In the south of Germany, there is a place that brings together representations of several European countries. Surprisingly, it is not a cultural institution but a thrilling amusement park full of surprises.
Europa Park is primarily known as the largest amusement park in Germany. But that’s not all. It also ranks among the top three largest amusement parks in all of Europe, so it’s no surprise that the name Europa Park rings a bell for most roller coaster and thrill ride enthusiasts. Located in Rust, a small town in southwestern Germany, the park was established in 1975 and continues to amaze its visitors with a wide array of unforgettable attractions.
Europa Park Attractions
The entire park is divided into 15 themed areas, each representing a different European country, which is where the park gets its name. These areas include representations of the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, England, and Norway, among others. Interestingly, it’s not just the rides and playgrounds that embody these European cultures. The countries also serve as inspiration for the live shows and the themes of the park’s restaurants. This means visitors can watch a flamenco performance, enjoy Greek moussaka, sip Italian coffee, and finish off with crêpes straight from France.
Family Fun
The majority of rides at Europa Park are tailored for family entertainment. Both young and old can have fun on the spinning Dutch Koffiekopjes, take a ride in cars or London taxis, or set sail under the Austrian flag. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of roller coasters, ranging from mild to extreme, and most importantly, take in the colorful park in all its glory. There are two ways to do this. You can hop aboard a special train that magically transports you across Europe in just a few minutes. Alternatively, you can ride to the top of Euro-Tower and view the park from a bird’s-eye perspective.
Fun for the Little Ones
And what does the park have in store for the youngest visitors? There’s no shortage of playgrounds for them to enjoy. Some will get lost in a castle full of obstacles, while others will love the water playgrounds or the classic carousels in various forms. But what will leave the most lasting impression on the kids will be the encounters with their favorite fairy-tale characters. Europa Park allows children to visit the gingerbread house from Hansel and Gretel, explore Sleeping Beauty’s castle, meet Rapunzel, try on Cinderella’s glass slipper, and listen to the story of the Frog King.
Speed, Thrills, Action!
Screams and shouts will be endless if you take on one of the most extreme rides at Europa Park. Head to Alpenexpress Coastiality, which uses virtual reality to throw you into a fantastical world of adventure, or try SuperSplash or Poseidon, where you won’t stay dry, or Euro-Mir, where your head will spin more than once. Of course, these are just a few of the wild rides available in the park. The king of roller coasters, however, is the famous Silver Star, which reaches a top speed of 130 km/h.
Rulantica – The water sister of Europa Park
No relaxation is complete without water. If you agree with this, then Rust is sure to appeal to you, whether you prefer active relaxation or blissful peace in the spa. Just a few kilometers from Europa Park, its sister water park, Rulantica, was built – a treasure trove of aquatic attractions for the whole family.
The area, inspired by Scandinavian and Nordic style, offers guests large and small pools (including thermal pools), saunas, wave pools, and beaches. For relaxation, there’s a lazy river and a charming lagoon, while kids will have a blast on the pirate obstacle course and playgrounds. Naturally, there’s no shortage of slides, tubes, and wild water funnels, specially designed for thrill-seeking guests.
Visiting Europa Park
For the comfort of its visitors, Europa Park offers a large parking area and a mobile app that allows you to join virtual queues, use an interactive map of the park, and mark your favorite attractions. The park also features several hotels (e.g. Hotel am Park, Hotel Sunnegässle, Hotel Rebstock). If you plan to enjoy more than one day of thrilling fun, you can stay in a hotel that resembles a museum, large tipi tents, or a hotel within a structure reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum.
It’s recommended to purchase tickets online (for example, on this website), whether they are full-day, evening, two-day, single, or combo tickets, especially if you’re visiting Europa Park during the summer season. This is, of course, the most popular option for guests of Rust, as most thrill-seekers want to enjoy the attractions under the summer sun. However, if you prefer fewer crowds, you’re still in luck, as Europa Park is open year-round. Although winter hours differ, you can still enjoy all the rides and experiences the park has to offer.
Practical information
- It is best to purchase tickets for Europa Park in advance. This way, you can avoid standing in long lines and reduce the risk of tickets being sold out.
- Address: Europa-Park-Straße 2, 77977 Rust, Germany
- Buy tickets on GetYourGuide
