TLDR, For anyone with kids ages 4-9 it is brilliant and well worth a visit.
We just came away from spending two days at the park and it was one of the best experiences of our lives.
To set the scene, we took our 4 year old non verbal autistic son on the Bamse package. This gives you two days entry to the park, one night at the Vildmarkshotellet, access to the 'Hope' dolphin show, a meal with Bamse the strongest bear, early access to the park on the second day, and breakfast.
When we got to Bamse Värld my son couldn't believe his eyes. He absolutely loves theme park rides, and everything was pitched perfect for him, the rides weren't too scary or tame, the themeing was beautifully done, and when he saw his hero "bamse" apear in real life on stage, he straight up lost his mind with excitement. It really felt like a special memory for him, and worth it for that alone. I would imagine children that are starting to think things aimed at kids are uncool would not enjoy it but there is still the zoo and the rest of the park for them.
Not to say there aren't things for the adults as well, the safari and savanna exhibitions were particularly good with plenty of other things to see. And let's not forget Wildfire, it is one of Europe's highest rated rollercosters for a reason. I have enjoyed plenty of European theme parks and I have never riden a coster quite so intense. It was absolutely fantastic. The handful of other rises are fine, nothing particularly impressive, but they are not the point of kolmården.
We also had a great time at the dolphin show 'Hope'. We were blown away at what these majestic creatures can do and you owe it to yourself to see them doing simultaneous double backflips right in front of you.
From an accessibility point of view, for my son it was a 10/10. The staff were friendly, kind, and willing to bend over backwards making things as comfortable as possible for him. Make sure you talk to them beforehand so you can get any specal assitance and information to help your visit go smoothly. I would imagine for some people with mobility issues the park is very large and may present a challenge. As far as I remeber there was nowhere without wheelchair access, but I image the scale of it may present a challenge for some.
In the evening we enjoyed the Bamses grillkalas. My son thought it was amazing to have dinner with Bamse and the food was good value for money. Being a buffet they cater for even the most picky eaters and I would say the food for adults was maybe a 8/10. Still a buffet so nothing was amazing but very enjoyable and really hit the spot after a day in the park.
Vildmarkshotellet was a great place to rest, make sure you check out the pools as they were a great treat after being in the park all day. The rooms are clean and functional, and I appreciated the decoration didn't feel childish. It was nice to leave Bamse Vält in the park. The room we had felt a little small so I think we will upgrade next time. My wife and I really enjoyed the views over the water, while we relaxed to an evening drink.
Travel to and from the park is pretty easy, we took a train and bus from Stockholm without any issues and I imagine driving would be easier, it is not hard to find.
So all in all it was an absolutely magical trip and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone with kids at...
Read moreAn Adventurous Escape to Kolmården Wildlife Park! Ask me anything about my experience on instagram @Collection_Of_Unseen_Thoughts
Stepping foot into the mesmerizing realm of Kolmården. I was instantly transported into a world of untamed wonders and thrilling experiences. This wildlife haven nestled amidst nature's embrace proved to be a haven for both young and old adventurers alike. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the electrifying energy in the air, promising an unforgettable journey through the animal kingdom.
One of the first things I noticed was the option to purchase "First Onsite" tickets. Let me tell you, this is an absolute game-changer! By securing these tickets, I gained early access to the park, granting me the chance to savor the calm ambiance before the crowds arrived. This meant more time to immerse myself in the wild landscapes and observe the animals in their natural habitat, all without the usual hustle and bustle.
But the true highlight of my visit was the exclusive meet-and-greet with my favorite animals. Kolmården Wildlife Park offered an exceptional opportunity to have a personal encounter with these majestic creatures. From adorable pandas to graceful giraffes, the park provided various exclusive experiences that left me in awe. Being able to connect with these animals on such an intimate level was a surreal experience that I will cherish forever.
As I embarked on my adventure through the park, the carefully designed enclosures allowed the animals to roam freely, fostering an environment that mimicked their native habitats. This dedication to animal welfare and conservation efforts was truly commendable, making my visit not only exhilarating but also meaningful.
Beyond the animal encounters, the park offered an array of thrilling attractions and shows. The dolphin shows were a spectacle of acrobatics and intelligence, leaving the audience captivated and inspired. The wildlife-themed roller coasters added an adrenaline rush to the day, perfect for those seeking an extra dose of excitement.
Kolmården Wildlife Park wasn't just about entertainment; it was an educational experience too. The park's staff and guides were knowledgeable and passionate about the animals, eager to share insights and raise awareness about conservation efforts. I left the park not only with unforgettable memories but also with a renewed sense of responsibility to protect and preserve our planet's magnificent wildlife.
In conclusion, Kolmården Wildlife Park is an extraordinary destination for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and animal lovers alike. With the option to purchase "First Onsite" tickets, you can make the most of your visit and beat the crowds. And if you're keen on an exclusive encounter with your favorite animals, don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This Swedish gem surpassed all my expectations, and I can wholeheartedly say that it is worth every bit of praise it receives. Plan your visit to Kolmården today and prepare for an adventure that will leave you spellbound and...
Read moreKolmården is a unique park that accommodates a wildlife park (with gondola safari), Bamse bear theme park with many rides, a dolphin show Hope and a thrilling wooden rollercoaster Wildfire. All these attractions are included in a single ticket that can be purchased only online (no sales at the gate). The price is rather expensive, but is actually well worth it because of the whole package. So it is wise to start early and be prepared to stay in the park for the whole day to experience everything. Opening times change according to the season. Check it on their website. There are places to eat, but you can bring in your own food too.
The wildlife park is really more like a park than a zoo. The animals have a lot of space and roam freely. A portion of the park is accessible only by gondolas that hover above animals in a more natural environment. This is quite unique and the gondola ride itself is very exciting, not to mention the lions, bears, giraffes etc you get to see. There is a chance you have to wait in line for the safari ride for up to 30 minutes. The queue is shorter in the evening. Althought the gondola is for 8 people, smaller groups and even pairs got their own, so it was convenient.
The dolphin show lasted for about 30 minutes and was very attractive. Around 10 dolphins doing all kinds of imaginable tricks. It was accompanied with Hollywood-style music and computer-generated videos of underwater. Maybe not original, but it complemented the show nicely. There were two shows per day, when we visited the park. People started to queue up for the first show already an hour before the beginning. The sitting area got fully packed, but it seemed that everybody who wanted still got in to see the show. Btw, the queue for the later show was very short, so it might be a better option.
The Bamse bear world consists of a compact amusement park for smaller children, a playground, some shops and a stage. The park was in a nice location, cosy and beautiful. The rides were decorated according to the theme, meant mostly for children up to 10 years. The queues were up to 10 minutes.
The Wildfire rollercoaster is only for the brave and healthy. It is titled to be one of the greatest in the world in several categories: best wooden rollercoaster in the world, overall best and fastest in Europe, highest in Europe etc. To some, it is scary to even watch the ride...
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