{{short description|Amusement park in Germany}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}} {{Infobox amusement park | name = Europa-Park | image = 200px<br />260px|The entrance of the park | caption = Europa-Park's main entrance in 2012 | location = Europa-Park-Straße 2<br />77977 Rust | location2 = Baden-Württemberg | location3 = Germany | visitors = 5,4 million (6 million with Rulantica) (2022)<ref name="besucher2022">{{cite web|access-date=2023-06-16|publisher=TEA/AECOM|title=TEA/AECOM 2022 Theme Index and Museum Index: The Global Attractions Attendance Report|url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2022.pdf}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> | opening_date = {{start date and age|df=yes|12 July 1975}} | previous_names = | season = April to early January | area = {{convert|950000|m2|sqft|0|abbr=on}} (parks, hotels, parking lots, backstage) | rides = 100 <ref name="Attractions">{{Cite web|url=https://www.eturbonews.com/186116/europa-park-evacuated-after-huge-fire-engulfs-2nd-most-visited-european-theme-park|title=Europa-Park evacuated after huge fire engulfs Europe's 2nd busiest theme park|date=26 May 2018|website=Travel News {{!}} eTurboNews|language=en-US|access-date=8 December 2018}}</ref> | coasters = 14 | water_rides = 12 | owner = Mack Family | status = Open | homepage = [https://www.europapark.de/en www.europapark.de] | coordinates = {{Coord|48|16|06|N|7|43|15|E|region:DE-BW_type:landmark|display=it}} }} [[File:Zeppelin NT N07 (D-LZFN), Friedrichshafen.jpg|thumb|220x220px|A Zeppelin NT (D-LZFN) of Friedrichshafen used for Advertisement]] '''Europa-Park''' is a theme park in Rust, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.<ref>{{cite book |last=Clavé |first=Salvador Anton |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rH-wmRzn6AcC |title=The Global Theme Park Industry |publisher=CAB International |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-84593-208-4 |location=Wallingford |pages=149–151 |oclc=895777155}}</ref> Covering a total area of 95 hectares, twenty themed areas offer around a hundred attractions, including shows and fourteen roller coasters. The park also includes six hotels, a camping site, a tepee village, a cinema and a conference center.<ref name="Attractions" />
According to the AECOM Theme Index 2020, Europa-Park is ranked 19th out of the 25 most visited theme parks in the world and is the third most visited theme park in Europe after Disneyland Paris and Efteling, as well as the most visited seasonal theme park in the world.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020 |title=TEA/AECOM 2020 Theme Index and Museum Index: The Global Attractions Attendance Report |work=Themed Entertainment Association |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2020.pdf |access-date=2023-01-31}}</ref>
The park received 5.4 million visitors in 2022. Alongside Rulantica, the resort had over six million visitors.<ref name=":22">{{cite web|access-date=2023-06-16|language=en-US|title=Theme Index|url=https://aecom.com/theme-index/|website=AECOM}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> Also that year, the Golden Ticket Award jury of the US magazine ''Amusement Today'' voted Europa-Park the "best theme park in the world" for the eighth year in a row.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-28 |title=The Golden Ticket Awards |url=https://goldenticketawards.com/past-gta-winners/ |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=goldenticketawards.com/ |publisher=Amusement Today |language=en-US}}</ref>
== History == === Background and founding === {{See also|Mack Rides}} In 1958, Franz Mack (1921–2010) took over the family firm, ''Mack GmbH & Co. KG'' (now ''Mack Rides''), together with his brothers. Along with his son Roland Mack (born 1949), he visited the US in 1972 and was inspired to open a theme park in Germany as an exhibition site for his company's built amusement rides, including flat rides, dark rides, log flumes, tow boat rides and roller coasters.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ruf |first=Jürgen |date=9 July 2010 |title=Freizeitpark: Warum der Europa-Park Rust anfangs belächelt wurde |url=https://www.welt.de/reise/article8320964/Warum-der-Europa-Park-Rust-anfangs-belächelt-wurde.html |access-date=3 February 2019}}</ref> At first, the park was planned to be located in Breisach. It was named "Europa-Park" after Breisach's nearby ''Europaweiher'', a small artificial lake which commemorates a historical pilot poll held in Breisach in 1950, in which 95.6% of voters were in favor of European unification. The Breisach site was deemed unsuitable because of flooding hazard, and the project moved some {{convert|30|km}} further north, where the Macks bought the park of the ''Balthasar'' castle in Rust.<ref name="Carlà-Uhink 2020 p. 45">{{cite book |last=Carlà-Uhink |first=Filippo |title=Representations of Classical Greece in Theme Parks |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |year=2020 |isbn=978-1-4742-9786-8 |edition=1st |series=IMAGINES – Classical Receptions in the Visual and Performing Arts |page=45 |language=en}}</ref> An adjacent fairy-tale park was acquired as an additional site.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}
The park opened on 12 July 1975 with an area of 16 hectares. Initially, the park was managed by Franz Mack. Later his sons Roland and Jürgen Mack joined the management. It counted 250,000 visitors in the first year; 700,000 in the second; and passed the million mark in 1978.<ref name="Stieber 2014 p. 144">{{cite book |last=Stieber |first=Benno |title=Roland Mack: Herr der Achterbahnen |publisher=Verlag Herder |year=2014 |isbn=978-3-451-80215-7 |edition=1st |page=144 |language=de |trans-title=Roland Mack: King of fun}}</ref>
=== Themed areas and growth (1980s–2012) === thumb|220x220px|Overview of parts of the park in 2004 In 1982, the first country-themed section opened featuring ''Italy''. Like most of the original themed areas at Europa-Park, it was designed by Ulrich Damrau. Later, the ''Alpenexpress "Enzian"'' and ''Schweizer Bobbahn'' rides opened in 1984 and 1985, respectively. The ''European'' theme was pursued further with the opening of the sections ''Holland'' (1984), ''England'' (1988), ''France'' (1990), ''Scandinavia'' (1992), ''Spain'' (1994) and the ''German Alley'' (1996).<ref name="Gebhardt Hitzler Pfadenhauer 2013 p. 138">{{cite book |last1=Borman |first1=Regina |title=Events: Soziologie des Außergewöhnlichen (Erlebniswelten) |publisher=Leske + Budrich Verlag |year=2000 |isbn=978-3-322-95155-7 |volume=2 |page=138 |language=de |trans-title=Eventmaschinerie Erlebnispark: System integration through performative institutions |chapter=Event machinery experience park: system integration through performative institutions}}</ref> In 1991, for the first time the park counted over 2 million visitors. With ''El Andaluz'' in 1995, the first hotel in a German theme park was opened. An increase in the length of stay resulting from growing number of attractions in the park led to an increase in the demand for overnight accommodation. In its first year, the hotel was booked to 87% of its capacity. In 1999, it was followed by the construction of the hotel ''Castillo Alcazar''.<ref name="Coastersandmore.de">{{cite web |date=2005 |title=Europa-Park wird 30 Jahre alt |trans-title=Europa-Park turns 30 |url=http://www.coastersandmore.de/previews/europapark30geb/europapark30geb.shtml |access-date=2022-11-02 |website=Coastersandmore.de |language=de}}</ref> By 2001, the number of visitors had risen to 3.1 million.<ref name="Müller 2016 p. 63">{{cite book |last=Müller |first=Siegfried |title=Kultur in Deutschland: Vom Kaiserreich bis zur Wiedervereinigung |publisher=Kohlhammer Verlag |year=2016 |isbn=978-3-17-031846-5 |page=63 |language=de |trans-title=Culture in Germany: From the Empire to Reunification}}</ref> The same year, Europa-Park was the first theme park in Germany operating in winter as well, with 180,000 visitors in that season.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2012-11-28 |title=Der winterliche Europa-Park |trans-title=The wintry Europa-Park |url=http://www.parkscout.de/magazin/der-winterliche-europa-park/winterwunderland |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=www.parkscout.de |language=de |archive-date=22 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222083449/https://www.parkscout.de/magazin/der-winterliche-europa-park/winterwunderland |url-status=dead }}</ref> In order to strengthen its own brand and initiate the park's business activities in digital formats, Michael Mack founded ''MackMedia'' in 2002. The company shoots image and advertising films, produces music videos, games and special films.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Baches |first=Zoé |date=2018-09-12 |title=Europapark in Rust - ein Erfolgsmodell |language=de |trans-title=Europapark in Rust - a model of success |pages=28 |work=Neue Zürcher Zeitung}}</ref> After a continuous increase of visitors the following years, in 2011, the park counted 4.5 million visitors,<ref name="Zeitung 2013">{{cite web |date=2013-01-02 |title=Neuer Rekord: Mehr als 4,5 Millionen Besucher im Europa-Park Rust |trans-title=New record: More than 4.5 million visitors at Europa-Park Rust |url=https://www.badische-zeitung.de/neuer-rekord-mehr-als-4-5-millionen-besucher-im-europa-park-rust--67749905.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=www.badische-zeitung.de |publisher=Badische Zeitung |language=de}}</ref> and by 2012 the park encompassed an area of {{convert|90|ha}}, featuring eleven roller-coasters, five themed hotels with a turnover of close to EUR 300 million and more than 3,000 employees.<ref name="Handelsblatt 2019">{{cite web |last1=Hofer |first1=Joachim |last2=Buchenau |first2=Martin-W. |date=2019-11-26 |title=Europa-Park-Gründer: 20 Jahre hat Roland Mack auf sein 200 Millionen Euro teures Spaßbad hingearbeitet |trans-title=Europa Park founder: Roland Mack spent 20 years working towards his 200 million euro fun pool |url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/mittelstand/familienunternehmer/europa-park-gruender-20-jahre-hat-roland-mack-auf-sein-200-millionen-euro-teures-spassbad-hingearbeitet/25266240.html |access-date=2022-11-02 |website=www.handelsblatt.com |publisher=Handelsblatt |language=de}}</ref>
