The World's Oldest Amusement Park Opened in 1583 — and You Can Visit Today!

Disneyland has been around since 1955, and we thought that was old. But Bakken, an amusement park located in Klampenborg, north of Copenhagen in Denmark, beats Disneyland in age by several hundreds of years. Bakken opened in 1583 and is recognized as the oldest amusement park still in operation in the world by Guinness World Records.

According to Bakken's site, the park is located in the woods of Dyrehaven and is a unique amusement park that offers "a historic and nostalgic venue combined with modern and fun amusements and thrill rides." Guinness World Records says that most major medieval European cities had "pleasure gardens" with live entertainment, games, and rides, which would one day become amusement parks as we know them. "Most closed down during the 1700s," says Guinnes World Records, "but Bakken is the only one to survive."

Best of all (and unlike Disneyland), entrance to the park is free! Because of its history and location, the park says that no big brands are allowed to set up stands at Bakken and neon signs are banned. "Instead a jumble of colorful wooden structures, small independent shop owners, and quirky stalls meets visitors," says the Bakken site. Guests will be able to spot the well-known "white-faced clown" who visits the park daily and can ride the park's 80+ year-old roller coaster as well. Read on to see images of the charming amusement park, which we imagine looks quite a bit different than it did in medieval times.