Reliving My Childhood By Visiting Europa Park in Rust, Germany

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.

Enjoying the rides at Europa-Park in Germany
Enjoying the rides at Europa-Park in Germany

Europe Park Information For Visitors

Nestled in the picturesque town of Rust, Germany, Europa-Park is a destination that should be on every traveler’s list. The park is a tribute to European culture and history, providing an immersive and thrilling experience for visitors of all ages. With a range of attractions, shows, and events, there’s no doubt that Europa-Park is one of the most popular theme parks in Europe.

Europa-Park first opened its doors in 1975 as a small family entertainment center, and over the years, it has evolved into a sprawling, 200-acre amusement park that attracts millions of visitors every year. The park features over 100 attractions spread across 18 different themed areas, each dedicated to a different European country. From the French Quarter to the Greek Islands, every area offers a unique and immersive experience that transports visitors to another world.

One of the most impressive aspects of Europa-Park is its attention to detail. The park is immaculately maintained, and the theming is exceptional. Everywhere you look, you’ll find intricate decorations, impressive architecture, and delightful surprises that add to the overall experience. The attention to detail is particularly evident in the park’s flagship attractions, such as the roller coasters, which feature elaborate theming that creates an immersive and thrilling experience.

In addition to the attractions, Europa-Park offers a range of shows and events that take place throughout the day. From high-energy dance performances to breathtaking acrobatic displays, there’s always something happening in the park. The shows are of the highest quality and are a testament to the park’s commitment to providing visitors with an unforgettable experience.

If you’re planning a visit to Europa-Park, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it’s a good idea to plan your visit in advance, as the park can get very busy, particularly during peak season. Secondly, be prepared to do a lot of walking, as the park is quite large. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Finally, make sure you set aside enough time to experience everything the park has to offer. You could easily spend a full day here and still not see everything.

Europa-Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Germany or Europe. It’s an impressive and immersive experience that’s sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. From the attention to detail to the thrilling attractions and shows, everything about the park is designed to transport you to another world. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable day out, be sure to add Europa-Park to your itinerary.

Exhilarating times at Europa-Park

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.

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.

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 ;)

Which way should we go?  So many options to choose from 😉

Here is a shot from the Austria section of Europa-Park

Here is a shot of the flag of Berlin.

The park venue is full of stimulating architecture and sculptures

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

No shortage of smiling faces and screams!

Splish Splash!

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.

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!

Some serious splashing going on!

I promise this is the last one ;)

I promise this is the last one 😉

Check out that wingspan!

Check out that wingspan!

It is possible to purchase different kinds of food and souvenirs from each nation themed section of the Europa-Park.

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?

Does it not look like they’re having a great time?

There were lots of life sized robotic puppets entertaining the masses.

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.

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.

A wagon filled with a colorful display of potted flowers.

We were treated to a gorgeous sunset prior to leaving the park facilities.

We were treated to a gorgeous sunset prior to leaving the park facilities.

One last shot of Europa-Park before we left.

One last shot of Europa-Park before we left.

Where To Stay Near Europe Park

Situated in the picturesque town of Rust in Germany’s Black Forest region, Europa-Park is one of the world’s largest theme parks and a popular attraction for tourists visiting Europe. While the park boasts numerous thrilling rides and attractions, visitors may be wondering about the best places to stay nearby. Fear not, for there are plenty of accommodations options that cater to a range of preferences and budgets.

For those seeking a luxurious stay, the five-star superior hotel “Bell Rock” offers an immersive New England-style experience with a touch of luxury. Each room is tastefully decorated and equipped with modern amenities, such as flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel also features a pool, spa, and several dining options, including a bar with stunning views of the park.

If you prefer a more traditional German experience, “Colosseo” may be your best bet. With its Mediterranean-style architecture and rooms furnished with antique pieces, this hotel captures the essence of ancient Rome. The hotel also has an on-site spa and several dining options, including a restaurant that serves delicious Italian cuisine.

For those on a budget, “Hotel Casa Rustica” offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price. The hotel also has a restaurant serving traditional German cuisine and a terrace where guests can enjoy their meals and relax.

If you prefer the convenience of an apartment, “Apartment Klose” offers fully equipped apartments just a few minutes’ walk from Europa-Park’s entrance. The apartments are spacious, clean, and offer a kitchenette, making it easy for visitors to prepare their own meals.

For camping enthusiasts, “Europa-Park Camping” offers a fun and affordable way to experience the park. The campsite is located just a few minutes’ walk from the entrance and has various facilities, such as a swimming pool, mini-golf course, and playground for children. Visitors can choose to bring their own tents or rent a cabin or mobile home.

No matter your budget or preference, there’s an accommodation option that will make your visit to Europa-Park a comfortable and enjoyable one. With such a variety of choices, visitors are sure to find the perfect place to stay and make the most of their theme park adventure.

 This trip to Europa-Park was part of our post-conference blogger trip to Rust, Germany.

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  1. says: andre

    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 :))

  2. says: Rashad Pharaon

    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!

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. says: May S.

    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!

  6. 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… 🙂

  7. says: Carmen

    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?