It opened its doors 50 years ago and has since grown to an impressive 95 hectares. It attracts between 6 and 7 million visitors a year, making it the most visited theme park in Germany. It has also repeatedly won the Golden Ticket as the best theme park in the world, as it did again this year. The Europapark near Rust is really something very special with a great offer for the whole family. The holidays and the time between the years are perfect for a short break to enjoy the winter season at Europapark.
New winter themed area for the anniversary
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Europapark has gone all out and created its own winter wonderland as a temporary themed area for the winter season. In addition to a classic children’s carousel, you will also find the ice sculpture dome. This takes you on a journey back in time to 1975, with impressive ice sculptures showing various attractions from the opening year. There are also lots of play and hands-on activities for children in the WinterWunderWelt.
In Winterland you will also find the circus revue of the Monte Carlo Circus Festival. The renowned and award-winning artists from Monaco present spectacular acrobatics to rousing music in the large circus tent. The collaboration came about as part of the new Monaco theme area, which is to be built around the Silver Star in 2026.
Away from Winterland, you can also stroll through the Christmas market at Europapark. It welcomes you near the main entrance at Balthasar Castle in the German themed area. The ancient Christmas market is located in Ireland, where you can marvel at old crafts until January 6. These include bookbinders, potters, goldsmiths, wood turners, nativity scene makers and many more.
Skiing on the “small Feldberg”
Not only Bavaria is blessed with mountains, the Black Forest is also a great place to ski. Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between Europapark and Feldberg on your trip to Baden-Württemberg, as the amusement park brings the latter to you during the winter season – at least in miniature. With the help of the “Alpin” ski school, children can make their first attempts on the specially created ski slope, which bears the name “little Feldberg”. Outside of course times, you don’t have to miss out on the fun of the snow and can slide down the slope with the snow tubes.
If mountains are not for you and you feel more comfortable on flat terrain, try cross-country skiing. In the cross-country skiing world “Skitty World Nordic”, there are courses for children and young people who are guided by professional ski instructors. Here you can learn technical and coordinative elements of the movement forms “skiing – running – jumping” right next to the swing boat in the Scandinavian themed area.
In addition to the temporary attractions of the winter season, the stationary rides are of course all open. However, there may be temporary closures depending on the weather conditions. The park also impresses during the winter season with its romantic decorations, which can be found in every corner of the grounds and are very detailed. Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the Christmassy Europapark.
The winter season at Europapark lasts until January 18, with December 24 and 25 being closing days. December are closing days. From Munich, it takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes by car or train. Tickets are best purchased online in advance, as there is a surcharge of €10 at the box office. If the journey is too far for you, you can of course visit a Bavarian theme park instead, such as Legoland Germany.
📍 Location: Europapark, Europa-Park-Straße 2, 77977 Rust
📅 Dates: November 21 to January 06
🕐 Opening hours: Daily 11 am to 7 pm, closed on December 24 & 25
💶 Price information: From €64.50 for adults, €54.50 reduced