The largest theme park in Germany (and the second most visited in Europe after Disneyland Paris) is one of the main destinations in the country. Overflowing with little foreign lands, kiddie rides, food and drink, and around a dozen spooky roller coasters, the park is great for the whole family.
Located in the southwestern part of the country near Freiburg, the park covers 94 hectares and allows park visitors to experience 15 European countries in one day and more than 23 hours of shows every day.
The place can host approximately 50,000 visitors a day, approximately 4.5 million visitors a year. A clear favorite with visitors and locals, these are the best things to do in Germany’s largest amusement park.
Summer season
The summer season runs from April 6, 2019 to November 3, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. minimum.
During this period, the water games are open and there is a diverse program of summer themed shows. Expect plenty of sun, but also keep up to date on the latest weather reports as conditions in Germany can change quickly.
To keep visitors busy away from the water, they can keep it German flair by visiting the Erdinger Beer Garden. Or see the daily Party Parade with live music, costumes and fantastic choreography. The musical show »Rulantica«, tells the love story of a boy named Fin and a mermaid named Kailini, or reaches the maximum thrill with the CanCan roller coaster, the Eurosat, in the French area.
Winter season
The winter season runs from November 23, 2019 to January 6, 2020 from 11:00 to 19:00. (Note that the park is closed around Christmas on December 24 and 25).
During the cold season, some of the attractions are closed, but other winter-themed activities and shows are open.
The season features ice shows, 30 ice sculptures, twinkling lights, and 2,500 local Christmas trees. Understandably, the Icelandic area is featured with the ice rink, a children’s ski school, and even a condensed cross-country ski field. Like almost anywhere else in Germany, there is a Christmas market at the foot of the Balthasar castle park.
To get out of the cold, warm up at the Urweisse Hütt’n with cheese fondue and live traditional Swiss music or head to Spain for Merry Christmas .
Where to stay
Emulating another mouse and pet theme park, there are several hotels on the grounds. Along with the obvious benefit of being located within walking distance of the park, hotel guests can enter the park 30 minutes to an hour early, depending on the season.
- Bell Rock: Based on the charming architecture of New England (USA).
- Colosseum – presents the beauty of Italy complete with spas and restaurants.
- Santa Isabel: The comforts and conveniences of a modern hotel in the style of a Portuguese monastery.
- Castillo Alcázar: a striking hotel that shows the Middle Ages.
- El Andaluz – Enjoy the faux elegance of a hotel with a Spanish theme.
- The “Circus Rolando” guest house: located in the main “German Alley”, this site offers discounted rooms in the heart of Europa-Park.
- Camp Resort: Yee-Haw! It’s a Wild West vacation for families, school outings, or nature lovers. Accommodations range from covered wagons to teepees.
All hotels are 4-star and start at around $ 85.00 per night, per adult in a double room. The hotels are open all year round, regardless of the park season.
Europa-Park is located in the small town of Rust. After the opening of the park, a large number of hotels were opened, as well as houses that have been transformed into small B & Bs ( pensions ). These rooms are usually cheap, clean, and offer a pleasant manager.
Nearby Ringsheim is another option, offering low prices and a location within walking distance of the nearest train station. There is a free bus ( Südbadenbus ) from Ringsheim direct to Europa-Park.
Transport
By plane: several airports offer access to the park:
- Karlsruhe / Baden-Baden Airport (64 km)
- Strasbourg International Airport (64 km)
- EuroAirport Airport in Basel (90 km)
- Stuttgart Airport (175 km)
- Frankfurt Airport (240 km)
By train: the nearest train station is Ringsheim. There are Deutsche-Bahn »Europa-Park Kombi-Tickets» and visitors can buy entrance tickets directly from DB vending machines.
By car: Arriving from the north: take the A5 motorway towards Basel. Take the Rust exit (57b), and an access road will take you directly to Europa-Park. Arrival from the south: take the A5 motorway towards Karlsruhe / Frankfurt. Take the Rust exit (57b), and an access road will take you directly to Europa-Park.
Parking costs are approximately $ 8.00 per day, but free for hotel guests.
