Discover the world's best theme park, voted by Amusement Today, nestled in Rust, Germany. Choose your access between Europa-Park's roller coasters or Rulantica's water slides for a tailored visit.
Prices and conditions
From 67 €.
Spend the day riding rollercoasters and watch entertaining shows.
From 127 €.
Spend two days at Germany's largest theme park.
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"We took the opportunity during our stay to visit the park. The wait for Silver Star was short upon arriving at opening, a real bonus. The theming of the Italian area is superb. We enjoyed the shuttle from the station, very convenient. An unforgettable memory for the whole family."
"The park is magnificent, especially Blue Fire which is intense. However, the queues at midday were very long. We used the app to optimize our route. Access to the intense areas is well managed. The price is high but the content justifies the expense."
"We bought the combined ticket, which was ideal. We alternated between the main park and Rulantica, a perfect contrast. The circus show was very professional. The restaurants were packed, so we ate early to avoid the crowds. Impeccable organization."
"Château de Rust is a little-known historical gem. The atmosphere is family-friendly and the staff are welcoming despite the crowds. We saw the queue for Poseidon; it is better to bring a raincoat. The view from Silver Star is breathtaking."
"Very clean and well-maintained park. The Scandinavian quarter offers unique thrills. However, eating lunch off-peak is essential, otherwise the wait is long. The official app is indispensable for the schedules. We recommend visiting on a weekday."
"We were traveling solo, and the experience was smooth. The application allowed us to skip several queues. Alpenexpress Enzian has certain historical value. The theming is stunning in detail. The ticket price is expensive, but access to all attractions is worth it."
"The restaurant on rails is a curiosity to try. We visited the park on a rainy day, but the shows were covered. Great European Circus Show is truly worth the detour. The cleanliness of the facilities is remarkable. A must-see in southern Germany."
"Access to the historic castle is well integrated into the route. Queues for popular rides like Silver Star can exceed 30 minutes. We took the free shuttle from the station, a good deal. The staff is sometimes direct, but efficient. An exceptional park."
"We were lucky to visit in May, and the crowds were reasonable. The theming of the Italian area is very immersive. The wait for Poseidon is short in the morning. The 76 euro ticket is a good investment for a rich day. We will surely come back."
"The park deserved its title of world's best park. The app is a powerful tool for planning. We avoided the queues by having lunch before 11:30 am. The circus show is grandiose. The Rulantica area is an excellent alternative in hot weather. A complete experience."
"We came as a family, and the children loved it. Château de Rust is a major point of interest. The attractions are maintained with rare care. The shuttle from the station is punctual. The park offers excellent value for money for this type of establishment."
"A perfect day thanks to the organization. The wait for Blue Fire was manageable by arriving early. The theming is of an exceptional level. The restaurant at the station is an original idea. The park is spacious; you never feel rushed. I highly recommend the one-day ticket."
Everything you need to plan your visit
PMR
Adapted services available, but check exact technical conditions on the official website before your visit.
Family
Park designed for families, with dedicated areas for young children and practical facilities.
Audio guide
French, English, German
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
Since its founding in 1975, Europa-Park has captivated millions of visitors.
Official opening date
Admissions in 2019 (record)
World's Best Park (Amusement Today)
Major attractions listed
Founded by the Mack family in Rust, this park has become a European benchmark with 5.7 million visitors in 2019. It alternates between immersive themed areas like Italy and extreme thrills. The difference between Europa-Park and Rulantica is crucial for choosing your ticket.
Initially created as a showcase for Mack Rides, the park opened its doors on July 12, 1975. Driven by Roland Mack, it expanded to include the historic castle of Rust as early as 1980. This unique fusion blends local heritage and modern entertainment in the heart of Baden-Württemberg.
The 1980s marked a turning point with the opening of the Italian area in 1982 and the first roller coasters, Alpenexpress Enzian, in 1984. These attractions defined the park's identity, attracting over a million visitors that year and laying the foundation for its current reputation.
Today, the complex completes its offer with Rulantica, which opened late 2019. This separate water park allows families to vary their pleasures between dry and wet thrills. It is essential to check if your ticket includes access to this separate facility to optimize your complete stay.
Access by train via Rust station is very convenient for visitors coming from Strasbourg or Freiburg. A free shuttle or bus connects the station to the park in about 10 to 15 minutes. This eco-friendly option significantly reduces parking stress during peak season.
For those arriving by car, the parking lots are vast but can fill up early in the morning. It is recommended to arrive at opening, often around 9:00 AM, to enjoy flagship attractions like Silver Star before the massive influx. Always check current hours based on weather conditions.
Prices vary according to age and children's height; verify recent official conditions before purchase. Combined tickets exist but require particular attention to valid dates. Never assume automatic cross-access without explicit confirmation on your ticket.
