Ever wondered where old meets young in a whirlwind of excitement? That’s Gröna Lund for you. Here at Gröna Lund, the impossible becomes possible. It is Sweden’s oldest amusement park.
Gröna Lund first opened its doors in 1883. A German named Jacob Schultheiss rented the area. He wanted to erect carousels and other amusements. Descendants of Schultheiss ran Gröna Lund until 2001. The name came from a small park previously located here.
The location of Gröna Lund is quite unique. The amusement park is on the seaward side of Djurgården Island. Most of the buildings are old. They are residential and commercial structures from the 19th century. The park was built around these buildings. They were not built for the park.
Gröna Lund may be small. It only covers 9.4 acres. But it packs a punch with over 30 attractions. There are also three entertainment venues. These are Dansbanan, Gröna Lundsteatern and Stora Scenen.
For thrill-seekers, Gröna Lund offers seven roller coasters. There is also a tunnel of love. Do not forget the funhouse. If you’re brave, try the House of Nightmares.
Gröna Lund is not just about rides. It is also famous for its concerts. Bob Marley once drew 32000 people in 1980. That was his third time here. He also played here in 1977 and 1978. New rules prevent such large crowds now.
You can easily reach Gröna Lund. Take tram number 7 or bus number 67. You can also take a ferry from the city center. The taller rides offer amazing views of Stockholm.
Since 2006, Parks & Resorts Scandinavia AB owns Gröna Lund. The Tidstrand family owns the company. They also own Kolmården Zoo and Skara Sommarland.
Gröna Lund employs about 1400 people each season. Around 1.7 million guests visit every year. It generates about SEK 500 million. This makes Gröna Lund a top tourist spot in Sweden.
One of the oldest rides is the Circus Carousel. It opened in 1883. The Blue Train dark ride opened in 1935. It has been updated several times. The Chain Flyer opened in 1997. It swings riders high above Saltsjön.
Gröna Lund has seen many famous performers. Jimi Hendrix played here in 1967. ABBA played in 1973. Europe has played many times. Alice Cooper has also performed here several times.
Gröna Lund is a place where memories are made. It is a place where the past and present meet. It is a place where fun is always in season.