Exhilarating times at Europa-Park
When I was growing up once every year a small carnival featuring rides, snacks, games and entertainment would setup shop for several days in the main square of our small village. The amount of excitement and anticipation I felt as a child was something that I can still remember clearly to this day. Begging my Mom and Dad for money (and extra cash after I had run out) I would spend all day checking out as many rides as possible and playing games until my funds were completely gone.
It has been a long time since I’ve been to a theme park, so when the opportunity to visit Europa-Park was included in my post-conference blogging trip schedule I decided it was time to channel my inner-child that at times is quite lost and distant in adult form.
With an open mind, I decided I’d wander around the entire theme park trying to soak in as of the activities as possible while making sure to take plenty of the rides along the way.
What fascinated me the most about Europa-Park was that it catered to all ages. I saw just as many adults as I did children and there were many young couples coming here for a date.
Walking around the entire premise took quite some time given that this theme park is the largest in Germany and the second most popular theme park resort in all of Europe.
Nestled in the small town of Rust, seemingly entirely built around this park, I felt totally immersed without any competing distractions.
For fans roller coaster rides, this is the mother of all parks for you to enjoy as it could literally take you all day to try them all out.
With over 4.5 million visitors annually (with a capacity of accommodating 50,000 guests per day) you won’t be sharing this experience alone.
The following is a photo essay and travel video post about our one day experience at Europa-Park:
Travel Video:
Photo Essay:
One of my favorite aspects of Europa-Park is that it is pet friendly and you’ll see a lot of people with their dogs. It is truly family friendly – even for the pooch.
It is awesome how countries all over Europe are represented around the theme park.
Which way should we go? So many options to choose from 😉
Here is a shot of the flag of Berlin.
The park venue is full of stimulating architecture and sculptures
This was one of the more scenic areas of Europa Park and ironically one of the quietest as well.
This park is absolute paradise for kids but I was surprised to see so many adults also having fun.
One fascinating aspect we learned from our guide is that some of the artists and performers who work at the park actually live inside of the theme park.
With so many roller coasters to choose from it could literally take you the whole day to try them all.
No shortage of smiling faces and screams!
Splish Splash!
I wanted to get closer to take a photo but I realized I would have got soaked. That would have been okay except for potential damage to my camera.
Some serious splashing going on!
I promise this is the last one 😉
Check out that wingspan!
It is possible to purchase different kinds of food and souvenirs from each nation themed section of the Europa-Park.
Does it not look like they’re having a great time?
There were lots of life sized robotic puppets entertaining the masses.
We were so lucky to have ideal weather on the first day. At our second day at the park it was overcast, rainy and a quite windy.
A wagon filled with a colorful display of potted flowers.
We were treated to a gorgeous sunset prior to leaving the park facilities.
One last shot of Europa-Park before we left.
This trip to Europa-Park was part of our post-conference blogger trip to Rust, Germany.
Wow, there’s more to Europa Park than one would expect! I love that there are some quieter parts to it and that it is fun for all ages. Great shots, and thanks for sharing!
Wow! I’ve always seen photos of europa park but I’ve never had the opportunity to go. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. it must be amazing fun :))
Thanks Andre! It is a lot of fun. It’s like channeling your inner child that often gets lost in adult form.
This is exactly the kind of place I’d read about in a guidebook and decide to skip – but seeing these photos, I’d obviously be missing out! It looks like a blast with some beautiful architecture and exhibits. A good lesson that maybe the places I usually avoid are the exact places I should check out!
That is a great lesson! Some of my best travel memories have come when I’ve taken a chance and visited somewhere unexpected.
I don’t remember the last time I was in a theme park and now my inner-child feeling is back…Thank you, I’m already planning the next trip with my kids to the nearest one and I hope they will have great memories. By the way, this style of the European theme parks with historical look is magical.
Thanks Julie! Good luck with your family outing. The historical look was definitely one of the more attractive features of the park.
That wagon looks so pretty with flower pots. 🙂 Lovely photo essay! Europa park looks inviting!
Thanks Renuka!
Just had a thought. Amusements Parks are anonymous with the United States, even adult playgrounds like Las Vegas. These places usually have facsimiles of European and other foreign destinations. I’d be curious to see how outsiders would mock up a North American fantasy land.
Noticed the Portugese Flag in there. I guess the cuisine at this park would be quite eclectic.
It’s an interesting concept. It is challenging to recreate a certain atmosphere without going overboard or appearing outright cheesy.
Looks like a wonderful place to have a family day out. Something to see and to do for everybody. Loved the wagon with the flowers – this pick worth a prize on a photo exhibition!
Thank you! It really is a great place for a family outing.
That looks like quite an unusual yet interesting place to visit Samuel! Admittedly I never even knew that such a theme park existed in Germany, but I like the fact that it seems to be a more mature version, catering to all different ages. So it’s not only great to hear that you two had a fun day, but also that you finally managed to re-connect to your distant inner child… 🙂
Thanks Dennis,
I think that is what makes this park more unique than others, which are catered far more towards children.
I have never head of Europa Park before! It seems like a very extensive theme park with lots to offer people of all ages. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Mike! That about sums it up perfectly 🙂
Hell, go to Mercedes-Benz Hall. I wonder what’d it like to be there.
I’d like to go there as well.
We were there in 2008 when our daughter was 8 it was for her the most fun out of the whole trip.
That’s cool to hear! I only can imagine how much I would have loved visiting a place like this as a child.
What an awesome place!
Thanks Andi! It really is pretty cool 🙂
I love theme parks! And this one looks really great – not just for rides but entertainment too. Have you been to Park Asterix just outside of Paris? That’s my fav one in Europe. What’s the biggest one in Europe, before this one?
I haven’t been to that one! Would love to go 🙂