The success story

Once there were 2 visionary men, who in 1981 looked out over a piece of flat land in Djursland in East Jutland. Within themselves they saw a summer land filled with happy and playful guests. Today Djurs Sommerland is Scandinavia's largest Summerland and an amusement park of international prestige and recognition.

The two friends initiated their search for a suitable piece of land for a such activity park. Their dream was a place in the southern part of Djursland but this wasn't feasible. This made them choose an area in Nimtofte in the middle of Djursland. This location would later reveal itself to be the perfect fit for Djurs Sommerland's future development with its focus on new rides and expansion.

In 1981 before the opening season, the ambitions were humble. Their greatest expectations were therefore exceeded when the turnstiles revealed more than 100.000 visitors on the very first season in Djurs Sommerland.

"The interest was overwhelming. At the time, the notion of getting entertained from exercising an activity was quite ground-breaking. Activities such as archery, rowing in small boats and obstacle courses characterised, what Djurs Sommerland had to offer. In popular terms: no pain, no gain. This was the driving concept for Djurs Sommerland throughout the 1980s," explains CEO, Henrik B. Nielsen.

From physics to mechanics
Before long the park's guests demanded faster and newer attractions. The times were changing, and larger, mechanical rides became a part of what Djurs Sommerland had to offer alongside the traditional lineup.

"Previously we had one single mechanical ride, but from the start of the 1990s, there was a clear expectation of more, larger and slicker rides. The concept of what a summer land should provide became wider. A new dimension of experience was added," says Henrik B. Nielsen.

Colorado River opened in 1991, while the first larger roller coaster was Thors Hammer, which was built in 2002.

From ride to an integrated experience
The 1990s were also the decade in which the brothers Henrik B. Nielsen and Michael B. Nielsen took over the helm from their father, Ole B. Nielsen, and since then the amusement park has gone from strength to strength. Djurs Sommerland was constantly extended throughout the 1990s and 2000s with more and more rides, while at the same time the park has performed targeted work to give the rides an extra dimension.

"In addition to keeping our finger on the pulse and understanding the public's expectations, it has been important for us not just to set up a new, large ride but also to include it within a larger story. We would like to give guests an experience in addition to just butterflies," explains Henrik B. Nielsen.