The Europe Park in Rust is a German theme park in Baden-Wuerttemberg. He is between Karlsruhe and Freiburg in Breisgau. Europa-Park is the most visited German amusement park and the largest seasonally open amusement park in the world. It is divided into 17 different subject areas, 13 of which relate to European countries.
Awards
In 2019 the park was voted "Best Amusement Park in the World" for the sixth year in a row during the US Golden Ticket Awards. This was also the case in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
getting there
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In the street
The park is near the 
between Basel and Karlsruhe. The best way to get to the park is to take the Rust exit (exit 
57b).
Public transport
The closest train station to the park is Ringsheim. From there, buses run to Europa-Park and its departments at regular intervals. To reach the Ringsheim train station. it is best to get in Offenburg or Freiburg to a regional train. Both the Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) have special offers for the Europapark, which are usually cheaper than buying them individually:
- Europapark offer from Deutsche Bahn (from Germany)
- Europapark offer from SBB (from Switzerland)
In addition, there are various bus companies that run from various cities directly to the Europapark:
- Rust express from Basel, Bern, Schaffhausen, St. Gallen, Zurich from CHF 79
By plane
Strasbourg, Basel-Mulhouse, Karlsruhe / Baden-Baden, Frankfurt a.M.
background
In 1975 the park was opened by Franz Mack and his son Roland. The idea was to set up a park where they would display their company's rides. To this day, almost all of the park's rides are from the in-house company, with the exception of the Silver Star and Wodan - Timburcoaster roller coasters, as well as a few smaller rides. The park soon attracted more and more visitors, and in 1982 the idea was finally born to build a theme park with a focus on European countries. In 1989 EuroSat was finally opened, the park's first large roller coaster. In 2000 the Poseidon water roller coaster came and with Silver Star a roller coaster that was not made by Mack was opened for the first time.
Subject areas
Germany
At the entrance to the park you come across Deutsche Allee, whose architecture is reminiscent of a German city. Above all, cafes and shops shape the appearance, while small fairground attractions are favorites for children. The showpiece of the avenue is the EP-Express station, which looks like the old Alexanderplatz station. Right next to the avenue is the Baltasar Palace with its palace garden, which is a listed building. A restaurant is nested here. As there are very few guests here, it is the ideal relaxation zone in the park. Outside the palace gardens and the avenue there are old and small attractions from the early days of the park, such as the classic car tour or the fairy ride.
Italy
The Italian area is the oldest in the park and is known to most as the passage area. Therefore, in order to enjoy the area, it is best to go in the early afternoon. Here you will find an Italian marketplace in the Renaissance style. The only two rides, such as the ghost train “Geisterschloss” and Ciao Bambini, a children's train, are housed in two buildings. Popular in the Italian area is the Variété, a beautiful theater in which shows with artistry and magic are shown on a regular basis.
France
One of the most important and largest subject areas is France. In the midst of the house backdrop, which is reminiscent of a French city, several street cafes are distributed around a lake. On the other side of the houses, across from the Swiss area, the facade is reminiscent of an Alsatian city. The film set street, in which a film was once shot, also belongs to France. The most striking thing about the French themed area is probably the outer shell of the roller coaster Eurosat Can Can Coaster. It's a big silver ball. It houses the first big roller coaster of the Europapark and has meanwhile been rebuilt. Now you drive through a Parisian landscape and encounter the Can Can dance in the Moulin Rouge. Behind it, a bit out of the way, is the Silver Star's roller coaster station. The entire station is dedicated to Mercedes-Benz, which is the sponsor of the Silver Star. That is why a small exhibition has been set up. But not only roller coasters can be found in France. For example, the observation tower is located there and the puppet tour, the Old99 and the universe of energy (which is also located in the sphere) are ideal for children. Probably the most popular show in the park is located on Filmkulissenstrasse, the Magic 4-D Cinema. A cinema that impresses with many special effects. In the evening it is used as a normal evening cinema, which is mainly available for hotel guests, but also for other visitors.