Use the official 'Europa-Park & Rulantica' app to track wait times in real-time. Alternating intense zones like Scandinavia with calm sectors such as France helps manage family fatigue. Plan your meals off-peak to avoid lines at restaurants.
Plan for waterproof clothing if you intend to ride Poséidon, as you will come out soaked. Paid lockers are available near the entrances to store your dry belongings. Accessibility for people with reduced mobility is ensured, but inquire about specific technical details.
For a complete weekend, consider two days: one for Europa-Park and one for Rulantica. This allows you to discover all themed areas without racing against time. Illuminated evenings offer additional magical ambiance for holders of suitable tickets or hotel residents.
From Thrills to Immersive Themed Areas
Insider Tips
Turnstiles often open at 9:00 AM; being there allows you to tackle popular roller coasters like Silver Star or Blue Fire with minimal wait times. You will save several precious hours on your overall schedule.
It provides real-time wait times and show schedules, essential for optimizing your route. Without it, it is difficult to react to crowd variations in the different themed areas.
Follow a high-intensity zone (Scandinavia) with a more family-friendly zone (France or Spain) to manage fatigue. This strategy preserves children's energy and avoids mid-day meltdowns.
Ensure the ticket covers the desired park (Europa-Park vs. Rulantica) and the exact date, as access is not always cross-valid. An error here could block your entry to the adjacent water complex.
If arriving by train in Rust, plan for the free shuttle or bus ride to the park, which takes about 10-15 minutes. This convenient access avoids searching for paid parking during summer peak attendance.
Eat before 11:30 AM or after 2:00 PM to avoid long lines at very busy themed restaurants. You will thus save valuable time to enjoy the main attractions without culinary stress.
For the Poseidon attraction (if open), pack dry clothes or use the lockers, as you will come out soaked. Paid lockers are available but fill up quickly, so anticipate your personal storage needs.
Certain shows and illuminations are reserved for evening ticket holders or guests staying at park hotels. Check specific conditions before purchase if you wish to stay late on-site.
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Book my ticketsLittle-known anecdotes
Europa-Park was voted the world's best amusement park by Amusement Today from 2014 to 2022. This record of eight consecutive years places the Rust site well ahead of its international competitors thanks to the Golden Ticket award.
Founded on July 12, 1975, by Franz and Roland Mack, the park initially served as a showroom for Mack Rides. It allowed them to present their various ride creations.
The opening of the Rulantica water park in late 2019 completed the resort. It offers an experience distinct from the main park, often requiring a separate or specific combined ticket.
The historic castle of Rust was integrated into the park as early as 1980. This unique acquisition blends local Baden history with modern entertainment, creating an authentic setting rare in Europe.
Before the global shutdown due to the health crisis, the complex reached a historical peak in 2019. With 5.7 million entries recorded that year, Europa-Park rose to become the second most visited theme park in Europe. It was then surpassed only by the famous Disneyland Paris, confirming its dominant position on the European continent well before its return to global summits in subsequent years.
Facing the imminent arrival of the Disneyland Resort in France, a unique coalition emerged in 1993. Initiated by Reinoud van Assendelft de Coningh, deputy director of Efteling, this alliance named Great European Theme Parks brought together five giants: Europa-Park, Alton Towers, Parc Astérix, Efteling, and Liseberg. This strategy aimed to unite the forces of geographically non-competing European parks to face the new international threat.
Three itineraries based on available time
Enjoy over 50 slides and attractions, two pool bars, three saunas, and a steam bath at Rulantica, the water park located near E…
From 130 €
More must-see experiences in Rust
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Make time to explore the surrounding area
5 min walk
The village's historic church houses remarkable stained glass windows and offers a glimpse of traditional local architecture.
10 min walk
Family-run establishment offering authentic Baden cuisine, perfect for a traditional meal after an intense day.
8 min walk
Calm green space ideal for recharging away from the noise of attractions, with shaded benches near the domain's central artificial lake.
12 min walk
Small artisan shops selling local souvenirs and regional specialties from Baden-Württemberg, such as typical anise biscuits.
15 min walk
Small museum tracing the city's viticultural and industrial history, often overlooked by tourists but rich in precious local archives.
5-15 min walk
Various independent accommodations offering a more economical alternative to the park's themed hotels, located just minutes from Rust town center.
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : Panoramabahn "Paddington Station" (1 min walk) Bus : Town Hall (5 min walk)
Find a hotel near Europa-Park
Everything you need to know before your visit
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
See what to expect during your visit
Quick comparison with other major sites
| Europa-Park | Disneyland Paris | Efteling | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year established | 1975 | 1992 | 1952 |
| Indicative adult price | ~€€ | ~€€€ | ~€€ |
| Recommended visit duration | 1 to 2 days | 2 days min. | 1 day |
| Key feature | European country zones | Disney universe | Fairy tales |
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