=== Further expansion and fire incident (2012–2018) === {{See also|Incidents at European amusement parks#Europa Park, Rust, Germany}} thumb|293x293px|Ed Euromaus, the park mascot developed by MackMedia (pictured in 2011) In 2012, the water park project Rulantica was initiated.<ref name="Frank 2014_2">{{cite web |last=Frank |first=Thomas |date=2014-07-09 |title=Das wird der Europa-Park Wasserpark bieten: alle Infos von der Pressekonferenz am 8. Juli 2014 |trans-title=This is what the Europa-Park Water Park will offer: all info from the press conference on 8 July 2014 |url=https://www.parkerlebnis.de/europa-park-wasserpark-alle-informationen_5563.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Parkerlebnis.de |publisher=Parkerlebnis |language=de}}</ref> Two years later, the Rulantica brand was registered by Europa-Park GmbH & Co Mack KG.<ref name="Frank 2014">{{cite web |last=Frank |first=Thomas |date=2014-04-28 |title="Rulantica" im Europa-Park enthüllt – was steckt dahinter? |trans-title="Rulantica" unveiled at Europa-Park - what's behind it? |url=https://www.parkerlebnis.de/rulantica-im-europa-park-enthuellt-was-steckt-dahinter_4418.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Parkerlebnis.de |publisher=Parkerlebnis |language=de}}</ref> In 2017, Europa-Park opened the attraction ''Voletarium,'' the biggest flight motion simulator theater in Europe. The flying theater features a queue line with multiple pre-show elements culminating in the main ride section: a film showcasing European landmarks which lasts for 4 minutes and 30 seconds.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ralph |first=Owen |date=2017-06-07 |title=Voletarium – Europe's largest flying theatre is also the world's best themed |url=https://blooloop.com/brands-ip/in-depth/voletarium-europa-park/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=blooloop.com |publisher=Blooloop |language=en-GB}}</ref>
On 26 May 2018, a fire broke out in a building complex near to the park's ''Holland'' and ''Scandinavia'' areas. Despite the efforts of the fire department, the building was destroyed, along with parts of the neighboring Scandinavia section. According to the operators, the incident resulted in tens of millions of Euros in property damage. No visitors or employees were injured, but seven firefighters suffered minor injuries during firefighting operations. With the exception of a few hot spots, the fire was mostly extinguished and the park reopened the very next morning. Only the destroyed ''Pirates in Batavia'' ride, a restaurant, a theatre, a few shops, the fjørd ride, as well as the neighboring attraction ''Koffiekopjes'', remained closed for refurbishment.<ref name="independent.co.uk">{{Cite web |last=Stubley |first=Peter |date=2018-05-27 |title=Fire rips through Germany's largest amusement park as 25,000 people are evacuated |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/europa-amusement-park-fire-evacuated-visitors-rust-germany-a8371811.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=www.independent.co.uk |publisher=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> On 6 June 2018, the Offenburg police stated that the fire broke out due to a technical failure in the fjørd water ride.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-06-06 |title=Großbrand im Europa-Park: Ursache steht offenbar fest |trans-title=Major fire at Europa-Park: Cause apparently determined |url=https://www.hna.de/welt/europa-park-rust-grund-fuer-grossbrand-offenbar-geklaert-zr-9928596.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=www.hna.de |publisher=Hessische/Niedersächsische Allgemeine |language=de}}</ref> The Scandinavian village area and ''Pirates'' ''Batavia'' ride were both rebuilt based on their original designs with certain additions and modernizations, and reopened in July 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Geldermann |first=Sascha |date=2020-07-28 |title=Nach dem Brand im Europapark kehren die "Piraten in Batavia" nun zurück |trans-title=After the fire at Europapark, the "Pirates in Batavia" are now returning |url=https://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/panorama/Europapark-Rust-Nach-dem-Brand-im-Europapark-kehren-die-Piraten-in-Batavia-nun-zurueck-id57819711.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=www.augsburger-allgemeine.de |publisher=Augsburger Allgemeine |language=de}}</ref>
Further, in 2019 the new dark ride ''Snorri Tours'' was established in this area, which has taken the water world of ''Rulantica'' and its mascot ''Snorri'' as its theme. Snorri Tours was the prototype of a media dark ride by ''Tacumeon Rides'', a newly founded sister company of Mack Rides that specializes in marketing media-based attractions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baumann |first=Björn |title=Snorri Touren - Europa-Park |trans-title=Snorri Tours - Europa-Park |url=https://www.freizeitpark-welt.de/freizeitparks/europa_park/attraktionen/snorri-touren-r2324 |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=www.freizeitpark-welt.de |publisher=Freizeitpark-Welt.de |language=de}}</ref>
=== Opening of Rulantica and COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2021) === {{See also|Rulantica}} After several years of construction, Europa-Park's water park ''Rulantica'' was completed in October 2019, and was opened on 28 November 2019. Until then, the total cost was estimated at EUR 180 million.<ref name="Stuttgarter Nachrichten 2019">{{cite web |date=2019-11-28 |title=Europa-Park Rust: Rulantica jetzt für alle offen |trans-title=Europa-Park Rust: Rulantica now open to all |url=https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/inhalt.europa-park-rust-es-ist-angebadet.9b719233-02e7-4628-bee7-32e18fa91acd.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=stuttgarter-nachrichten.de |publisher=Stuttgarter Nachrichten |language=de}}</ref> After initial speculations, the park is located near the Europa-Park, but operates separately from the latter. Rulantica contains the actual water park with more than 30 slides and attractions, the ''Krønasår'' hotel, the ''Hyggedal'' sauna and relax area, as well as car parks.<ref name="Bauer 2020">{{cite web |last=Bauer |first=Adrian |date=2020-12-16 |title=Platz für Geschichten - warum der Europapark so erfolgreich ist |trans-title=Room for stories - why Europapark is so successful |url=https://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/reise/Freizeitpark-Platz-fuer-Geschichten-warum-der-Europapark-so-erfolgreich-ist-id50742116.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Augsburger Allgemeine |language=de}}</ref> The park includes 13 themed areas with a total square footage of {{convert|4|ha}} of which more than {{convert|3.26|ha}} are indoors.<ref name="StuttgarterNachrichten 2021">{{cite web |date=2021-10-25 |title=Europa-Park im Winter: Rulantica begeistert zu jeder Jahreszeit |trans-title=Europa-Park in winter: Rulantica delights at any time of year |url=https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/inhalt.europa-park-im-winter-rulantica-begeistert-zu-jeder-jahreszeit.8b5d311f-dede-4788-ae09-f761affa0eac.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Stuttgarter Nachrichten |language=de}}</ref>
In 2019, before the COVID-19-pandemic, the Europa-Park had over 5.7 million people visiting. Due to the pandemic the park had to shut down operations temporarily. As a result, the park registered significant declines in visitors in 2020 and 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-02 |title=Europa-Park übersteht Corona: Über sechs Millionen Besucher |trans-title=Europa-Park survives Corona: Over six million visitors |url=https://www.n-tv.de/regionales/baden-wuerttemberg/Europa-Park-uebersteht-Corona-Uber-sechs-Millionen-Besucher-article23817530.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=n-tv.de |publisher=n-tv |language=de}}</ref> On average, in 2020 and 2021, around 2.75 million visitors were counted.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Graefe |first=Lena |date=2022-10-22 |title=Freizeitpark: Besucher des Europa-Parks |trans-title=Theme park: Europa-Park visitors |url=https://de.statista.com/statistik/daten/studie/234539/umfrage/besucherzahlen-fuehrender-freizeitparks-weltweit/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=de.statista.com |publisher=Statista |language=de}}</ref> In addition, the pandemic strained the staff situation. As a result, the park had to cap the number of daily visitors temporarily in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-23 |title=Europapark Rust deckelt Besucherzahl |trans-title=Europapark Rust caps visitor numbers |url=https://www.merkur.de/reise/europapark-rust-deckelt-besucherzahl-zr-91625245.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=www.merkur.de |publisher=Merkur |language=de}}</ref>
=== Recent development (2022 onwards) === In 2017, Europa-Park acknowledged allegations of racial and cultural insensitivities; some attractions in the ''Adventure Land'' featured potentially offensive portrayals of African people as "tribal" (with white characters featured as colonial rulers and safari hunters). However, no major changes were made to the attraction until 2021, only minor changes such as changing the name of the ''Colonial Food Station'' to ''Adventure Food Station''. The reason given for the delay was the Covid pandemic. In January 2022, it was announced that the ''Jungle Rafts'' ride would be closed until the start of the 2023 season, to be completely renovated and rethemed as a new part of the ''Austria'' area.<ref>{{cite news |date=2022-01-07 |title=Nach Rassismus-Vorwürfen: Europa-Park will »Dschungel-Floßfahrt" zu "Österreich«-Attraktion umbauen |language=de |trans-title=After accusations of racism: Europa-Park wants to convert "Jungle Raft Ride" into "Austria" attraction |work=Der Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/europa-park-will-dschungel-flossfahrt-umbauen-a-866c33b2-7be6-466f-a254-565957c78b07 |access-date=2023-02-02}}</ref> In March 2022, the Jungle Rafts ride reopened under the new name ''Josefina’s Magical Imperial Journey'' (now themed to the adjacent Austrian-themed area), with all references to colonial Africa removed. The final reconstruction will take place in several phases in the next years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Thomas |date=2022-03-18 |title="Josefinas kaiserliche Zauberreise" beginnt im Europa-Park: So ist die neue Fahrt! |trans-title="Josefina's Imperial Magic Journey" starts at Europa-Park: That's what the new ride is like! |url=https://www.parkerlebnis.de/josefinas-kaiserliche-zauberreise-europa-park-einblicke-fahrt_136734.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=parkerlebnis.de |publisher=Parkerlebnis |language=de-DE}}</ref>
