H.C. Andersen theme park and huge adventure tower planned for Copenhagen

A new Hans Christian Andersen theme park to rival Tivoli is proposed for Copenhagen, including an iconic 280 m high H.C. Adventure Tower.

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) are to lead the design of the 85,000 sqm development in Nordhavn. The estimated to cost of the project is around 6.5 billion kroner, with a planned opening date between 2025 and 2027, reports Ekstra Bladet.

Attractions will be themed around H.C. Andersen’s much loved stories. Proposed attractions include a 4D cinema experience inspired by The Little Match Girl including heat and cold and the aroma of roast goose. The huge dogs from The Tinderbox could also be the basis of a ride or themed area.

The focal point of the development will be an iconic structure – the H C Andersen Adventure Tower. At 280 m tall the tower will be the highest building in the Nordics.

In addition to the tower and the 30,000 sqm amusement park, the development will include a conference centre, a hotel and restaurants, a public park and housing for socially disadvantaged young people.

In addition to architects BIG, the project team includes SLA, Ramboll, Zublin, Forrec, ECA, KAB, Deloitte, 3F Kobenhavn and HORESTA.

In the project proposal document, Gordon Dorrett, President and CEO, Forrec Ltd, says, “It’s a real challenge to take something so in the public psyche as Hans Christian Andersen stories and bring them to life in an authentic way. We admire John Christensen and Kurt Immanuel Pedersen for understanding and respecting the affection people have for this much loved brand. They clearly had a vision and are pursuing it with real passion. It’s been an adventure for FORREC to be on the project team and to participate in what will be an internationally recognised attraction and Copenhagen landmark.”

Christian Aaen, Principal/Co-founder, Entertainment + Cultural Advisors (ECA), adds, “Bulding on the global appeal and awareness of H.C. Andersen’s famous stories, the proposed mixed-use leisure, cultural and tourism project has the potential to become a major destination draw and landmark for greater Copenhagen and danish tourism industry. The indoor and outdoor nature of the proposed H.C. Andersen attraction and observation tower would create opportunities for year-round operations, activating the Nordhavn new town area and expected to appeal to Danish residents and visiting tourists as well as cruise passengers nearby. We’re looking forward to being part of the international advisory team.”