12 hours Ago By Stuart Patterson
AS the roller coaster roared towards a terrifying 240ft peak, I realised I’d learned a valuable new life lesson. I should have checked the height out BEFORE I jumped on the Silver Star. 12 Ed the mouse welcomes guests to Europa-Park Credit: Europa-park 12 Some of the best rides and rollercoasters in the world can be found at Europa-Park Credit: Europa-Park But I didn’t want to confess my wariness to my new coaster fanatic pals.
By the time I realised what I’d got myself into it was too late. Luckily the whole nightmare - with me looking like I was dying - was captured on camera so I can relive the moment over and over. What a joy.
I was on an unforgettable trip to the Europa-Park resort in Germany Read more on theme parks FUN RIDE Disney World DOESN’T make list of US’s top theme parks as hidden gem comes first RIDDEN OFF Theme park which shut days ago already looks like it was abandoned for years It’s the holder of the best theme park in the world award, having won hands down for nine years in a row. The resort near the city of Rust, is home to countless unbelievable rides and offers something for every member of the family. But despite being relatively close to Scotland there’s a very good chance you’ve never heard of it.
I flew from Edinburgh to Basel, Switzerland, and after the two hour flight, it was a quick one-hour transfer to the resort. Most read in Travel IRISH AYES Stunning hotel in gorgeous Donegal where the food is fab and the drams divine FIELD DAY The UK tech-free attractions that my kids prefer to theme parks STOP THE BUS First Bus reveals shake-up to Glasgow timetable with over 30 services affected DEEP DIVE Scotland to welcome £450m superyacht largest of its kind & tickets cost £16,000 My hotel was the Kronasar , which is more than a nod to the hit movie A Night at the Museum. As soon as you step into the lobby you’re greeted by a massive dinosaur skeleton that runs through the spine of the hotel.
European theme park where you 'visit' Greece, Spain and Italy in a day has new roller coaster that's the world's steepest It’s the first sign that you’ve arrived somewhere a bit different and special. My massive room had a double bed and was decorated with loads of amazing little details to immerse you in the story. The corridors are decorated with models of polar bears while the main restaurant, Bubba Svens, features a huge replica of a viking longboat.
And a hot air balloon hovers over diner’s heads. There is also a fitness room, a spa and an infinity pool which are free for guests. 12 The Kronasar hotel at Europa-Park, where Stuart stayed Credit: Europa-Park 12 The huge dinosaur that greets guests and takes up the whole lobby Credit: Europa-Park 12 The rooms at Kronasar also tell a story and immerse guests in the theme Credit: Spatterson 12 The viking longboat in Bubba Sven's diner Credit: Europa-Park Kronosar is a short drive away from the resort and one of six hotels at Europa-Park, some within walking distance.
The park was opened by the Mack family 50 years ago and I lucky to be there during their big birthday celebrations. Franz Mack put his home on the line to set up the resort in 1975, when it had 15 attractions and 50 employees. It’s now run by his sons Roland and Jurgen and their families, and they have more than 5,000 people working for them.
The 320 acre park boasts more than 100 rides, 23 hours of shows every day and draws in six million visitors a year. Roland said: “Nobody believed in our success. My father and I were the only ones.
I’m proud of it.” The park has 20 themed areas, most of them based on European cities and countries. So in a few short minutes you can walk from Paris to Croatia to Greece and then London , as well as stopping off in a fairytale zone! There are 14 roller coasters, ranging from the fearsome Voltron, which is probably the most intense ride you will ever experience, to more sedate ones aimed at kids.
12 Euro-Park offers splashes as well as spills and thrills Credit: Europa-Park 12 Stuart got to meet new pal Ed the Mouse Credit: Spatterson The Silver Star was where I had my moment, while there’s a unique indoor coaster based around a night in Paris and the Moulin Rouge. My favourite was the quick launch Blue Fire Megacoaster, which you get a chance to enjoy while you’re being thrown about. Voletarium, which features a mention of the Loch Ness Monster in the queue, lets you soar over Europe’s biggest landmarks.
