Europa Park

Europa Park is undoubtedly one of the top attractions for travelers visiting the Black Forest region.

While Europe boasts numerous large-scale amusement parks packed with attractions for kids, many Europeans argue that the best of them all (yes, even better than Disneyland Paris) is Europa Park, located near the town of Rust.

Although often mistakenly thought to be within the Black Forest, the park is actually situated to the west of the region. Its design is unique, with each area representing a different European country, complete with iconic structures and landmarks characteristic of that nation. The attention to detail is remarkable, with high-quality materials used throughout—far from the plastic castles you might find in other parks. The meticulous craftsmanship and investment (some would say classic German precision) make the experience truly immersive.

Each section of the park offers themed restaurants, familiar characters, and most importantly, thrilling rides with breathtaking designs that will have your kids asking to move to the nearest town. Speaking of the nearest town, the best way to visit is by traveling from Freiburg and staying overnight in Rust, where you can conveniently spend at least two full days exploring the park.

Europa Park features over 100 attractions and mesmerizing shows, with 14 roller coasters spread across 20 themed areas. It’s a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and families alike!

Where can you buy tickets to Europa Park?

3 Recommended Ways to Purchase Tickets for Europa Park:

Direct Purchase Through the Park’s Official Website
The most convenient and quick way is through the official Europa Park website. Click here to purchase and get more details. This allows you to secure your spot and choose the date that works best for you.
Using the Black Forest Ticket
If you’re planning to explore the Black Forest, consider buying the Black Forest Ticket, which includes entry to Europa Park. If you purchase the version that includes the park, there’s no need to buy a separate ticket (unless you want to spend two days at the park, in which case, you can purchase an additional day separately).
Significant Advantage for Black Forest Ticket Holders with Europa Park: No need to book a date in advance! The park reserves spaces for those with the Black Forest Ticket, so you can simply show up. This information is accurate for 2024.
For more information and to purchase the Black Forest Ticket, click here.
Purchase Through International Ticket Websites
Websites like GetYourGuide serve as reliable agents for purchasing tickets. The prices are usually the same as on the official park website, and sometimes there are special discounts available. An added benefit is having someone to assist you in case of issues or if you need support.

Location:

Europa Park is located in the town of Rust in western Germany, near the Black Forest.

Opening Dates and Hours:

The park is open during the summer from the end of March to the beginning of November, from 09:00 to 18:00. During this period, in the summer months, opening hours may be extended (it is recommended to check the operating hours on the park’s website or on-site on the day of your visit).

For visitors planning to visit in the winter, the park is open from the end of November to the beginning of January, from 11:00 to 19:00.

During the Halloween season (from the end of September to the beginning of November), the park closes at 18:00. During the HALLOWinter period in November, it opens at 11:00 and closes at 19:00. Additionally, the park is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (24-25.12).

Attractions:

At Europa Park, you’ll find a wide range of attractions and areas suited for all ages. If you’d like to know more about our favorite rides, you can find the list in the Black Forest script. Additionally, if you’re interested in seeing all the attractions in the park
(Interactive Europa-Park map).

In addition, Europa Park offers a variety of spectacular shows that are as impressive as the rest of the park’s attractions. It’s definitely worth dedicating a few hours to enjoy a special performance.

One of the most popular (and rightly so) is the Knight’s Show at the Spanish Arena, which will entertain guests of all ages, turning even adults into excited children for an hour. The show tells the story of a princess kidnapped by a mysterious knight, featuring real stunts, battles, jumping horses, and much more.

Another highly recommended performance is the Ice Skating Show at the Ice Stadium in Greece, which is especially fun for younger visitors. Additionally, the Fire, Lights, and Water Show is a mesmerizing experience that will leave you in awe.

Food:

Europa Park offers a wide variety of culinary options suitable for all tastes and ages. Whether you enjoy traditional European dishes, fast food, or even unique dining experiences, you’ll find something here that suits you.

The park is divided into areas, each representing a different country, offering typical dishes from that nation. For example, in the Germany area, you can find grilled meats with fresh sausages, while in Spain, you’ll find tapas and tapas bars. Additionally, there are fast food stalls offering burgers, pizzas, and ice cream, alongside more upscale restaurants with diverse menus.

Food and drinks at the park are not cheap, so keep that in mind.

Tips for Visiting:

Opening Hours: The park officially opens at 9:00 AM, but it often starts operating earlier. It’s advisable to arrive by 8:00 AM to get an early start and avoid crowds. Sundays are typically less crowded since school buses don’t run on that day.
Use the Europa-Park & Rulantica App: Download the app for essential information like maps, parking assistance, showtimes, updates, and more. The app also provides real-time wait times for various attractions, helping you optimize your time in the park.

Virtual Line Tickets: Upon entering, head to the Information Desk (located on the right side after the entrance) to request Virtual Line tickets. To activate them, open the Europa-Park app, tap the profile icon in the top-right corner, select “Use Virtual Line,” and scan your printed tickets using your phone’s camera. These tickets will then be added to your app.

Avoid Long Lines: If you purchase the Black Forest Ticket (which includes Europa-Park), you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also skip at least one major line at the entrance. Go straight to the park’s entrance gates for quicker access!
Explore in Reverse: Many visitors like to take the park’s internal train to the far end of the park, then explore the attractions in reverse order. This often results in shorter lines for the first (or even all) attractions compared to the usual route.

Hotels, Apartments, and Guesthouses Near Europa-Park:

Staying at a hotel within or near Europa-Park can significantly enhance your experience and save you the hassle of traveling if you’re visiting for more than a single day. Additionally, this area offers easy access to destinations like Alsace, Freiburg, Strasbourg, and other attractions on the western side of the Black Forest. Most accommodations are family-friendly, and in some cases, children under 4 stay for free.

Why Stay at a Park Hotel?

1. Unique Experience: These hotels are high-quality and beautifully designed, with staff and decor reflecting the theme of the park. They offer attractions and events on-site, ensuring there’s more to enjoy than just the aesthetics.
2. Separate Entrance to the Park: Guests have exclusive access to a private entrance.
3. Early Access: Park hotel guests can enter the park 30 minutes before regular visitors.
4. Evening Access to Park Areas: In the evenings, guests can use the separate entrance to access certain areas of the park with restaurants.
5. Special Deals: Some packages include accommodation along with discounts on park tickets.