Some things never go out of style—like the rush of a roller coaster, the scent of cotton candy in the air, carnival games, and the pure thrill of an amusement park that has stood the test of time. Experience a world where Ferris wheels spin and history meets high-speed fun. Let’s have a ride!
Bakken (1583): Klampenborg, Denmark
Rivaling time itself, Bakken has been delighting visitors since Shakespeare’s era. What started as a gathering spot around a natural spring evolved into a roller coaster-packed wonderland. Forget sleek modern parks; this one oozes old-world charm, complete with rickety rides and fairground treats that are older than some countries!
Wurstelprater (1766): Vienna, Austria
Picture Vienna in the 1700s—horse-drawn carriages, powdered wigs, and… an amusement park? Wurstelprater began as a royal gift to the public, later adding thrill rides alongside its iconic Giant Ferris Wheel. Today, its mix of nostalgia and nerve-wracking fun keeps visitors screaming (in a good way).
Tivoli Gardens (1843): Copenhagen, Denmark
A night at Tivoli feels like stepping into a dream. Soft, glowing lanterns and heart-pounding roller coasters create a spellbinding contrast. Even Hans Christian Andersen was enchanted as he found inspiration here for “The Nightingale.” Who knew fairy tales and thrill rides made such a perfect pair?
Lake Compounce (1846): Bristol, Connecticut, USA
A park with a past so deep that its lake might hold long-lost treasures. Lake Compounce opened in 1846 and hasn’t looked back. Its crown jewel is a Boulder Dash, a wooden roller coaster that hurtles through the woods like a runaway train. Old-school thrills with a scenic twist!
Hanayashiki (1853): Tokyo, Japan
Cherry blossoms and samurai once graced these grounds, but now, Hanayashiki thrives as Japan’s quirkiest amusement park. Its rides are a joy, making the most of the limited space available in Tokyo. Don’t be fooled by its size, though. That 1953 steel coaster may look tiny, but it packs a surprising punch.
Grona Lund (1883): Stockholm, Sweden
Ever taken a roller coaster ride over water? Grona Lund serves up classic thrills with a Scandinavian twist, perched right on the Stockholm waterfront. It’s not just the rides that make history here; Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley once rocked its open-air stage. Not many parks can say that.
Idlewild & SoakZone (1878): Ligonier, Pennsylvania, USA
What started as a train-stop picnic area turned into a whimsical playground. Idlewild is where fairytale forests meet splash zones and gentle vintage rides. Even Mister Rogers filmed here. If slow-paced nostalgia is your jam, this park is like stepping into childhood itself.
Cedar Point (1870): Sandusky, Ohio, USA
Brace yourself—Cedar Point is not for the faint of heart. They call themselves the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World” and started humbly as a beach retreat but now has 17 world-class coasters. Millennium Force, Steel Vengeance… these aren’t just rides; they’re endurance tests.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom (1884): Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA
Dorney Park started as a fish hatchery—yes, really! Over time, it swapped trout for thrills with classic wooden coasters and a sprawling water park. Thunderhawk, its 1923 coaster, still rattles riders to this day. A place where history and high-speed drops collide.
Lagoon (1886): Farmington, Utah, USA
A Wild West twist on amusement park history! Lagoon opened in 1886 with a carousel, but now its star is Cannibal, a coaster with a gut-wrenching 116-degree drop. If the pioneers had seen this place, they might’ve stayed in Utah instead of heading west.
Arnolds Park (1889): Arnolds Park, Iowa, USA
Arnolds Park is home to The Legend, a wooden coaster that’s been thrilling riders since the Great Depression. This is a lakeside paradise where the past meets pure fun. Small but mighty, the park proves that heart-pounding drops and waterfront views are a match made in heaven
Tibidabo (1899): Barcelona, Spain
Want an amusement park with a view? Tibidabo sits high above Barcelona, offering vintage rides and jaw-dropping cityscapes. Its red airplane ride, floating guests over the skyline, is a throwback to a time when aviation itself was an adventure. No one needs VR when reality looks this good.
Kennywood (1898): West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, USA
Founded as a trolley park, Kennywood still feels like a step back in time. The Jack Rabbit, built in 1920, surprises riders with its signature “double dip” drop. If you love your thrills with a side of history, this is your golden ticket!
Seabreeze (1879): Irondequoit, New York, USA
A park where the sound of crashing waves competes with the screams of coaster riders. Seabreeze overlooks Lake Ontario and is home to the Jack Rabbit, a wooden coaster with nearly a century of history. Proof that some thrills never go out of style.
Blackgang Chine (1843): Isle Of Wight, England
Less of a theme park and more of a land of forgotten dreams! Blackgang Chine started as a Victorian curiosity park and now features animatronic dinosaurs, pirate caves, and fairytale lands. Quirky? Absolutely. However, where else can you meet a giant animatronic smuggler?
Blackpool Pleasure Beach (1896): Blackpool, England
Established in 1896, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has evolved into one of the UK’s most iconic amusement parks. It features a blend of historic and modern rides, including the classic wooden coaster. The park’s rich history and continuous innovation make it a beloved destination for thrill-seekers.
Efteling (1952): Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
This is a theme park straight out of a storybook. Efteling is all about folklore, with rides based on Dutch fairy tales. Symbolica, its spellbinding dark ride, takes guests through a mystical castle where every turn reveals a new surprise. A must-visit for dreamers of all ages.
Linnanmaki (1950): Helsinki, Finland
Thrills for a cause? Linnanmaki is owned by a non-profit, meaning every ride ticket supports children’s charities. Its wooden Vuoristorata coaster, operated by brakemen instead of computers, adds a rare human touch to modern thrills. This is a perfect blend of history and modernity.
Parque De Atracciones De Madrid (1969): Madrid, Spain
Madrid’s premier amusement park since the 60s, this spot combines Spanish culture with high-speed attractions. Whether you’re dodging ghosts in a haunted house or plummeting down a Tornado, this park proves that Spain’s passion for excitement extends far beyond football.
Dreamland Margate (1920): Margate, England
Step back in time at Dreamland, a park that feels straight out of a sepia-toned postcard. After years of decline, it was lovingly restored to showcase its 1920s charm. Classic fairground rides and seaside nostalgia make this one-of-a-kind destination unforgettable.