In 2022, the resort, including Rulantica, surpassed the threshold of 6 million visitors for the first time.<ref name="Visitors">{{Cite web |date=2023-01-02 |title=Mehr als 6 Millionen Besucher im Europapark: 2022 war Rekord-Saison |trans-title=More than 6 million visitors at Europapark: 2022 was a record season |url=https://www.swr.de/swraktuell/baden-wuerttemberg/suedbaden/europapark-rust-mit-besucherrekord-100.html |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=swr.online |publisher=Südwestrundfunk |language=de}}</ref> In November of the same year, the new restaurant experience Eatrenalin opened.<ref name="Employee count">{{Cite web |last=Neßmann |first=Maxi |date=2023-01-27 |title=Job-Speed-Dating im Europa-Park |trans-title=Job Speed Dating at Europa-Park |url=https://www.food-service.de/management/news/350-stellen-zu-besetzen-job-speed-dating-im-europa-park-54685 |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=www.food-service.de |publisher=Deutscher Fachverlag |language=de}}</ref> Further, construction work began on the new ''Croatia'' themed area. Its main attraction, Voltron Nevera, was announced be a further development of the ''Big Dipper'' ride model from ''Mack Rides'', dubbed a "Stryker Coaster" - a roller coaster that allows direction changes in a tight radius - set to be arranged around a replica of the Wardenclyffe Tower. Initially scheduled to open in 2023, it was postponed to 2024 due to supply difficulties.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-24 |title=Freie Fahrt voraus in Kroatien: Europa-Park erhält Baugenehmigung für neue Achterbahn |trans-title=Free ride ahead in Croatia: Europa-Park receives building permit for new roller coaster |url=https://www.schwarzwaelder-bote.de/inhalt.freie-fahrt-voraus-in-kroatien-europa-park-erhaelt-baugenehmigung-fuer-neue-achterbahn.8d7371d9-c21d-4f58-b63e-6065fe8e2bfb.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=schwarzwaelder-bote.de |publisher=Lahrer Zeitung |language=de}}</ref>
On 19 June 2023, a fire broke out in a control room. It was believed to be caused by corroded wiring. The fire caused the park to be evacuated and drew 450 firefighters and emergency personnel to the scene. The blaze was brought under control with only two firefighters lightly injured, and the park reopened the next day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/germany-theme-park-fire-europa-park-cba8d331df4f4305a0167ec2f2a4ac7c |title=Germany's biggest theme park to reopen after large fire forces evacuation |publisher=AP News |date=June 19, 2023|access-date=July 24, 2023}}</ref>
On 26 April 2024, ''Voltron Nevera powered by Rimac'' opened to the public. This roller coaster, inspired by the Croatian electric super car Rimac Nevera, is located in the Croatian area, which is the 17th themed zone of the park.<ref>[https://goblackforest.co.il/voltron-nevera/ Voltron Nevera]</ref> thumb
== Operator == Europa-Park is operated by ''Europa-Park GmbH & Co Mack KG''. The Mack family has been producing roller coasters and attractions for eight generations since 1880. Managing directors of the park are Roland Mack, his brother Jürgen Mack and Roland Mack's sons Thomas Mack and Michael Mack.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vetter |first=Philip |date=2017-08-27 |title=Europapark: "Wir sind das Netflix der Branche" |trans-title=Europapark: "We are the Netflix of the industry" |url=https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article168007630/So-will-der-Europapark-Disney-Konkurrenz-machen.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=www.welt.de |publisher=Die Welt |language=de}}</ref> In the fiscal year 2020/2021, the operating company generated revenues of €149,665,000 <ref name="Revenue">{{Cite news |date=2022-07-27 |title=Jahresabschluss zum Geschäftsjahr vom 01.04.2020 bis zum 31.03.2021 |language=de |trans-title=Annual financial statements for the financial year from 01.04.2020 to 31.03.2021 |work=Bundesanzeiger}}</ref> and employed around 4,500 people (2022).<ref name="Revenue" />
Further, with the subsidiary ''Mack Media & Brands GmbH & Co KG'' Europa-Park ventures beyond the theme park business and produces films, video games and operates a music label.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chris |date=2017-06-29 |title=MackMedia startet nun auch als Musiklabel durch |trans-title=MackMedia now also takes off as a music label |url=https://www.themepark-central.de/mackmedia-startet-nun-auch-als-musiklabel-durch/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=www.themepark-central.de |publisher=Themepark Central |language=de}}</ref>
== Attendance == {| class="wikitable" |+Number of visitors to Europa-Park from 2009 to 2023 (in million)<ref name=":2" /><ref name="Visitors" /><ref name="visitors">{{cite web |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2023.pdf |title=TEA/AECOM 2023 Theme Index and Museum Index |website=aecom.com |publisher=Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) |date=2024 |page=30 |format=PDF |language=en |access-date=2 September 2025 }}</ref> !2009 !2010 !2011 !2012 !2013 !2014 !2015 !2016 !2017 !2018 !2019 !2020 !2021 !2022 !2023 |- |4.25 |4.25 |4.5 |4.6 |4.9 |5. |5.5 |5.6 |5.7 |5.72 |5.75 |2.5 |3 |5.4 |6 |}
== Infrastructure == The park is divided into 21 thematic areas, 18 of which are European countries/regions and are designed to be authentically featuring the respective region (2026). They are intended to give visitors the feeling of being able to discover several European countries within one day. The first themed area was ''Italy'' in 1982. The Swiss mountain village of Grimentz served as the structural model for area ''Switzerland''. From 1990 until 2010 the ''Lilac Chocoland'' was a themed area with no direct connection to the country, but to Milka instead. Its attractions were first added to the ''English'' area, then used to create ''Luxembourg''. The 3 remaining themed areas with no connection to a country are ''Adventure Land'', ''Grimm's Fairytale Forest'' and ''Kingdom of the Minimoys''.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Kopf |first=Marten |date=2022-02-21 |title=Europapark: Kurios! Daher hat der Freizeitpark seinen Namen |trans-title=Europapark: Curious! That's how the theme park got its name |url=https://www.heidelberg24.de/verbraucher/europapark-rust-name-bw-themenbereich-laender-see-geschichte-eroeffnung-91342187.html |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=www.heidelberg24.de |publisher=Heidelberg 24 |language=de}}</ref> {|role=presentation| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" |+Areas representing european countries / regions<ref name=":3" /> !Area !Opened !Comment |- |Italy||1982||| |- |Netherlands||1984, 2020|||The village opened in 1984 as ''Holländisches Dorf'' ("Dutch village") and was expanded later. In 2018 a fire destroyed parts of the area and it was subsequently rebuilt. |- |England||1988|||Created by retheming attractions in the former center of the park. Initially called ''Victoria Square''. |- |France||1990|||Initially named ''Quartier Français''. |- |Scandinavia||1992, 2019|||Fjord Rafts were opened in 1991 and the village in 1992. The 2018 fire destroyed the village completely (except for the stave church) and it was subsequently rebuilt. |- |Austria||1992|||Created by retheming rides previously belonging to ''Adventure Land''. Expanded later. |- |Switzerland||1993|||Schweizer Bobbahn opened in 1985 without the village, which opened in 1993. |- |Spain||1994||| |- |Germany||1996|||The ''German Allee'' opened in 1996 and was later merged with the ''Castle's Garden'' area (older attractions close to the Balthasar Castle) into a single german section. |- |Russia||1998||| |- |Greece||2000|||Expanded in 2007 by retheming the (formerly Swiss) Ice Stadium. |- |Portugal||2005||| |- |Iceland||2009||| |- |Luxembourg||2016|||Created by retheming the area previously named ''Lilac Chocolate Land''. |- |Ireland||2016|||Created by retheming the ''World of Children''. |- |Liechtenstein||2023|||Created by moving the Balloon Ride and retheming it. |- |Croatia||2024||| |- |Monaco||2026|||Created by retheming the station building and plaza in front of Silver Star (previously French). |} {|role=presentation| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" |+Areas not representing specific countries !Area !Opened !Comment |- |Adventure Land||1990|||Created by grouping all attractions around the park's lake into one area on the map in 1990. The area was made smaller through the years by retheming most of the attractions to become Austrian or to belong to the Grimm's Fairytale Forest. It currently only consists of a self-service restaurant, a snack shop and a water playground on the west side of the lake<ref>{{Cite web |title=Adventure Land {{!}} Europa-Park Erlebnis-Resort |url=https://www.europapark.de/en/theme-park/attractions/themed-areas/adventure-land |access-date=2026-03-10 |website=www.europapark.de |language=en}}</ref>. |- |Grimm's Fairytale Forest||2011|||Redesign and reconstruction of the 1975 ''Fairytale Avenue''. Consists of attractions based on the German Grimm brothers fairytales. |- |The Minimoys Kingdom||2014|||Themed after ''Arthur and the Minimoys'', by French director Luc Besson. |- |}
== Attractions == The theme park offers a mixture of rides, themed areas and parks. One of the main attractions is the hypercoaster<ref>https://rcdb.com/1414.htm</ref> Silver Star, which was planned by the Swiss engineering office Bolliger & Mabillard and constructed in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ruschmann |first=Dirk |date=2006-09-27 |title=Nie vom Gas gehen |language=de |trans-title=Never let off the gas |pages=66 |work=Bilanz |issue=16}}</ref>
The roller coaster Euro-Mir has rotatable gondolas, so the ride is temporarily backwards. The ride in Eurosat CanCan Coaster takes place in a big sphere which is designed with special effects that create the illusion of a night flight over Paris; it was inspired by the style of Moulin Rouge. Euro-Mir and Eurosat are among the few roller coasters in the world that have a drum lift to move the coaster cars upwards. The ascent in a drum lift runs on spirally laid rails, in the middle of which there is a rotating body. At the bottom of the ride, the rotating body connects itself with a gripper arm to the coaster car, transports it upwards, and disconnects again.