Switzerland
The centerpiece is the Valais village with wooden houses, which are similar to those in a real village in the Valais were reproduced. Because the passage is next to the village and there are no rides in the village itself, it is relatively quiet here. It's great for a picnic here. The Swiss bobsleigh run is integrated into the village, next to the village you can also find the Matterhornblitz roller coaster and the glacier flyers, a typical fun fair attraction.
Greece
According to many visitors, the most beautiful of all areas. The fishing village of Mykonos, which is located on a large lake, was set up here with great attention to detail. Even the plaster has been made to look slightly damaged, so that in midsummer you can easily have the feeling of being here in the middle of Greece. As soon as you let your gaze wander over the lake, one notices the large temple, which marks the station of the Poseidon roller coaster. It's one of the best roller coasters in the park. A water, figure eight and themed trip is combined with amphibious vehicles. Near the exit you will find the curse of Kassandra, a witch's swing, which is based on a Greek legend. Behind Poseidon you will find the Pegasus roller coaster, which is primarily intended for young visitors (from four years of age), but this is an interesting ride for older people too. Since the 2007 season, the ice show has also been part of the Greek themed area, which used to be part of Switzerland.
Russia
The Russian themed area consists of the Euro Mir roller coaster and the Russian facades on the opposite side. In terms of architecture, Russia is disappointing in comparison with the other subject areas, but the Euro Mir makes up for that. It was planned as a contrast to the Russian village, as a symbol of the space power Russia. So it is dedicated to space. In front of the Euro Mir entrance is the training module for the Mir von der Russians space station. There is also the Snow Maiden Ride, a very nice themed ride especially for children, which is dedicated to a Russian fairy tale and the Lada Autodrom, which consists of small model cars with which children can curve around.
Netherlands
The large windmill in the Netherlands is noticeable from afar. When you arrive in the Netherlands, you stand in a square that is surrounded on all sides with Dutch townhouses. In the middle of the area is a tour shop called Koffiecopjes. It is a carousel on which another rotation takes place. A huge Dark Ride is hidden in one of the Dutch houses, the pirates of Batavia. Batavia is a former colony in the Netherlands. The ride on the Darkride is highly recommended as it is very beautiful.
In a street lined with Norwegian wooden houses, you walk through a Scandinavian village, which is not designed as a country but as a region. At the end of the street, you come across the Andersen fairytale tower. The gate below the gate leads to a lake. A little away from the village is the Norwegian stave church, where church weddings can be carried out. Due to the fjord rafting, which is on the side of the fairytale tower, the road is often very congested, which is why it is best to visit Scandinavia in the morning or in the evening. Fjord rafting is a kind of wild water ride with round boats that follow the course of a river. At the exit from the rafting is the Vindjammer, a large ship swing.
Portugal
The Atlantica SuperSplash water roller coaster can be found here.
Spain
Like Greece one of the most beautiful areas. The houses are in the typical Andalusian style. In the evening, the many lights create a very special flair here. Because there are no major attractions here, the Spanish themed area is not filled with crowds. There are the stations of the Panorama Express and the EP-Express. The two rides Columbusjolle and Feria Swing are located in the houses. Both are similar to fairgrounds. The biggest visitor magnet is probably the Spanish arena, which is similar to a bullring. A gladiator show or a knight show is performed here, by professional stunt men of course.
England
A small, inconspicuous subject area is English. The centerpiece are three Tudor-style houses. Opposite these houses is a horse carousel that is more than 100 years old and where the horses are all hand-carved. On the Silverstone piste, gas-powered cars drive along a track with a guide rail. And next to the Tudor houses is the Globe Theater, a replica of the Globe Theater in London. Shakespear's plays are often performed here, but also acrobatics. The Europa-Park Historama is located in the large, blue pyramid, with the entrance to the monorail. There is a rotating theater here, which presents the history of the park. There is also the "FoodLoop - the world's 1st looping restaurant" in the upper part of the Historama. Here, the food is served on roller coaster rails, sometimes with loops. The England themed area was built in 1998.
