The European quarters
The continent miniaturised in architecture and kitchens — strolling alone earns the ticket.
Thomas Berwing — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Gzen92 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Thomas Pusch — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Thomas Pusch — CC BY-SA 4.0
Europa-Park is Germany's biggest theme park and Europe's second most visited after Disneyland Paris — which it beats in visitor ratings year after year. The idea is charming: the continent in miniature quarters — you stroll from "Italy" to "Greece" to "Scandinavia" through their architecture and food — and among the quarters, over a hundred rides including thirteen coasters, some of the continent's fiercest and finest. Its strength is truly pleasing everyone: headline coasters for teenagers, entire children's worlds for the small, shows, theatres and lakes for all — with maintenance and cleanliness at proverbial German standard. Beside it, the vast Rulantica water world runs on its own ticket. From Baden-Baden it is an hour's drive south — the city's best family excursion, no contest. Book tickets and hotels early in season; two days beat one for those who can.
The continent miniaturised in architecture and kitchens — strolling alone earns the ticket.
From the giant Silver Star to Voltron, among Europe's finest-designed.
Entire kids' kingdoms without the big queues — small visitors reign here.
The vast Nordic water world beside the park, on its own ticket.
Europa-Park-Strasse 2, 77977 Rust
The park cannot be finished in one — a single day with the app and firm priorities covers the essentials; two days with a night in one of its themed hotels (attractions themselves) turn a race into a holiday. Families with small children: two days, no hesitation.
Yes, rarely among parks: the European quarters, shows, boats and gentle trains fill a whole day without one inversion — many grandparents accompany the family and leave content.
German and French summer holidays and Saturdays are peak of peaks; term-time weekdays halve the queues. The Christmas season is a different, enchanting experience with part of the rides running.