From the world’s oldest amusement park

Dyrehavsbakken

(Pjerrot, the resident clown of the park. Read his story at liebhaverboligen.dk)

Founded in 1583, Bakken, or Dyrehavsbakken as it is officially named, has been a firm favorite with the people of Copenhagen for centuries. Only 10 minutes drive north of Copenhagen, it is the oldest amusement park in the world. Located in the woods of Dyrehaven, Bakken is a unique amusement park, which offers a historic and nostalgic venue combined with modern and fun amusements and thrill rides. With a blend of children’s amusements, restaurants, pubs and bars with entertainment and live music. It’s is not just a small children’s amusement park but a place of leisure for the whole family.

The origins of Dyrehavsbakken can be traced back to 1583 when Kirsten Piil discovered a natural spring in what is now known as Jægersborg Dyrehave or Dyrehaven, a large forest park north of Copenhagen. Residents of Copenhagen were attracted to the spring due to the poor water quality in central Copenhagen during this period. Many believed the natural spring water to have curative properties, and therefore Piil’s discovery drew large crowds, especially in the springtime. These large crowds attracted entertainers and hawkers, whose presence began the origins of amusement parks as are presently known.

In 1669, King Frederick III decided to set up an animal park in the area. The next year, when his son, Christian V, became the kind, he extended the size of the park by four times. However, from 1670 to 1756 the area where the spring was located was declared a royal hunting ground and closed off to the public. This changed when Frederick V became king in 1756, and once again the park was opened to the public and Dyrehavsbakken began to flourish.

However, as the place didn’t have the facilities to support large crowds, in 1885 the stallholders themselves setup the “Dyrehavsbakken Tent Owners’ Association”. Because of the association, garbage was collected, restrooms and water supply systems were constructed, and electricity was provided, filling the place with colourful lights. All businesses operating in the park today are still required to join the association.

Entrance is free, but the rides cost money. Nowadays, you can buy an unlimited wristband for 329 dkk (44 Euro / $48 USD), or a “funcard” with a set amount of credit. Or you can pay in cash. Previously, tokens were used.

Obverse

The obverse of the token features the park’s name above, the value, 25 below (It is 25 Øre), and the centre has the park gate with a large hole in the centre. The token is brass-plated steel, which after some use leads to the raised areas wearing to show the steel while the lower fields stay yellow (brass) coloured. I really like the way the “two-tone” effect highlights the details.

Reverse

The reverse reads “TELTHOLDERFORENINGEN” which translates to “Tent holder’s association” above the gate, and the year the association was formed, 1885, below. I can’t find exact dates the tokens were used, but clearly it was later than 1885.

Variants

One thing I really like about tokens is that there are often variants. Sometimes deliberate, sometimes lapses in quality control, and more often than not, undocumented.

Today’s main piece, (not pictured in this grouping) has larger writing, further from the edge, with three fence posts. As well as that piece, here are the other four variants of the token I have:

1. Smaller writing, further from edge. Three fence posts either side. (main coin)
2. Larger writing near edge. Four fence posts either side (top-left)
3. As 2, but with greater detail inside the gate and around the circle (top-right)
4. As 3, with no hold (bottom-left)
5. As 1, with three hearts instead of value

There are also other similar tokens, eg a 2 Kroner version, and several without the year but with the park name on each side. Numista lists some variants. If you know of any others, please share in the comments! Otherwise, what is your favourite amusement park? Did they ever issue tokens?