Europa-Park is the largest theme park in Germany and a second most popular theme park resort in Europe. Having 4.5 million visitors in 2011, it is the most popular seasonal theme park in the world and the second most visited theme park in Europe after Disneyland Paris. Europa-Park is located in Rust, in the south-west of Germany between Freiburg and Strasbourg, France. It is usually open from just before Easter until the beginning of November (summer season) and from the end of November to the second week in January (winter season).
The park is split into sixteen different areas, mostly named after European countries or regions. Besides Enchanted Forest, Adventure Land, Children’s World or Viking Land there are Italy (since 1982), The Netherlands (1984), United Kingdom (1988), France (1989), Austria (1992), Scandinavia (1992), Schwitzerland (1993), Spain (1994), Germany (1996), Russia (1998), Greece (2000), Portugal (2005) and Iceland (2009). The park mascot is a grey mouse named “Euromaus” although there are over a dozen other characters that “live” at the park.
Europa-Park is run by the Mack family which have produced vehicles since 1780, circus wagons since 1880 and rollercoasters since 1921. The park was opened in 1975 to act as a showcase for many of their different ride models. The amusement ride company is now called Mack Rides.
Europa-Park host dozens of events throughout the summer season. The biggest of these include the Midsummer Party, when the theme park hosts a fireworks display and is open until midnight. Horror Nights – starring Marc Terenzi, takes place through October evenings and features a range of halloween horror mazes, rides and shows. For the last week of the main season, the park hosts a daily firework show and music production.
Europa-Park has opened for winter since 2001, and it is widely believed the park will gradually extend opening so that it is opened year round. A small number of rides, including Wodan and Silver Star are closed at winter due to the weather, although from the 2012-2013 winter season, Blue Fire was added to available attractions – so long as weather permits. Such a philosophy of only operating certain rides during winter is commonplace amongst most theme parks in Europe, as temperatures can often dip below freezing. Most water rides are also closed, including Poseidon, Fjord Rafting, Tirol Log Flume and Atlantica Super Splash. The park does compensate for the loss of these rides however, with additional experiences such as the Bellevue Observation Wheel, Snow Tubing and Skiing. Show times are also extended and the park is fully decorated.
Europa-Park Resort is home to five resort hotels. For guests on a lower budget, the resort also has a large Camp Resort, where guests can stay in a Tipi, Chuck Wagon or Log Cabin provided they bring their own sleeping bag. Camping and caravaning is also provided for, next to the Camp Resort.
