amusement parks are always a very special entertainment for both adults and children. Enjoy the attractions, the special performances, the games, even the gift shops … These kinds of places are infused with a special magic, and they don’t have to be themed, like Disneyland or Lego Land, to have that feeling to be in a kind of bubble of happiness where everything is fun and enjoyment. In Europe we have many parks of this type, most of them thematic, spread throughout the continent. There is practically a large amusement park in every European country, although some stand out more than others. Port Aventura , the Parque Warner in Madrid, Disneyland in Paris, Legoland in Denmark… and Europe -Park in Rust, southern Germany, one of the largest amusement parks on the continent.
Released in 1975, Europa-Park became the first amusement park on the continent, and is also one of the longest uninterruptedly open in the world. Over the years, the park has been remodeled and improved, to have eighteen different areas, the vast majority of them dedicated to European areas and countries, from Scandinavia to the United Kingdom, France, Austria, Spain or Germany itself. Each section has attractions and restaurants themed with references to the country or region in which they are located, and this has served to attract many tourists from all over the continent. Currently, more than five million people annually visit the Europa-Park, placing it as second in the list of the most visited parks on the continent , only behind the unbeatable Disneyland Paris. Do you want to know more about this spectacular theme park? Well, read on, because in this article we are going to unravel all its secrets.
How to get to Europa Park
Europa-Park is located in the city of Rust , in the heart of the German Black Forest, very close to the border with France and Switzerland. It was strategically designed here to attract tourists from the three countries, and because it is very close to two major cities such as Freiburg , in Germany, and Strasbourg , in France. The latter has a fairly active international airport, with many flights to the entire continent, which is why it is usually the most common arrival route for European tourists. They can also travel from Baden-Baden, although it is somewhat further away. At the Strasbourg airport you have direct connections to the park by train and bus, and there is even an option of private passenger transport to Europa-Park that already includes the ticket price, to make the most of the time you spend in the park and that everything is pure fun.
Park attractions
Having the honor of being the largest amusement park in Europe is something that attracts many tourists to Europa-park. Some, who have already visited other parks on the continent, arrive with doubts as to whether such a huge place is really worth it. And the truth is that Europa Park not only meets, but exceeds the expectations of the majority . Each area of the venue has its own attractions and shows inspired by the country in which they are located. In the area of Spain, for example, there is a medieval show called The Dark Prince , which is very well designed. The park has 13 roller coasters , each one more exciting, and with more than 70 attractions for both children and adults, of all kinds, from flying chairs even 4-dimensional shows.
The variety and spectacular nature of the attractions that the park offers make it an ideal place to visit with family, friends or even as a couple. From the classic water attractions, especially in Greece and Italy , to roller coasters based on characters by the Brothers Grimm, mazes, bumper cars, rides by train through tunnels … Everything we could wish for in a good amusement park we will find in this precious place that not only boasts of being the largest, but also one of the most fun in all of Europe. And to rest, we can have a drink in any of the taverns, bars and restaurants that we will find scattered throughout the park, each one focused on the gastronomy of the country in which it is located. Thus it is possible to have a strong lunch in Spain and then have some crepes in France, and finish with a delicious pizza in the Italian region. Like a magical trip across Europe without leaving the park.
Accommodation near the park
As is usual in this type of theme park, especially in large ones, Europa Park has four hotels within its enclosure , very close to the park itself, and at different prices. It also allows accommodation in a nearby campsite, a cheaper option but equally ideal for those who want to make the most of their time in the park. If we want to stay a bit further away, the cities of Freiburg and Strasbourg are the best options, since they have a direct connection to the park, and also a large number of accommodations for all budgets, from large resorts to small hostels where you can rent a family room just an hour from the park. We can also try our luck in the closest towns, such as Lahr or Ettenheim , although the variety will no longer be so great.
How much does the entrance to Europa Park cost
The park is open throughout the year , but its prices are divided into two seasons, some for summer and others for winter. In the summer season , which is usually the one that attracts the most visitors, tickets for adults cost 47 euros , while those for children (between 4 and 11 years old) and seniors stay at 40 euros. The winter season is somewhat cheaper, since adult tickets are 41 euros , while those for children and seniors cost only 34.5 euros. In addition, there is a special offer that allows all children up to 11 years old to enter for free on their birthday, as long as we properly accredit it. The park is absolutely huge and has more than seventy attractions, so the price seems more than reasonable to enjoy all of them.