Bakken history

Bakken opens

Kirsten Piil’s spring draws the first visitors

The discovery of a spring in Dyrehaven draws people from Copenhagen. The crowds coming for the water and the outing attract hawkers and entertainers, giving Bakken its roots as a leisure place.

The site becomes part of royal hunting grounds

Under Frederick III, the spring area becomes part of royal hunting grounds. Public access is interrupted, pausing for many years the popular life that had grown around Bakken.

Dyrehavsbakken reopens to the public

The reopening under Frederick V allows hawkers, innkeepers and entertainers to return. Bakken resumes its role as a place for outings and popular entertainment near Copenhagen.

Steamships make Bakken easier to reach

The development of steamship access strengthens the appeal of the site by making the outing easier. Bakken becomes more firmly part of leisure habits around Copenhagen.

The railway strengthens visitor access

The arrival of railway access makes the trip to Klampenborg simpler. This improvement helps Bakken become an even more regular leisure destination for people from the capital.

Bakkens Hvile enters Bakken’s stage tradition

With Bakkens Hvile, the park strengthens its cabaret and song tradition. The venue helps make Bakken a place where performance matters alongside rides.

The tent owners organise themselves

The creation of the tent owners’ association marks an important step in Bakken’s organisation. It supports improvements to services, cleanliness, water supply, publicity and lighting.

Rutschebanen becomes the park’s wooden icon

The opening of Rutschebanen gives Bakken a major wooden roller coaster that becomes one of its most recognisable landmarks. Its classic profile still links the park with its fairground heritage.

Cirkusrevyen enters Bakken’s history

The founding of Cirkusrevyen adds a revue tradition under canvas to the park. This lasting show strengthens Bakken’s identity as a stage entertainment destination as well as a ride park.