Tivoli Friheden is Aarhus's amusement park, set in the Marselisborg Forest about 2 km south of the city centre. It has around 40 rides and four roller coasters, along with play areas for younger children, landscaped gardens and a cultural hall for concerts and theatre. The thrill rides draw most of the attention, from the Cobra coaster to the Sky Tower free fall and Hjertekig, the highest free-fall tower in Denmark. Between rides, the forest and gardens offer a quieter pause.
Where it is and how to get there
Tivoli Friheden sits in the Marselisborg Forest, about 2 km south of Aarhus city centre. Beech and conifer woodland runs along the coast here, and the park is set among the trees.
Bus 4, 18 and 24 leave from City Hall and reach the park in a few minutes. The park is about 2 km from Aarhus train station, and the walk from the centre takes around 30 minutes.
The name points to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Friheden is smaller in scale, but it keeps some of the same sense of fantasy, with rides, food stalls, gardens and an open-air stage.
Thrill rides
The roller coasters are the core of the park. Four coasters run here, and the Cobra is the one to know about, with several inversions and a steep first drop. Himmelrum is a gravity-defying ride, and the park also has a drop tower.
The Sky Tower drops riders about 30 metres into a net at around 90 km/h. Hjertekig is a free-fall tower 65 metres tall, and its acceleration reaches 5G. Both towers give views over the Aarhus skyline from height.
Gentler rides and play areas
The park is built for mixed ages. Younger children have kiddie rides, quieter attractions, small cars they can drive by themselves and playgrounds for smaller children. The traditional carousel, Frihedskarusellen, is also here.
Between the rides, landscaped gardens with flower borders and green areas offer somewhere to sit and rest.
Evenings, events and seasons
After dark, lights transform the park, and it is worth staying into the evening to see them.
Halloween week brings costumed scare actors who move through the park and sneak up on guests. In summer, concerts with national and international musicians take place during the season, including the recurring Fed Friday event. A cultural hall hosts concerts and theatre performances from April to October.
Denmark's largest flower festival takes place in the park in July. At Christmas, the park is decorated as a Christmas market, with lights, elves, about 45 stalls and food stalls from Kødbyens Food Market.
Food in the park
The food ranges from classic fast food to cafés with lighter options. Dishes mentioned in the park include a burger with fries, pizza, fish and chips and ice cream. Some outdoor seating areas overlook the park.
Prices are high by everyday standards, which is common for theme parks, so plan your budget before you arrive.
Tickets and access
The entrance ticket is separate from access to the rides. Guests can pay for each attraction or buy a wristband that covers all attractions.
The park recommends buying tickets in advance. The entrance, restrooms and parking lot are listed as wheelchair accessible.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. The entrance ticket is separate from ride access. You can pay for each attraction or buy a wristband that covers all attractions.
How do I get there from Aarhus city centre?
Take bus 4, 18 or 24 from City Hall. The park is about 2 km south of the centre, and the walk from the centre takes around 30 minutes.
How long do you need?
Plan at least half a day. The park has around 40 attractions, so a full day gives time for more rides and a break in the gardens.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, restrooms and parking lot are listed as wheelchair accessible.