The Blue Fire Megacoaster is the first launched roller coaster in the Europa-Park, including a linear motor start and rollover elements, namely one looping, two corkscrews and one heartline roll. This roller coaster accelerates from 0 to {{convert|100|km/h|0|abbr=on}} in 2.5 seconds, reaches a maximum velocity of {{convert|110|km/h|0|abbr=on}}, is {{convert|38|m}} high and {{convert|1056|m}} long. In 2012, the first wooden rollercoaster Wodan - Timburcoaster opened. A special feature of this roller coaster is that it crosses paths with the Blue Fire Megacoaster and the Atlantic Supersplash water coaster.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Europa-Park: Achterbahnen für den Adrenalinkick |trans-title=Europa-Park: Roller coasters for the adrenaline rush |url=https://www.dertour.de/reisemagazin/europapark-achterbahnen |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=www.dertour.de |publisher=Dertour |language=de}}</ref>
=== Roller coasters === {| class="wikitable" !Name<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Attraktionen |trans-title=Attractions |url=https://www.europapark.de/de/freizeitpark/attraktionen |access-date=2023-02-04 |website=www.europapark.de |publisher=Europa-Park |language=de}}</ref> !Image !Year opened !Manufacturer !Location !Description/Type !Height !Length !max. Speed !max. G-Force !Capacity <small>(in pers/h)</small> !Ride Duration <small>(in min.)</small> !min. Age !min. Size |- |Alpenexpress Enzian (formerly Grottenblitz) |{{NA|}}110px |1984/2024 |Mack Rides |Austria |Mine train, powered coaster |6 m |264 m |{{convert|45|km/h|0|abbr=on}} |2 |1100 |1:40 |4 |100 cm |- |Schweizer Bobbahn |{{NA|}}110px |1985 |Mack Rides |Switzerland |Bobsled coaster |19 m |487 m |{{convert|50|km/h|0|abbr=on}} |3 |1100 |1:45 |6 |120 cm |- |Eurosat - CanCan Coaster (formerly Eurosat) |110x110px |1989 / 2018 |Mack Rides |France |Indoor coaster |25,5 m |922 m |{{convert|60|km/h|0|abbr=on}} |4 |1600 |3:18 |6 |120 cm |- |Euro-Mir |110x110px |1997 |Mack Rides |Russia |Spinning coaster |28 m |980 m |{{convert|80|km/h|0|abbr=on}} |4 |1600 |4:33 |8 |130 cm |- |Matterhorn Blitz |110x110px |1999 |Mack Rides |Switzerland |Wild mouse |16 m |383 m |{{convert|56|km/h|0|abbr=on}} |2 |960 |3:05 |6 |120 cm |- |Water roller coaster Poseidon |110x110px |2000 |Mack Rides |Greece |Water coaster |23 m |836 m |{{convert|70|km/h|0|abbr=on}} |3 |1690 |4:00 |6 |120 cm |- |Silver Star |147x147px |2002 |Bolliger & Mabillard |France |Hypercoaster |73 m |1620 m |{{convert|127|km/h|0|abbr=on}} |4 |1750 |5:50 |11 |140 cm |- |Atlantica SuperSplash |147x147px |2005 |Mack Rides |Portugal |Water coaster |30 m |390 m |{{convert|80|km/h|0|abbr=on}} |4 |1400 |3:35 |4 |100 cm |- |Pegasus - The YoungStar Coaster |110x110px |2006 |Mack Rides |Greece |Family coaster |13 m |400 m |{{convert|65|km/h|0|abbr=on}} |3 |1000 |2:11 |4 |100 cm |- |Blue Fire Megacoaster |110x110px |2009 |Mack Rides |Iceland |Launched coaster |38 m |1056 m |{{convert|100|km/h|0|abbr=on}} |3,8 |1720 |2:30 |7 |130 cm |- |Wodan Timbur Coaster |110x110px |2012 |Great Coasters International |Iceland |Wooden coaster |40 m |1050 m |{{convert|100|km/h|0|abbr=on}} |3,5 |1250 |3:25 |6 |120 cm |- |ARTHUR |110x110px |2014 |Mack Rides |ARTHUR - In the Minimoys Kingdom |Inverted, spinning, powered coaster |13,5 m |505 m |{{convert|31|km/h|0|abbr=on}} |1,5 |1400 |4:30 |4 |100 cm |- |Ba-a-a Express |147x147px |2016 |ART Engineering |Ireland – Children's World |Kiddie coaster |3 m |67 m |{{convert|20|km/h|0|abbr=on}} |1,5 |400 |1:30 |3 |95 cm |- |Voltron Nevera |147x147px |2024 |Mack Rides |Croatia |Stryker coaster |32.5 m |1385 m |{{convert|90|km/h|0|abbr=on}} |4 |1600 |3:00 |8 |130 cm |}
=== Other attractions === The range of rides is supplemented by several water rides, carousels, and themed rides. The latter are rides with a boat in a water channel or a wagon on a track, which transport the visitors into strange worlds and sceneries with the help of computer-controlled animated puppets (so-called ''animatronics'') or media based content. In detail, the park offers:<ref name=":5" /> {| class="wikitable sortable" !Name !Type !Max. Height !Manufacturer !Location !Year opened |- |Atlantis Adventure |interactive dark ride |– |Mack Rides |Greece |2007 |- |Danube Steamer |boat tour |– |Mack Rides |Austria |1975 (reconstruction in 2007 and 2022, before: "Mississippi Steamer" and "African Queen") |- |Arena of Football |dodgems ride |– |Mack Rides (flooring),<br />Bertazzon (vehicles) |England |2006 |- |Crazy Taxi |demolition derby carousel ride |– |Zamperla |England |2008 |- |Casa da Aventura |indoor-playground |– |– |Portugal |2003 |- |Dancing Dingie |spinning boat |– |Zierer |Ireland – Children's World |2016 |- |Josefina's Magical Imperial Ride |tow boat/dark ride |– |Mack Rides |Austria |1978 (reconstruction in 2022, before: "Finnish Raft Ride" and "Djungle Raft Ride") |- |Ed and Edda's Grand Prix EDventure |Mack Rides Interactive Gameplay Theater |– |Mack Rides |Germany |2025 |- |Elf Ride |boat ride |– |Mack Rides |Germany |1979 (before: "Channel Flower Ride") |- |EP-Express |monorail |6 m |AEG/Von Roll |Germany, Greece, Spain |1995 |- |Euro-Tower |observation tower |75 m |Intamin |France |1983 (reconstruction in 2015) |- |Feria Swing |Music Express |3 m |Mack Rides |Spain |1994 |- |Fjord-Rafting |River rapids ride |8 m |Intamin |Scandinavia |1991 |- |Flying Dutchman |carousel ride |0,5 m |Mack Rides |Netherlands |1982 |- |Cassandra's Curse |Madhouse |4 m |Mack Rides |Greece |2000 |- |Castello dei Medici |Dark Ride |6 m |Mack Rides |Italy |1982 (reconstruction in 2024, before: "Ghost Castle" and "Catello Leone") |- |Jim Knopf |tracked ride |– |Mack Rides |Germany |1977 (reconstruction in 2018, before: "Old 99") |- |Jungfrau Glacier Flight |plane ride |14 m |Mack Rides |Swiss |1989 |- |Koffiekopjes |spinning tea cup ride |– |Mack Rides |Netherlands |1985 |- |Kolumbusjolle |Music Express |3 m |Mack Rides |Spain |1994 (reconstruction in 2015) |- |Lada Autodrom |car ride |– |Mack Rides |Russia |1987 (before: "Bugatti Race Track") |- |Limerick Castle |indoor-playground |– |– |Ireland – Children's World |2016 |- |Lítill Island – Hansgrohe Water Playground |water playground |– |– |Iceland |2010 |- |London Bus |Flying Bus |7 m |Zamperla |England |2008 |- |Madame Freudenreich Curiosités |Dark Ride |5 m |Mack Rides |France |1994 (reconstruction in 2018, before: "Universe of Energy") |- |Puppet Boat Ride |boat ride |– |Mack Rides |Germany |1992 |- |Mini Scooters |kiddie bumper car ride |– |Mack Rides (flooring),<br />Ihle (vehicles) |Netherlands |1977 |- |Monorail |monorail |6 m |Mack Rides |Iceland, Luxembourg |1990 (extended in 2009) |- |Mul-Muls Carousel |jump around |– |Zamperla |Minimoys Kingdom |2014 |- |Old Mac Donald's Tractor Fun |tractor ride |– |Metallbau Emmeln |Ireland – Children's World |2016 |- |Vintage Cars |car ride |– |Mack Rides (track),<br />Ihle (vehicles) |Germany |1976 |- |Panorama Train |Ridable miniature railway |– |Chance Morgan/Chance Rides (rebuilt by SEW Eurodrive) |Germany, England, Spain, Russia |1975 |- |Paul's Playboat |playground |– |– |Ireland – Children's World |2016 |- |Piccolo Mondo |Dark Ride |– |Mack Rides |Italy |1982 (reconstruction in 2011, before: "Ciao Bambini" and "Fairytale Ride") |- |Pirates of Batavia |Water Dark Ride |6 m |Mack Rides |Netherlands |1987 (reconstruction due to fire in 2018) |- |Poppy Towers |family free fall tower |– |Zierer |Minimoys Kingdom |2014 |- |Quipse Paddle Boats |children's rowing boat ride |– |Klarer Freizeitanlagen |Ireland – Children's World |2001 (reconstruction in 2016, before: "Paddletour") |- |Red Baron |carousel ride |7 m |Mack Rides |Netherlands |1980 |- |Snowflake Sleigh Ride |Dark Ride |4 m |Mack Rides |Russia |1998 |- |Sheep Rock |water carousel |– |Mack Rides |Ireland – Children's World |1990 (reconstruction in 2016, before: "Wikinger Boat Ride") |- |Silverstone Race Track |go-kart ride |– |Mack Rides (track),<br />Ihle (vehicles) |England |1975 (before: "Monza Race Track") |- |Snorri Touren |Dark Ride |– |Mack Rides |Scandinavia |2019 |- |Spinning Dragons |carousel ride |– |Mack Rides |Ireland – Children's World |1993 (reconstruction in 2016, before: "Dino-Carousel") |- |The British Carousel |antique carousel |– |Mack Rides |England |1981 (before: "Antiquated Horse-Carousel") |- |Tirol Log Flume |log flume ride |18 m |Mack Rides |Austria |1978 (partial reconstruction after fire in 2023, reopened 2024) |- |Tower Tow |tower ride |9 m |Heege |Ireland – Children's World |2002 (reconstruction in 2016, before: "Light House Fun") |- |Vindjammer |Swing boat |20 m |Huss Park Attractions |Scandinavia |1993 |- |Voletarium |flying theatre |15 m |Brogent Technologies / Kraftwerk Living Technologies |Germany |2017 |- |Volo da Vinci |suspended pedal-monorail |– |ETF Ride Systems |Italy |2011 |- |Whale Adventures – Northern Lights |Splash Battle |– |Mack Rides |Iceland |2010 (reconstruction in 2015, before: "Whale Adventures – Splash Tours") |- |Dwarf City |kiddie fairytale ride |– |Mack Rides |Grimm's Enchanted Forest |1975 |- |Vienna Wave Swing |Swing ride |14 m |Zierer |Austria |2006 |- |Würmchen Wies’n |playground |– |– |Austria |2014 |- |Root Slides |Playground |– |– |Minimoys Kingdom |2014 |}