Arthur is based on an animated movie which turns you into a tiny creature the size of a bee. There’s also rides based around London cabs, Dublin ferries and a great haunted castle. Your brain never stops working and even the toilets are themed.
In the English area, they are signposted for Kings and Queens. The famous German efficiency means the lines move fast and there are even virtual queues so you can just pitch up when it’s your turn to ride without standing about for hours. Even the food and drink is a bit out of the ordinary.
I enjoyed a really good curry served up in the Spices restaurant. 12 Stuart makes another new friend in the park Credit: Spatterson 12 Lindt chocolates are served up right at the front of the park Credit: Spatterson There’s an authentic French baker, which has huge queues every day, definitely worth it, authentic Croatian dishes and in Food Loop your meals are delivered on a coaster - of course! As you might have gathered food is a big part of the experience at Europa-Park and the Ammolite restaurant is the only eatery in a theme park anywhere in the world that has two Michelin stars. The Macks have even used their expert knowledge of attractions to create Eatrenalin, a unique dining experience.
12 The incredible Eatrenalin, which offers an unforgettable experience Credit: Europa-Park You ride on a trackless chair through themed rooms and are treated to a tasting menu created by a Michelin-starred chef. I have never experienced anything like it. It was incredible.
My tip would be to go in without knowing too much, and prepare for a feast of surprises that play around with every sense you have. It’s become a smash hit with one particular couple from Switzerland who have visited 48 times since it opened in November 2022. While other fans have returned at least twenty times to catch up on the menu, which changes twice a year.
It’s now my aim to join this growing band of foodie fans. Boss Felix Heuberger said: “Normally in a restaurant you sit at a table for five hours. You are always at the same spot.
“I don’t think that’s the future. We offer entertainment dining. People even forget to look at their phones.
” The Rulantica water park is attached to my hotel and is open in all weathers, with indoor and outside areas. 12 The open air pool at Rulantica is heated and has a swim-up bar Credit: Spatterson Guests are encouraged to head over from the hotel in the free dressing gowns left in their rooms. The floors are heated so you’re never cold,so just go for it.
There are fast moving flumes in the Norwegian themed park and also a lazy river, where you can have a cocktail. It wasn’t warm when I was there but the outdoor pool was heated and very cosy. And to add to the enjoyment, a music concert with a live DJ and light show kicks off every night.
GO:Europa-Park How to book a trip to the resort GETTING THERE: Easyjet flights from Edinburgh to Basel start at £32.99. STAYING THERE: Rooms at the 4H+ Kronasar hotel start at £44 a night for children and £67 a night for adults and include breakfast.
See: europapark.de/en/accommodation/ MORE INFO: Europa-Park is open daily from 9am until at least 6pm during the summer season with longer opening times during busy periods. Tickets available here or in combination with an overnight stay via reservation.
europapark.de . Rulantica is open daily between 9.
30am and 10pm. Tickets available direct or as part of accomodation here europapark.de/booking .
Book a meal at Eatrenalin at eatrenalin.de . To mark its big birthday, Europa-Park is releasing its first ever movie, Grand Prix Adventure, a cartoon featuring park mascots Ed and Edda.
They’ve also created a new ride to tie in with the animated feature. There’s also a new Legend of Zorro stunt show as well as a new outdoor pool at Rulantica. And work is underway on an area themed after Monaco and a new camping and lodge area called Silver Lake City.
Both will open in 2026. Read more on the Scottish Sun UNSUPERVISED Age you can legally leave kids at home alone in Scotland as Easter break nears NO ACCESS Major Glasgow landmark to close to the public in days Europa-Park is like nowhere else I’ve ever visited. Voters at the Golden Ticket Awards reckon it’s better than Disneyland Paris, and I wouldn’t disagree.
I’d definitely give it the full five stars - but I’ll probably pass on the Silver one next time!.
