Scandy Trip 2023 - PART 7
Updated: Feb 5, 2024
A look back at my scandy adventure, crossing Sweden and into Denmark, through vast forests and countryside, exploring Theme Parks, Sightseeing and mastering the Train Network!
Tivoli Gardens
The final full day of the trip began with a late morning journey across the bridge to central Copenhagen again, where this time I would be scaling the 17th-century Round Tower (or rundetaarn), which gave amazing panoramic views of the city.
Instead of the usual steps, it is gradually sloped virtually to the top, where you then take a spiral staircase to exit to the outer platforms. Its core is completely hollow and it is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.
You can see far into the distance and the true scale of the Øresund bridge and the wash of coloured buildings that define this city, and of course its central attraction, Tivoli gardens.
As is common with most visitors exploring the city, I entered Tivoli early afternoon. Established in 1843 (there is a giant illuminous ‘180’ sign celebrating its anniversary hung above its arch entrance), it is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, and has retained its character and charm from the bygone Victorian era, with a lot of buildings and restaurants from that time standing to this day.
It is a great place to soak up the atmosphere as you walk around its manicured lawns and cultivated flowerbeds, blended with the old-school fairground feel of rides and games.
Unapologetically, it is stuck in the past (bar a few modern changes). The option to just pay for entrance should you not fancy going on the rides gives it a vibrant and cheery atmosphere throughout the day, and it really comes alive at night.
There are plenty of heritage rides to try, including 109 year-old Woodie “Rutschebanen”, notable for having a brakeman controlling the speed of the ride! At times it would be nearly stand-up airtime! Crazy ride with a party vibe.
There was an indoor water ride which was a bit more relaxing, or high-octane coaster Dæmon (The Demon) in the China Town area, which surprised and thrilled revellers in equal measure.
As mentioned though, it’s not just about the rides of which there are plentiful, it’s the people interaction and relaxing by the central lake, taking a small boat ride, grabbing dinner by the waterside. And not only that, but partying the night away with the “Friday Rock” Concert entertainment!
The night’s offering was Danish Actress and Singer Emma Sehested Høeg (much like their version of Lady Gaga in appearance, although sounded more like Paloma Faith), and ‘R-n-B’ band Phlake topping the bill, particularly popular amongst the young students, with a surprising vocal range and very catchy tunes that the crowd were lapping up as darkness didn’t really descend until around midnight.
Brilliantly staged like a mini-Glastonbury on the main lawns, with the palatial facade of a nearby restaurant and the rides lit up.
A magical night and a perfect ending to an epic trip, a truly unforgettable introduction to Scandinavia and I’ll definitely be back one day!
‘Til next time!
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