Photo TR: Chuck Does It Scandi Style

I believe the Dragen scrambled your brains. It is a "Flic Flac", not a "Flip Flop"

Yes, the brain damage was more extensive than I thought. Flic Flac is a much cooler name, anyway.

Chapter 3: Knoebels Goes East, or Way, Way West--Bakken

Bakken is a perfect example of what a traditional, old-school amusement park is all about, a distinction it shares with Knoebels in Pennsylvania. While it has a lot of "off-the-shelf" flats, which proudly fly their traveling "fun fair" colors, the park has a great laid-back vibe and a beautiful setting in one of Denmark's national forests. The place is also very well maintained, with plenty to do for everyone.

And while, like Knoebels, Bakken can't boast the "biggest" or "fastest" coasters (well, there may be one exception when it comes to speed), what it has is really damn good.

Rutschebanen--Like its namesake at Tivoli Gardens, this is a side-friction woodie that uses trains with brakemen, only more insane! Yes, this old sucker is more intense than its cousin in Stockholm, especially on its two sets of double-down drops. But this is, apparently, the last year for the old-style trains. The park is planning to install a computerized braking system and new trains without brakemen for next season. We had ERT on the ride's oldest train, and they're going to keep one of the old trains handy, "just in case" they need it.

Tornado--This Intamin spinning mouse is probably the most intense coaster of its kind anywhere. The chainlift moves at El Toro speed, and you're simply hurled over the top and into the twistiest, windiest course anywhere. Even if your car doesn't spin all that much, you'll still feel like that poor cow in Twister when the ride's over. The ride's themeing is pretty good, too--even if it isn't finished yet.

Mine Train Ulven--OK, no prizes for guessing what sort of ride this is, but, again, it's another excellent ride of its type. The park nicely gave us a bit of ERT on this when Tornado was having technical problems. The group seemed to love this one, too.

Racing--This old "Flitzer" looks like a refugee from the carnival circuit, but it runs beautifully and is a lot of fun (just ask KidTums).

Mariehonen--Kiddie coaster, looks like a ladybug, you get the idea.

So, what else is there at Bakken? How about a very good, "Noah's Ark" type funhouse, a goofy shooting dark ride in which you take your revenge on darling plush animals, and a ghost train with a special surprise, which I wouldn't dream of giving away?

All this, and good food, too--visit Bakken!

Have a look for yourself.

[rollin_n_coastinDon't make me kick you in the donkey!]

Chuck great update. I think I'm going to pick a geranium or two next time I go ride a coaster

Is Bakken the oldest amusement park in the world? I'm getting the histories of all the old parks a bit crossed lol.

This week, on America's Next Top Fast-Food-Fashion Model, Janice scorches her fingers while fondling some chicken nuggets. Will this cause the judges to do a slow burn?

We now return to Bakken, already in progress.

Next, on America's Next Top Fast-Food-Fashion Model, will Arlene be as sizzlin' as a Wendy's triple with cheese fresh off the grill, or as cold as a Whopper in a microwave?

And did a certain fast-food icon who wears a crown get "supersized" during his private photo session with Nadja?

Back to Bakken.

[larrygatorObsessive Overlord of the TPR Park Index]

Thanks for the picture showing me riding with Erik on Bakken's woodie. Ah the memories!

Since I appear to still be happy, it must be before he slammed me into the right side of the car, crushing me and bruising my ribs on the turnaround.

[Big MikeTPR's Friendliest Guy]

Thanks VERY much for this update Chuck, especially the picture of us playing the shooting game!

Moose falsely accused me of cheating in it, saying I was standing up while playing, yet your picture CLEARLY shows me sitting on the horse

Thanks for proving my case and saving me from the lies and mistruths from Mr. Moose!


Peace, Big Mike

^Hmm--I wouldn't say that my photo would be admissible as evidence in a court of law, Mike. Seems pretty inconclusive to me. Personally, I was too busy blasting bad guys to pay much attention to what anyone else was doing.

^^You and I both had our share of injuries on this trip, Larry.

[ginzoWhy do I still have a donkey title???]

Is Bakken the oldest amusement park in the world? I'm getting the histories of all the old parks a bit crossed lol.

The park representative, Wikipedia, and RCDB all make that claim. 1583 is the year it supposedly opened.

[The BatI'm a know-it-all about donkeys!]

Moose falsely accused me of cheating in it, saying I was standing up while playing, yet your picture CLEARLY shows me sitting on the horse

Thanks for proving my case and saving me from the lies and mistruths from Mr. Moose!

Uhhh... Big Mike... love ya, but I gotta keep it real. I think you sat on the seat for the PICTURE and then stood up during the game. I saw it with my own eyes.

I believe that is called corroborating evidence! BOOM!

Great update, Chuck. LOVE the captions!!

-- Dave