Tivoli Gardens unveils "Hikari", the largest themed area in its history!

Ideally located right in the city center of Copenhagen, next to the City Hall, Tivoli Gardens have been enchanting the Danish capital since their foundation in 1843. This historic park, the most visited in the entire Nordic region, is world-renowned for its unique atmosphere blending major attractions, concerts, ballets, and beautifully manicured gardens. But today, this cultural institution is preparing to take a major historic step forward.

This is a major announcement for all theme park enthusiasts. After two years of intensive work and the complete closure of its former Asian-inspired district, Tivoli has just unveiled the most ambitious and expensive architectural project in its 183-year history: Hikari (meaning Light in Japanese).

Starting this coming August, this brand-new 2,000-square-meter immersive zone will transport visitors to the bustling streets of contemporary Japan. Representing a massive investment of several hundred million Danish kroner, this project optimizes the available space without expanding the park's physical boundaries. Here is a detailed look at everything waiting for you in this new universe!

An artistic interpretation rather than a simple copy

True to the famous vision of its founder Georg Carstensen ("Tivoli will never, so to speak, be finished"), the park does not offer a nostalgic recreation of Japan, but rather a theatrical and modern reinterpretation.

The level of detail promises to be exceptional. To shape this urban landscape, Tivoli imported 60 tons of traditional Japanese roof tiles and integrated authentic vintage objects and doors sourced directly on-site. To complete this unique atmosphere, the area will also feature a piece by internationally renowned artist Takashi Murakami, alongside street art and the signature mood lighting the park is famous for.

Ride Side: Two new attractions and a major retheming

Space optimization is the core strength of this project, as the park is constrained by its physical boundaries in the heart of the city center. Tivoli manages the feat of integrating two new attractions alongside its flagship coaster.

• Dæmonen (The Demon) gets a makeover: The famous B&M roller coaster keeps its original track layout but fully integrates into the Hikari scenery. The ride will weave through the area like an elevated railway, featuring a completely updated visual identity and immersive scenography.
• Hotel Hikari (New): Designed by Italian manufacturer Gosetto, this immersive family funhouse promises wonderful surprises. Visitors will board what seems to be a regular hotel elevator before walking through a maze of infinite mirrors, a tilted room, and a vortex tunnel.
• Tyfonens øje – The Eye of the Typhoon (New): For thrill-seekers! Manufactured by SBF Visa Group, this Zero Gravity-type attraction (rotating drum) promises a highly intense experience. After a beautifully themed queue line inspired by the historic Katsura Imperial Villa, riders will experience high G-forces, pressed against the walls as the floor drops beneath their feet. A unique experience in Scandinavia!

Street Food and culture in the spotlight

As we know, Tivoli Gardens is as much a culinary destination as it is a theme park. Hikari will be no exception, offering five street food dining concepts. Developed in collaboration with renowned Danish restaurateurs, these venues will offer contemporary Japanese cuisine, available to go or to enjoy in immersive indoor seating areas.

Did you know? Tivoli Gardens has always been a source of global inspiration. Hans Christian Andersen found the inspiration for his fairy tale The Nightingale here in 1843, and Walt Disney visited the gardens multiple times in the 1950s before creating Disneyland in California. With Hikari, the park continues to write its legend.

The official opening date in August should be announced very soon. One thing is certain: we cannot wait to test this electric atmosphere and see how the historic charm of Tivoli blends with Japanese modernity!

So, are you excited to discover the Eye of the Typhoon or stroll through the illuminated streets of Hikari? Let us know in the comments!