Austria
The Austrian themed area is the only European themed area, besides Portugal, which has not yet been provided with the architecture typical of the country and yet it is very beautiful. There are many trees around, which provide shade and a well-tended garden. There is also a little surprise hidden in a house. The magical world of diamonds, a sparkling world full of colors and beauties. The Tyrolean whitewater course and the Alpenexpress Enzian also lead through this world, but it is still best seen on foot.
Iceland
Iceland is the newest theme area in Europa-Park. One of the two main attractions is the one driving through a rugged rocky landscape Blue Fire Megacoasterwhose trains are accelerated from a standstill to 100 km / h within 2.5 seconds. In addition to a 32 meter high loop, the ride includes three further rollover. The other main attraction is the wooden roller coaster Wodan - Timburcoasterwhose route interacts with the Blue Fire Megacoaster and the Atlantica SuperSplash, among others. In the Gazprom world of adventure “Adventure Energy”, the Russian energy giant provides information about natural gas production. On the splash battle Whale Adventures - Splash Tours the whole family can splash each other wet. Visitors should watch out for geysers!
Further subject areas
There are three other subject areas, which have nothing to do with the subject of Europe. These are:
- the World of children, a giant adventure playground
- the Adventure land, here is the fairy tale avenue and the jungle raft trip, which were both there from the beginning and therefore there were no country-themed areas
- the Kingdom of the Minimoysby everything revolving around the Arthur and the Minimoys film series.
- Grimm's fairy tale forest, here you can find various houses in which the stories of the Brothers Grimm can be found.
Former subject areas
- Chocoland. A huge pyramid that was probably built primarily for financial reasons (Milka took over part of it). This was converted to Europa-Park Historama, which is all about the history of the park. The FoodLoop restaurant is located in the upper part of the Historama.
The rest of the Chocoland was assigned to the Russia and Holland themes.
Attractions
- Silver Star, the second highest roller coaster in Europe (73 m). It drives very quietly and offers 21 seconds of weightlessness.
- Euro me, shows Russia's side as a space nation. The cars turn while driving, so you sometimes drive backwards.
- blue fire megacoaster, Catapult roller coaster with four flaps
- Wodan - Timburcoaster, Wooden roller coaster
- Poseidon, the first water roller coaster in Europe and the second in the world. The ride has some bumps, but one of the best and most beautiful tracks in the park
- Matterhorn lightning, a wild mouse, not for people who get sick easily.
- Swiss bobsleigh run, the park's first roller coaster and the world's first bobsled, is also suitable for smaller children thanks to its simple and short construction
- Eurosat, Indoor roller coaster to space. It's a very choppy ride, so not for everyone.
- Atlantica SuperSplash, the second water roller coaster in the park, relatively short. As the only roller coaster in the park, it has no curve on its “land route”; these have all been replaced by rotating platforms. There is a small reverse drive and a great descent.
- Alpenexpress "Enzian", a powered roller coaster, which means that the train has its own motor and is therefore not dependent on a lift
- Pegasus - YoungSTAR Coaster, was built primarily for families with children, but it's an exciting ride for adults too
- Pirates in Batavia, a dark ride on the topic of pirates, was made with great attention to detail
- Curse of Cassandra, a witch's swing where visitors can easily lose their bearings
- Tyrolean wild water slide, a typical flume that goes through a mine with dwarves
- Ghost castle, Ghost train with endless drive system. Not very scary, so also suitable for small children.