== Business operations and events == === Events === thumb|220x220px|Euro Dance Festival in 2007 Europa-Park hosts dozens of events throughout the summer season and several events during the winter season.
'''Midsommar event:''' During this event, the park organizes activities to celebrate the summer solstice, which take place around the lake of the Nordic-themed water world ''Rulantica'' and the hotel ''Krønasår''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holt |first=Andre |date=2022-06-13 |title=Europa-Park feiert "Midsommar Havn-Fest" in Juni 2022: Das bietet die Veranstaltung |trans-title=Europa-Park celebrates "Midsommar Havn-Fest" in June 2022: This is what the event offers |url=https://www.parkerlebnis.de/europa-park-midsommar-havn-fest-2022_143910.html |access-date=2023-02-04 |website=www.parkerlebnis.de |publisher=Parkerlebnis |language=de}}</ref>
'''Euro Dance Festival''': Since 2008, between February and March, the Euro Dance Festival takes place for several days. Participants attend a combination of dancing classes and shows and a trade fair caters for the needs of both beginners and professionals, including dance instructors and choreographers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-01-14 |title=Tanzkenntnisse wieder auffrischen |language=de |trans-title=Refreshing the dance skills |pages=10 |work=Schwäbische Zeitung}}</ref>
'''Ladies Only Festival:''' Since 2014 the ''Ladies Only Festival'' takes place on one weekend between the months of January and March, when the park is closed for a winter break. On this occasion, the festival connects elements of fitness, dance, health, beauty and wellness. Every year, around 1,400 participants from German-speaking countries attend more than 150 workshops.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-02-05 |title=Ladies Only Festival |language=de |trans-title=Ladies Only Festival |pages=10 |work=Schwäbische Zeitung}}</ref>
'''Miss Germany Pageant:''' Since 2002, the official election of Miss Germany has taken place every spring in the Europa-Park Dome.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aktuelle News zum Europapark in Baden-Württemberg - HEIDELBERG24 |url=https://www.heidelberg24.de/baden-wuerttemberg/europa-park-org26898 |access-date=2023-02-04 |website=www.heidelberg24.de |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ertan |first=Eyüp |date=2023-02-04 |title=Die Miss-Germany-Wahl im Europa-Park kommt diesmal ohne Laufsteg aus |trans-title=The Miss Germany Pageant at Europa-Park does not need a catwalk this time |url=https://www.badische-zeitung.de/die-miss-germany-wahl-im-europa-park-kommt-diesmal-ohne-laufsteg-aus--240978605.html |access-date=2023-02-04 |website=www.badische-zeitung.de |publisher=Badische Zeitung |language=de}}</ref>
'''Dinner Theater:''' The Europa-Park offers a variety of dinner events on several nights of the year after the amusement park closes. For example, the Dinner Show,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-26 |title=Italienisches Flair - die Dinner-Show zurück im Europa-Park Teatro |trans-title=Italian flair - the dinner show back at Europa-Park Teatro |url=https://www.badische-zeitung.de/italienisches-flair-die-dinner-show-zurueck-im-europa-park-teatro--217696140.html |access-date=2023-02-04 |website=www.badische-zeitung.de |publisher=Badische Zeitung |language=de |archive-date=22 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222083451/https://www.badische-zeitung.de/italienisches-flair-die-dinner-show-zurueck-im-europa-park-teatro--217696140.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> the Baden Medieval Banquet as well as the Dinner & Movie.<ref name="Freizeitparkinfos 2016">{{cite web |date=2016-09-29 |title=Die Veranstaltungen des Europa-Park im Winter 2016/2017 |trans-title=The Europa-Park events in winter 2016/2017 |url=https://www.freizeitparkinfos.de/news/die-veranstaltungen-des-europa-park-im-winter-20162017 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=www.freizeitparkinfos.de |publisher=Freizeitparkinfos |language=de}}</ref>
'''Science Days:''' Every year the Europa-Park hosts the Science Days. The Science Days are mainly aimed at schoolchildren and teachers, but also at anyone between the ages of 9 and 99 who is interested in discovering the world of STEM.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-11 |title=Science Days 2022 im Europa-Park mit 75 Ausstellenden zum Thema "Rechnet mit uns" |trans-title=Science Days 2022 at Europa-Park with 75 exhibitors on the theme "Counting on us |url=https://www.parkerlebnis.de/europa-park-science-days-2022_150998.html |access-date=2023-02-04 |website=www.parkerlebnis.de |publisher=Parkerlebnis |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SCIENCE DAYS – Science & Technologie |url=https://science-days.de/science-days/ |access-date=2023-02-04 |website=science-days.de |publisher=Science Days |language=de}}</ref>
'''CloudFest:''' Formerly known as WebHostingDays, CloudFest is an annual conference in March about cloud computing aimed at commercial organizations. CloudFest 2022 had 150 exhibitors, 250 speakers, and was attended by 7,200 visitors.<ref name="Böttcher 2022">{{cite web |last=Böttcher |first=Sarah |date=2022-03-24 |title=CloudFest 2022 im Europa-Park |trans-title=CloudFest 2022 at Europa-Park |url=https://www.it-business.de/cloudfest-2022-im-europa-park-a-1105392/ |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=www.it-business.de |publisher=IT-BUSINESS – das Branchenmedium für den ITK-Markt |language=de}}</ref>
==== Halloween ==== Europa-Park regularly hosts events on special occasions. Since 1998, especially Halloween has been celebrated, with the Halloween season lasting all October. In the last week of the season, the park organizes a Halloween festival, with fireworks every evening and a special Halloween show program. Specials are the daily Halloween parade with over several dozen artists at noon<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-09-30 |title=Europa-Park: Halloween-Spektakel für die ganze Familie |trans-title=Europa-Park: Halloween spectacle for the whole family |url=https://www.food-service.de/maerkte/news/-Halloween-Spektakel-fuer-die-ganze-Familie-4759 |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.food-service.de/ |publisher=Food-Service |language=de}}</ref> and the evening parade of night ghosts and goblins. Numerous attractions, shows, and food and beverage facilities adopt a Halloween theme as well.<ref name="SÜDKURIER Online 2022">{{cite web |date=2022-10-20 |title=Der große Halloween Europapark Check |trans-title=The big Halloween Europapark Check |url=https://www.suedkurier.de/region/mediathek/nachrichten-aktuelles/der-grosse-halloween-europa-park-check;sts1370736,28728 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=www.suedkurier.de |publisher=Südkurier |language=de}}</ref> In the 2014 season, Europa-Park premiered their independently produced Halloween musical, ''Spook Me!.'' The show was performed in the ''Teatro baroque'' theatre, several times during the Halloween celebrations between 2014 and 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kern |first=Barbara |date=2015-01-30 |title=Spook Me! |url=https://unitedmusicals.de/musical/spook-me/ |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=unitedmusicals.de |publisher=united musicals |language=de}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last=Hafen |first=Matthias |date=2018-05-20 |title=So ein Snorri! |language=de |trans-title=What a Snorri! |pages=29 |work=Zentralschweiz am Sonntag}}</ref>
From 2007 onwards, the park together with Marc Terenzi hosted the ''Horror Nights'' for the first time. The project started with the ''Hell's Inn'' ''hotel''. The horror house stood in the middle of Europa-Park's French themed area next to the Magic Cinema 4D. At the time, 60 monsters were roaming the hotel and the streets of the area. The Horror Nights have been replaced by the ''Traumatica - Festival of Fear''. It takes place in the evenings, partly in the Greek-themed area and partly outside of the theme park's territory. Visitors are taken into a post-apocalyptic world in which five different groups fight for dominance. The group members are played by live actors and are set up in haunted houses with special effects as their main quarters, which can be attended by visitors.<ref name="baden.fm 2022">{{cite web |date=2022-08-31 |title=Europa-Park gestaltet sein Horror-Festival "Traumatica" in diesem Jahr neu |trans-title=Europa-Park redesigns its horror festival "Traumatica" this year |url=https://www.baden.fm/nachrichten/europa-park-gestaltet-sein-horror-festival-traumatica-in-diesem-jahr-neu-1079251/ |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=www.baden.fm |publisher=baden.fm |language=de}}</ref> The show includes 5 horror mazes with over 200 performers. Whereas in 2007, under {{convert|30|l}} of film blood were used, today it is over {{convert|100|l}}. Also a free show was added over the years which is shown twice every evening; since 2022 it includes ''The Traumatica Circus: Dystopia'', and the ''Vampire's Club''. In 2022, ''Traumatica'' received a ''Scare Award'' for the best European event from the Dutch Scare Network for the second time.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Chris |date=2022-10-04 |title=16 Jahre Traumatica – Beste europäische Veranstaltung |trans-title=16 years of Traumatica - Best European event |url=https://www.themepark-central.de/traumatica-scare-award-2022/ |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.themepark-central.de |publisher=Themepark Central |language=de}}</ref>
