It is located in the southern part of Dyrehaven, around 600 metres (0.4 mi) away from a public transport connection to the center of Copenhagen (Klampenborg S-train Station).

[2] With 2.5–2.9 million visitors per year, it is the second most popular attraction in Denmark, after the more widely known Tivoli Gardens amusement park.

The origins of Dyrehavsbakken can be traced back to 1583 when Kirsten Piil discovered a natural spring in what is now known as Jægersborg Dyrehave or Dyrehaven, a large forest park north of Copenhagen.

Many believed the natural spring to have curative properties, and therefore Piil's discovery drew large crowds, especially in the springtime.

For a period the area that the spring was located on was not open to the public, due to it being on royal hunting grounds.

Its popularity was later aided by easier accessibility due to the development of steamships in 1820 and railroads in 1864, as well as publicity from poets and authors.

[1] The association improved garbage collection, restroom facilities, water supply, publicity, and helped bring electricity to the park.

Bakken may have started as a place to get clean spring water, but today it is a thriving amusement park filled with modern rides and amenities.

The park is also home to Bakkens Hvile music hall, where cabarets are common, as well as the Circus Revue, a live circus-style performance.