Written by: Sasha Rosen Thursday, January 12th, 2012 .
EntertainmentDesigner.com recently had the opportunity to sit down with Nils-Erik Winther, an executive at Bakken, which is thought to be the world’s oldest theme park. Bakken has been around as a tourist draw since as early as the 1500′s, and we were curious to hear what the park is like today. Here is what Nils-Erik had to say:
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EntertainmentDesigner: What is your role at Bakken?
Nils-Erik Winther: I am the CEO of A/S Dyrehavsbakken – the facility company owned by the “tent-holders” from Bakken. My role is to facilitate the amusement park from marketing, security, and renovation. Our main objective is to attract guests to the amusement park.
ED: What are some of the highlight rides at the park today?
N-E: Our old wooden rollercoaster from 1932 is still one of our main attractions, but also the spinning coaster “Tornado” from 2009 is very popular. We are the amusement park with most rides in Denmark – 33 in total.
ED: Aside from rides, what other attractions are available for guests to enjoy?
N-E: We have 30 different restaurants and fast food booths, as well as evening shows. A lot of business people also have their annual company day at Bakken.
ED: Which attractions have really withstood the test of time?
N-E: The wooden rollercoaster from 1932.
ED: Can you describe the process of introducing new rides to the park?
N-E: There has to be a tent-holder that is interested in investing in a new ride and it takes a minimum of 2 years to get permission from the authorities. We play a role in promoting the new ride in order to attract more guests. In 2010 and 2011 we had no new rides but in 2012 we are going to introduce 2 new rides – a family coaster “wilde de maus” and a kiddy ride “kangabounch.”
ED: What is the business model of the park in terms of vendors and park admission?
N-E: We are an open park. Bakken has 150 different “tents” (shops/rides/restaurants), owned by 50 different tent-holders. We sell arm wristbands so the guests can access our 33 different rides.
ED: How do you keep the oldest theme park in the world relevant and progressive?
N-E: It is our challenge to be faithful to our history and traditions and at the same time be able to have a modern amusement park that can attract costumers of all ages.
ED: What do you see happening in the amusement park industry that you like?
N-E: I love everything about the industry. I see a trend in Scandinavia to take amusement parks towards more entertainment and pre-ticketing shows at night with less focus on expanding the rides. We have in general more of a focus on diversity, not just on the families and young kids, which I think strengthens the park and makes it less vulnerable.