Located in the Greek themed area in 2006<ref>{{Cite news |date=2006-10-22 |title=Halloween im Europa-Park Gruselt euch! |language=de |trans-title=Halloween at Europa-Park Get spooked! |pages=A8 |work=Berliner Kurier |issue=289}}</ref> and from 2007 to 2011 in the Scandinavian themed area, in the show ''Tortuga - Forgotten Pirates,'' live scare actors awaited visitors in dark corridors. The show was replaced by ''The Villa''. Designed as a Victorian dream house from the 19th century, the creepy maze in the Greek themed area awaited visitors with special effects in addition to numerous live scares.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012 |title=Schocktober in den deutschen Freizeitparks! |trans-title=Shocktober in the German theme parks! |url=https://coasterfriends.de/joomla/magazin/top-news/2182-Schocktober-in-den-deutschen-Freizeitparks! |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=coasterfriends.de |publisher=Coasterfriends |language=de}}</ref>
Every other year from 2011 through 2016, the park's festival grounds were home to the Halloween show ''Mysteria'', offering live music, artistic performances, pyrotechnics, and lighting effects. During off years, 30-minute concerts by the Swiss DJ BoBo took the place of the show. Starting in 2011, the show was set in a ghostly castle with the title ''Mysteria: Castillo Mystico''. In 2017, the show was replaced by the fountain and fire show ''Hellfire Fountains'', offered multiple times every evening in the last week of the season.
==== Other Shows ==== Every day there are also numerous shows with more than 300 international artists.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2020-02-26 |title=Der Europa-Park feiert 45. Geburtstag |trans-title=Europa-Park celebrates its 45th birthday |url=https://www.niederrhein-nachrichten.de/2020/02/26/der-europa-park-feiert-45-geburtstag/ |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.niederrhein-nachrichten.de |publisher=Niederrhein Nachrichten |language=de}}</ref>
Prominent shows take place in the revolving theatre multimedia show. Once introduced as "Das lila Geheimnis" (translated: ''The Purple Secret'') about the creation of Milka chocolate, the attraction later showed "Wunder dieser Welt" (translated: Wonder of this World) and after that the show "Zeitreise" (translated: ''Time travel''), which presented Europa-Park's past. In 2010, for the theme park's 35th anniversary, the revolving theatre was redesigned as the ''Historama'' with insights into the creation of Europa-Park. This theme was maintained until 2017, before the revolving theatre became part of the ''Journey to Rulantica'' as part of an exhibition on the new Europa-Park water park. In 2022, plans wer revealed to replace the current revolving theatre by a new type of ''Gameplay Theatre'' from the manufacturer Mack Rides.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Thomas |date=2022-01-12 |title=Ehemaliges "Historama" im Europa-Park soll zu neuartigem Gameplay-Theater werden |trans-title=Former "Historama" at Europa-Park to become a new type of gameplay theatre |url=https://www.parkerlebnis.de/historama-europa-park-gameplay-theater-mack-rides-plaene_132837.html |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=parkerlebnis.de |publisher=Parkerlebnis |language=de}}</ref>
In 2018 and 2019, ''Rulantica - The Musical'' was shown in the ''Teatro baroque'' theatre, located in the Italian themed area, where, previously, the Halloween musical ''Spook Me!'' took place. Both musicals were composed by Hendrik Schwarzer; the ensemble included Ornella De Santis, who played the female lead in each case.<ref name=":7" /> Since 1999, the annual dinner show "Cirque d'Europe", which changes theme every year, takes place here in winter as well.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Kocher |first=Isabelle |date=2018-02-05 |title=Europa-Park-Dinner-Show "Cirque d'Europe" beendet 18. Spielzeit – neues Programm ab November 2018 |trans-title=Europa-Park dinner show "Cirque d'Europe" ends 18th season - new programme as of November 2018 |url=https://www.parkerlebnis.de/europa-park-dinner-show-cirque-d-europe-finale-2018_56433.html |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.parkerlebnis.de |publisher=Parkerlebnis |language=de}}</ref> In 2020, Peter Valance presented his show ''It's Magic!'' in the theater''.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rushton |first=Elizabeth |date=2021-12-18 |title=Roncalli Weihnachtscircus: Im Berliner Tempodrom geht die Show weiter |trans-title=Roncalli Christmas Circus: The show goes on at the Tempodrom in Berlin |url=https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/wochenende/roncalli-weihnachtscircus-im-berliner-tempodrom-geht-die-show-weiter-li.201224 |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.berliner-zeitung.de |publisher=Berliner Zeitung |language=de}}</ref>
Opened in 2000, the ''Globe Theater'' in Europa-Park's English themed area is a largely accurate smaller replica of the famous London Globe Theatre of William Shakespeare´s time. In the Globe Theatre in the English themed area, amongst others, the show ''Times Three - the Acrobatic Show'' attracts visitors during the summer season.<ref name=":6" />
In addition, other productions are hosted in the ''Spanish Arena'', like medieval knight games; and in the ice stadium, like ''Paddington on Ice<ref name=":9">{{cite web |date=2018-03-22 |title=Europapark startet mit vielen Neuheiten in die Saison 2018 |trans-title=Europapark starts the 2018 season with many novelties |url=https://www.regiotrends.de/de/schon-gelesen/index.news.369502.europa-park-startet-mit-vielen-neuheiten-in-die-saison-2018----vive-la-france,-vive-leurope----franzoesischer-themenbereich-erstrahlt-in-neuem-glanz.html |access-date=5 January 2021 |website=regiotrends.de |publisher=Regiontrends |language=de}}</ref>''.<ref name=":6" /> In 2022, the park presented the show ''ACE – The Adventure Begins'' in the ice stadium.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-17 |title=Regiotrends-Bildreportage: Europa-Park startet in die neue Saison |trans-title=Regiotrends-Bildreportage: Europa-Park startet in die neue Saison |url=https://www.regiotrends.de/de/politisches/index.news.476996.regiotrends-bildreportage-europa-park-startet-in-die-neue-saison--inhaberfamilie-mack-eroeffnete-josefines-kaiserliche-zauberreise-und-kuendigt-neuen-themenbereich-kroatien,-eine-neue-achterbahn-und-das-bahnbrechende-gastronomie-event-konzept-eatrenalin.html |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.regiotrends.de |publisher=Regiotrends |language=de}}</ref>
Since 2008, the park collaborated with DJ Bobo on different occasions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wasserbäch |first=Anja |date=2023-01-14 |title=DJ Bobo-Premiere im Europa Park Rust: Und er tanzt immer noch |trans-title=DJ Bobo premiere at Europa Park Rust: And he's still dancing |url=https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/inhalt.dj-bobo-premiere-im-europa-park-rust-und-er-tanzt-immer-noch.ad6c7dc8-a195-48ea-a7cf-ca81e9cf05cb.html |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=stuttgarter-nachrichten.de |publisher=Stuttgarter Nachrichten |language=de}}</ref>
=== Winter events === In 2001, Europa-Park opened for its first winter season.<ref name=":1" /> During the winter season, the rides at Europa-Park are in operation as usual. In addition to the rides, the focus is on the shows. In winter, the park opens an ice rink, a skibob track, the Big Wheel Bellevue and adds festive decor. The park is also home to an annual Christmas market. Since 2002, the park has been hosting an annual Weihnachtsmann-Treffen (''translated: Santa Claus Convention'').<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Thomas |date=2016-11-11 |title=Günstig zum Europa-Park im Winter 2016? Einfach als Weihnachtsmann gehen! |trans-title=Cheap to Europa-Park in winter 2016? Just go as Father Christmas! |url=https://www.parkerlebnis.de/europa-park-weihnachtsmann-treffen-2016_35040.html |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.parkerlebnis.de |publisher=Parkerlebnis |language=de}}</ref> During winter, most outdoor and/or water rides are closed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Winterzauber |trans-title=Winter wonder |url=https://www.europapark.de/de/freizeitpark/infos/planen-sie-ihren-besuch/winterzauber |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.europapark.de |publisher=Europa-Park |language=de}}</ref> The circus revue is the flagship of the theme park's winter season. It includes professional productions on the ground and in the air.<ref name=":8" /> In keeping with the cold season, there is an ice show as well, with figure skaters performing acrobatics and choreographies.''<ref name=":9" />''
