enter.
Amusement Arcades offer games for an extra charge.
Tivoli Jackpot lets you play for cash prizes.

Performing Arts at Tivoli

Tivoli Gardens is also a big part of Copenhagen's cultural scene. It hosts many performing arts events.

Tivoli Concert Hall

The Tivoli Concert Hall is a place for classical music. It features some of the biggest names in international classical music.

The Pantomime Theatre

Pantomime Theatre admission token showing the tail of a peacock

Harlekin and Columbine at The Pantomime Theatre

The Pantomime Theatre is an outdoor theater. It was designed in a Chinese style. It is famous for its mechanical front curtain, which opens like a peacock's tail. This theater is mainly for pantomime shows in the classical Italian commedia dell'arte style. These shows happen daily with live music. The theater also hosts ballet and modern dance performances.

The Tivoli Youth Guard

The Tivoli Youth Guard is made up of boys and girls aged 8–16. They wear uniforms similar to the Royal Danish Guard, complete with tall bearskin hats. They were founded in 1844. They give concerts, march in parades, and represent Tivoli at different events.

Pop and Jazz Music

During the summer, Tivoli has a live music series called Fredagsrock (Friday Rock). Many famous bands and singers have performed here. These include Roxette, Sting, the Beach Boys, and Kanye West. Popular Danish artists also perform.

Tivoli Gardens is also a venue for concerts during the Copenhagen Jazz Festival.