- Arthur - The train, a train, based on the film Arthur and the Minimoys. Suitable for children from 4 years, therefore very harmless, but all the more fascinatingly themed
Safety regulations
It should be noted that the minimum age for the safety regulations and Minimum size must be met. Otherwise, a ride is unfortunately not possible. The staff has the right to measure the size in case of doubt. A tolerance is at the discretion of the staff. Children can also receive ribbons that make it clear that the size has been measured and that the child is generally allowed to use the attraction. Unfortunately, since these ribbons can be manipulated, they do not guarantee the use of the attractions. It is also possible that children who are measured very tightly in the morning are no longer allowed to ride at a later point in time. If you are unsure, please contact the staff directly. Your child can measure this so that you do not end up standing in line for nothing. Note that staff are required to close the safety bar as tightly as possible. So sit upright in the train and stow valuables before entering the train. [1]
| Surname | Minimum age with accompanying person over 18 years | Minimum age to drive alone (in years) | Minimum height (in cm) | Maximum size (in cm) | Remarks | Storage compartment for bags and rucksacks | Subject area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpenexpress "Enzian" | 4 | 8 | 100 | - | - | - | Austria |
| Swiss bobsleigh run | 6 | 8 | 120 | - | - | - | Switzerland |
| Eurosat | 6 | 10 | 120 | - | People over 190 cm in height usually do not find enough space in the rows of seats and should therefore drive alone. People over 210 cm tall may have to expect to be excluded from the journey. | No | France |
| Euro-me | 8 | 10 | 130 | 195 | Bulky people or people with very long legs must expect not to find enough space in the rows of seats. Since there is a safety risk when taking a ride, these people are excluded from the ride. | No | Russia |
| Matterhorn lightning | 6 | 10 | 120 | - | - | - | Switzerland |
| Poseidon water roller coaster | 6 | 8 | 120 | - | - | - | Greece |
| Silver Star | 11 | - | 140 | - | Bulky people have to expect to be waved out by the staff at the entrance to "try it out". In doing so, the staff can come to the conclusion that it is unfortunately not possible to use the attraction. | Yes | France |
| Atlantica SuperSplash | 4 | 8 | 100 | - | - | - | Portugal |
| Pegasus - the YoungStar roller coaster | 4 | 8 | 100 | - | - | - | Greece |
| blue fire megacoaster | 7 | - | 130 | - | - | Yes | Iceland |
| Wodan - Timburcoaster | 6 | - | 120 | - | - | - | Iceland |
| Arthur | 4 | - | 100 | - | - | Yes | Kingdom of the Minimoys |
kitchen
- 1 Balthasar Castle Restaurant. A typical German restaurant.
- Mykonos Taverna. A Greek take-away stand with seating on a beautiful terrace. There are all kinds of Greek specialties from gyros to stuffed vine leaves.
- 2 Don Quixote restaurant. A restaurant with Spanish specialties.
- Walliser Stuben. There is even raclette here in summer.
- Petite France. A real culinary delight.
- Fiskhuset "Mermaid". Fine fish rolls are sold here.
- 3 FoodLoop. The world's 1st looping restaurant, here a meal is served on roller coaster rails.
- Lakeside restaurant. Here you can find Austrian specialties.
- Bamboe Baai. Asian specialties, the attraction "Pirates in Batavia" drives past the tables.
- Pizzeria Venezia. A self-service restaurant with pizza and pasta.
There are many more options, especially cafes. The prices are average compared to other parks, families on a budget are best to bring a small picnic.
The park restaurants also offer a selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes [1].
Prices
The current admission prices can be found on the page of the park.
accommodation
The largest hotel resort in Germany belongs to Europa-Park. They are all next to the park, except for the guest house. This includes the following overnight accommodations:
- Hotel Colosseo. A four-star hotel with a beautiful piazza, it is the largest hotel in southern Germany. It was voted one of the 10 best hotels in the world by Neckermann customers.
- Hotel El Andaluz. The oldest hotel in the park, also with four stars.
- Hotel Castillo. A Spanish castle, also with four stars.
- Hotel Santa Isabel. A four-star hotel themed as a Portuguese monastery.
- Guesthouse Rolando. As the only one in the park itself, it is in the German avenue.
- Tipi village. Cheap accommodation in tipis.
- Caravan site. Suitable for campers and caravans.
There are also several non-park-owned hotels in the village Rustwhich are usually a lot cheaper than the park hotels
Web links
- Park homepage
- The official fan homepage with interesting information about the park
- The side of the park resort.