=== 4D cinema === The park's 4D cinema screens different 15-minute short films, the latest being ''Happy Family Next Level'' (2022).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Thomas |date=2022-03-15 |title=Europa-Park zeigt 2022 neuen 4D-Film "Happy Family Next Level" in Magic Cinema |trans-title=Europa-Park to show new 4D film "Happy Family Next Level" in Magic Cinema in 2022 |url=https://www.parkerlebnis.de/europa-park-2022-neuer-4d-film-happy-family-next-level_136428.html |access-date=2023-02-04 |website=www.parkerlebnis.de |publisher=Parkerlebnis |language=de-DE}}</ref> In the evenings after the park closes, current cinema films are shown, often complemented by the additional 4D effects.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018 |title=Magic Cinema 4D - Europa-Park |url=https://www.freizeitpark-welt.de/freizeitparks/europa_park/attraktionen/magic-cinema-4d-s6 |access-date=2023-02-04 |website=www.freizeitpark-welt.de |publisher=Freizeitpark-Welt}}</ref>
=== The Park’s TV production === Channels, such as BR, Sat.1, SWR, ZDF, Nickelodeon and Prosieben, produce shows in the park.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heinsohn |first=Johannes |date=2020-05-20 |title=Europa-Park Rust öffnet wieder seine Türen: Diese Stars drehten hier schon |trans-title=Europa-Park Rust opens its doors again: These stars have already filmed here |url=https://www.tvspielfilm.de/news/tv/europa-park-rust-oeffnet-wieder-seine-tueren-diese-stars-drehten-hier-schon,10159564,ApplicationArticle.html |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=www.tvspielfilm.de |publisher=TV Spielfilm |language=de}}</ref> Each year since the summer of 1995, SWR has been airing its show called Immer wieder sonntags, which has been hosted by Stefan Mross since 2005. The production was moved to the nearby water park Rulantica in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Göpfert |first=Julia |date=2022-01-31 |title=Pläne des Europa-Parks: Immer wieder sonntags zieht nach Rulantica |trans-title=Europa-Park plans: Sundays again and again moves to Rulantica |url=https://www.schwarzwaelder-bote.de/inhalt.plaene-des-europaparks-immer-wieder-sonntags-zieht-nach-rulantica.77de9843-096b-4f30-8984-532f9c30ed19.html |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=schwarzwaelder-bote.de |publisher=Lahrer Zeitung |language=de}}</ref>
== Accommodation == alt=|thumb|220x220px|Main entrance === Europa-Park Resort === The six hotels and the Europa-Park ''Camp Resort'' are combined in the so-called ''Europa-Park Hotel-Resort''. Hotel operations are taking on an increasingly important role in park operations. With its hotels and an expansion of the offers, the park has developed into a tourist destination for visitors who stay for several days. It is no longer - like other parks - solely dependent on day visitors and the weather or on individual target groups.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ruf |first=Jürgen |date=2015-11-03 |title=Fünf Millionen besuchen Europa-Park |pages=9 |work=Südkurier}}</ref> Further, Europa-Park is also home to the restaurant ''Ammolite - The Lighthouse''. Under Peter Hagen-Wiest, it has been awarded two Michelin stars.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ammolite - The Lighthouse Restaurant |url=https://guide.michelin.com/de/de/baden-wurttemberg/rust/restaurant/ammolite-the-lighthouse-restaurant |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=guide.michelin.com |publisher=Michelin Guide |language=de}}</ref>
==== Hotels ==== Source:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Traumhaft übernachten & genießen |trans-title=Dreamlike overnight stay & enjoy |url=https://www.europapark.de/de/uebernachten |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=www.europapark.de |publisher=Europa-Park |language=de}}</ref> * Hotel Colosseo (four star superior), Italian themed * Hotel Santa Isabel (four star superior), themed around a Portuguese Monastery * Hotel El Andaluz (four stars), themed as a Spanish Villa * Hotel Castillo Alcazar (four stars), themed as a Spanish castle * Hotel Bell Rock (four star superior), themed around New England and features a lighthouse * Hotel Krønasår (four star superior), themed as a natural history museum that shows unique and historical objects collected by the ''Adventure Club of Europe'' <gallery> File:ENTRANCE EL ANDALUZ.jpg|El Andaluz File:ENTRANCE AL CANZAR.jpg|Alcazar File:Colosseo.jpg|Colosseo </gallery>
==== Europa-Park Camp-Resort ==== The ''Europa-Park Camp-Resort'' consists of a tipi village and caravanning. In the tipi village, there are tipi tents, log cabins and covered wagons as overnight accommodation. They are arranged in a small western village around a lake, where the "Silverlake Saloon" restaurant is located. At Europa-Park Caravanning, visitors have 200 pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents at their disposal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Camp Resort am Europa-Park |trans-title=Camp Resort am Europa-Park |url=https://2000-reisen.de/unterkunft-hotels-europapark/camp-resort |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=2000-reisen.de |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-06-25 |title=Wilde Nächte im Südwesten |language=de |trans-title=Wild nights in the Southwest |work=Südwest Presse}}</ref>
==== Confertainment Center ==== thumb|right|Interior of the Confertainment Center with the Eden Palladium entrance on the right In addition to numerous smaller halls in the hotels and rooms that are otherwise used by the public, Europa-Park has its own event center next to the main entrance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Räumlichkeiten |trans-title=Premises |url=https://www.europapark.de/de/confertainment/raeumlichkeiten |access-date=2023-02-03 |publisher=Europa-Park |language=de}}</ref> In 2017, the ''Europa-Park Arena'', a hall with three thousand square meters, was opened, which among other things has a gallery. The offer is complemented by smaller conference rooms, which are connected by a common foyer. The larger halls at the park are the ''Europa-Park Dome'', a tent-shaped hall with a round floor plan and a size of {{convert|1250|m2}}, and the ''Ballroom Berlin'', a room that can be divided in the middle and has a total area of eight hundred square meters. Access is from outside the park to allow independent use. As a special feature, the Ballroom Berlin also has its own foyer, which can also be used as a conference room, as well as direct access from the park.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Thomas |date=2016-12-01 |title="Europa-Park Arena" entsteht: Multifunktions-Location für bis zu 5.000 Gäste soll 2017 fertiggestellt werden |trans-title="Europa-Park Arena" is being built: Multifunctional location for up to 5,000 guests to be completed in 2017 |url=https://www.parkerlebnis.de/europa-park-arena-2017-ankuendigung_35822.html |access-date=2023-02-04 |website=www.parkerlebnis.de |publisher=Parkerlebnis |language=de}}</ref>
===== Eden Palladium salon carousel ===== The Eden Palladium is a historic carousel located within the Europa-Park Confertainment Center.<ref name="Europa-ParkBlog">{{Cite web|last=Ganzer|first=Sébastien|date=10 April 2025|title=Le Joyau Secret d’Europa-Park : le Carrousel-Salon Eden Palladium|url=https://blog.europapark.de/fr/europa-park-fr/le-joyau-secret-deuropa-park-le-carrousel-salon-eden-palladium/|work=Europa-Park Blog|language=French|access-date=April 16, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250416234809/https://blog.europapark.de/fr/europa-park-fr/le-joyau-secret-deuropa-park-le-carrousel-salon-eden-palladium/|archive-date=16 April 2025}}</ref><ref name="NewsParcs">{{Cite web|last=Mayné|first=François|date=29 April 2012|title=Europa-Park Purchases a Hundred-Year Old Carousel|url=https://www.newsparcs.com/en/article/00005776-europa_park_purchases_a_hundred_year_old_carousel|work=NewsParcs|access-date=April 16, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241107092634/https://www.newsparcs.com/en/article/00005776-europa_park_purchases_a_hundred_year_old_carousel|archive-date=7 November 2024}}</ref> It was originally built in 1909 by Gustave Bayol in Angers, France, and was opened at its current location in 2012.<ref name="Europa-ParkBlog"/><ref name="NewsParcs"/> The carousel was installed in the Confertainment Center instead of inside Europa-Park due to its fragile state and its inability to accommodate large theme park crowds.<ref name="Europa-ParkBlog"/> It is one of only four salon carousels that still exist.<ref name="Europa-ParkBlog"/>
{{Clear}}
== Transportation == === On-site transportation === thumb|The monorail Due to the size of the park, the three trains, ''EP-Express'', ''Monorail-Bahn'' and ''Panoramabahn'' serve as a means of transport in addition to their function as rides.
