The oldest amusement park in Europe—and indeed the entire world—is Bakken (Dyrehavsbakken), located in Klampenborg, Denmark, just north of Copenhagen. It first opened its gates in 1583, making it over 440 years old. The park’s origins trace back to the discovery of a natural spring believed to have healing properties; as crowds gathered to drink the water, entertainers and vendors set up stalls, eventually evolving into a permanent pleasure garden. Today, Bakken maintains a unique, nostalgic charm, nestled within a historic deer park filled with ancient oak trees. Unlike modern mega-parks, Bakken features free admission, with visitors paying per ride. Its most iconic attraction is the Rutschebanen, a wooden roller coaster that has been operating since 1932. While Europe is home to other historic parks like Vienna’s Prater (opened in 1766) and Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens (opened in 1843), Bakken remains the undisputed pioneer, offering a blend of modern thrill rides and centuries-old tradition that makes it a cornerstone of European leisure history.