The Panoramabahn - a miniature train ride - has been installed since the opening of the park in 1975. The trains are ''C. P. Huntington'' trains that were originally built by Chance Rides. At first, it served as a sightseeing train which departed and arrived near the entrance of the park in the area ''Germany''. Today, the train also stops at train stations in the areas ''England'', ''Spain'', and ''Russia''. The trains have since been rebuilt by SEW Eurodrive, removing the combustion engine and converting the locomotives to environmentally friendly electrification.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Europa-Park: Induktive Ladetechnik für Panaromabahn |trans-title=Europa-Park: Inductive charging technology for Panaroma ride |url=https://www.sew-eurodrive.de/branchen/referenzen/europa-park-panoramabahn/europa-park-panoramabahn.html |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=www.sew-eurodrive.de |publisher=SEW Eurodrive |language=de}}</ref>
The Monorail-Bahn was put into operation in 1990 and was originally intended for sightseeing only, with its starting and finishing point inside the Historama in ''Luxembourg''. In 2009, the monorail was extended by an additional stop in ''Iceland'' allowing passengers to use it as a means of transportation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holt |first=Andre |date=2022-12-12 |title=Europa-Park erweitert über 30 Jahre alte "Monorail-Bahn" um zusätzlichen Zug |url=https://www.parkerlebnis.de/europa-park-monorail-bahn-zusaetzlicher-zug-2022_154805.html |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=parkerlebnis.de |publisher=Parkerlebnis |language=de-DE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-02-17 |title=Europa-Park Rust trotzt der Krise |language=de |trans-title=Europa-Park Rust defies the crisis |pages=31 |work=Thuner Tagblatt}}</ref>
The EP-Express - another elevated monorail - operates in the park since 1995. Inaugurated together with the Hotel El Andaluz in 1995, one of the purposes of the EP-Express was to connect the hotel to the main entrance. Now, it runs a {{convert|2.5|km}} circuit and also connects the hotel complex with other stations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kronenberg |first=Ulrich |date=2021-01-09 |title=Was der EP-Express mit Köln zu tun hat |trans-title=What the EP Express has to do with Cologne |url=https://www.anderswohin.de/europa-park-was-der-ep-express-mit-koeln-zu-tun-hat-hast-du-das-gewusst/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=www.anderswohin.de |language=de}}</ref>
In 2021, the park operators got the permission to build an additional elevated railway system that will connect Europa-Park with its neighbouring park Rulantica.<ref name="Bote 2021">{{cite web |first=Julia |last=Göpfert |date=2021-12-09 |title=Europa-Park kann weiter planen: Zweckverband stimmt für Hochbahn-Pläne |trans-title=Europa-Park can continue planning: Zweckverband votes in favour of Hochbahn plans |url=https://www.schwarzwaelder-bote.de/inhalt.europa-park-kann-weiter-planen-zweckverband-stimmt-fuer-hochbahn-plaene.8c755f99-a888-4ea8-940e-068bfe731aa5.html |access-date=2022-11-02 |website=schwarzwaelder-bote.de |publisher=Lahrer Zeitung |language=de}}</ref> In addition, a moving walkway called ''Express Lane'' was put into operation in the park's parking lot park in 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-07-11 |title=Europa im 360-Grad-Blick |language=de |trans-title=A 360-degree view of Europe |pages=B3 |work=Badische Zeitung}}</ref>
=== Connection to the park === Europa-Park is located in Rust, Baden, between Freiburg im Breisgau and Offenburg, west of the A5 motorway.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-04-18 |title=Europa-Park in Rust bekommt besseren Anschluss an die A5 |trans-title=Europa-Park in Rust gets better connection to the A5 |url=https://www.baden.fm/nachrichten/europa-park-in-rust-bekommt-besseren-anschluss-an-die-a5-173030/ |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.baden.fm |publisher=baden.fm |language=de}}</ref> Since 2002, the park has had its own junction and access road.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kontio |first=Carina |date=2016-01-14 |title=Chronik Europa-Park: Wie Deutschlands größter Freizeitpark entstand |trans-title=Chronicle Europa-Park: How Germany's largest theme park came into being |url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/mittelstand/hall-of-fame-2016/chronik-europa-park-wie-deutschlands-groesster-freizeitpark-entstand/12815030.html |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.handelsblatt.com |publisher=Handelsblatt |language=de}}</ref> The Rhine, which forms the border with France here, is {{convert|2.5|km}} away as the crow flies. The nearest border crossing is the ferry between Kappel-Grafenhausen and Rhinau, {{convert|7|km}} away.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fähre Kappel |trans-title=Ferry Kappel |url=http://fähren-rhein.de/faehren/faehre-rhenanus-kappel-grafenhausen-rheinau/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=fähren-rhein.de |language=de}}</ref> The nearest railway station is Ringsheim, from where regional trains run to Offenburg, among others. Since 1 June 2021, Ringsheim has also been a long-distance stop, on the way of the EuroCity Express from Frankfurt to Milan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-01 |title=Erster Fernzug hält für Europa-Park-Besucher ab sofort auch in Ringsheim |trans-title=First long-distance train now also stops in Ringsheim for Europa Park visitors |url=https://www.baden.fm/nachrichten/erster-fernzug-haelt-fuer-europa-park-besucher-ab-sofort-auch-in-ringsheim-748156/ |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.baden.fm |publisher=baden.fm |language=de}}</ref> Since then, the park has been also connected to the German high-speed rail system,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Betz |first=Valentin |date=2020-10-16 |title=Europapark bekommt eigenen ICE-Halt - von Frankfurt in zwei Stunden erreichbar |trans-title=Europapark gets its own ICE stop - reachable from Frankfurt in two hours |url=https://www.bw24.de/baden-wuerttemberg/europa-park-rust-freizeitpark-besucher-anreise-deutsche-bahn-ice-frankfurt-mailand-bahnhof-ringsheim-90065760.html |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=www.bw24.de |publisher=BW24 |language=de}}</ref> and since 2022 Europa-Park has also been connected to the French high-speed rail system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schülke |first=Sophia |date=2022-09-27 |title=Neue Verbindung über Straßburg: Schneller mit dem Zug: TGV hält ab Dezember am Europa-Park |trans-title=New connection via Strasbourg: Faster by train: TGV stops at Europa-Park as of December |url=https://www.saarbruecker-zeitung.de/saarland/blickzumnachbarn/frankreich/sncf-bindet-europa-park-mit-hochgeschwindigkeitszug-tgv-an_aid-77416593 |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=www.saarbruecker-zeitung.de |publisher=Saarbrücker Zeitung |language=de}}</ref> The Südbadenbus (SBG) runs several times a day between Ringsheim station and the park's main entrance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Europa-Park- & Rulantica-Bus: von Ringsheim und Herbolzheim nach Rust |trans-title=Europa Park & Rulantica Bus: from Ringsheim and Herbolzheim to Rust |url=https://www.dbregiobus-bawue.de/angebot/freizeitbusse/suedbadenbus/europaparkbus |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.dbregiobus-bawue.de |publisher=DB Regio |language=de}}</ref> Direct buses also run from Emmendingen and Herbolzheim. Lines 271 and 531 of Réseau 67, the public transport system of the Département Bas Rhin, connect the park with Strasbourg and Sélestat.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021 |title=Ligne 271 and Ligne 531 |language=fr |trans-title=Line 271 and Line 531 |work=Fluo Grand Est |url=https://www.bas-rhin.fr/media/1591/cea-navette-ete-2021-strasbourg-selestat-europa-park.pdf |access-date=2023-02-02}}</ref> Europa-Park can also be reached by long-distance buses operated by Flixbus. Services 007 (Zurich-Hamburg), 008 (Freiburg-Tübingen) and 011 (Constance-Saarbrücken) stop at Rheinweg, about {{convert|100|m}} from the main entrance. Europa-Park can also be reached by scheduled flights via Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airport, from where shuttle services are offered.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tourismus in der Region |trans-title=Tourism in the region |url=https://www.baden-airpark.de/passagiere-und-besucher/tourismus-in-der-region/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=www.baden-airpark.de |publisher=Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport |language=de}}</ref>
== Bibliography == * Borman, Regina (2000). "Event machinery experience park: system integration through performative institutions". Events: Soziologie des Außergewöhnlichen (Erlebniswelten) [Eventmaschinerie Erlebnispark: System integration through performative institutions]. Erlebniswelten (in German). Vol. 2. Leske + Budrich Verlag. ISBN 978-3-322-95155-7. * Carlà-Uhink, Filippo (2020). Representations of Classical Greece in Theme Parks. IMAGINES – Classical Receptions in the Visual and Performing Arts (1st ed.). Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4742-9786-8. * Clavé, Salvador Anton (2007). The Global Theme Park Industry. Wallingford: CAB International. ISBN 978-1-84593-208-4. * Müller, Siegfried (2016). Kultur in Deutschland: Vom Kaiserreich bis zur Wiedervereinigung [Culture in Germany: From the Empire to Reunification] (in German). Kohlhammer Verlag. ISBN 978-3-17-031846-5. * Stieber, Benno (2014). Roland Mack: Herr der Achterbahnen [Roland Mack: King of fun] (in German) (1st ed.). Verlag Herder. ISBN 978-3-451-80215-7.
== See also == * List of amusement parks in Europe * Mack Rides
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons and category|Europa-Park|Europa-Park}} {{wikivoyage|Europa Park}}
* {{in lang|en}} [https://www.europapark.de/en Europa-Park] (Official Site)
{{Europa-Park}} {{Navigation Applause Award}} {{Authority control}}
Category:1975 establishments in West Germany Category:Amusement parks in Germany Category:Amusement parks opened in 1975 Category:Buildings and structures in Ortenaukreis Category:Economy of Baden-Württemberg Category:Europa-Park