Europa-Park in Rust, on the edge of the Black Forest near the German–French border, is Germany’s largest theme park and the second-most-visited in Europe after Disneyland Paris — drawing around 5.7 million guests a year across a 95-hectare resort. It sits just off the A5 motorway in the corner where Germany, France and Switzerland meet, about 35 km north of Freiburg.
Opened in 1975 and still run by the founding Mack family — who have built rides since 1780 — the park is laid out as a grand tour of Europe: 18 themed areas modelled on countries such as Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Iceland, Scandinavia, Russia and the Netherlands, each with its own architecture, gardens, food and music. Walking from one land to the next is half the experience.
With 14 roller coasters, some 100 attractions and shows, six themed four-star hotels and the adjacent Rulantica indoor water world, Europa-Park is a two- to three-day destination rather than a day trip. Thrill-seekers come for record-breaking coasters like Voltron Nevera and Silver Star; families for the dark rides, shows and gentler lands — which is exactly why planning your days, tickets and stay in advance pays off.
01 Signature rides & attractions
The park’s headline rides across its themed areas. Confirm heights and any single-rider lines on the day.
Park map
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the park and its surroundings — entrances, themed areas, car parks and access roads. Zoom in for detail; the official ride-by-ride park plan is linked below.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free). Official park maps are copyrighted — we link to them.
02 Tickets & prices
One ticket covers the whole theme park and all rides — Europa-Park has no paid queue-skip for regular rides. The Rulantica water world is a separate ticket. Buy online: the on-site box office adds a +€10 surcharge per ticket.
| Ticket (online) | Adult (12+) | Child (4–11) & Senior (60+) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-day theme park | €67–76 | €56.50–65 |
| 2-day theme park | €127–143.50 | €105–119 |
| ResortPass Silver (annual, 230+ days) | €295 | €255 |
| ResortPass Gold (annual, all days + 2× Rulantica) | €475 | €415 |
| Toddlers (0–3) | Free | Free |
The day-ticket price depends on the date (off-season cheaper; holidays, Halloween and winter dearer). The Rulantica water world is a separate ticket.
Prices · 2025/26 season · source: europapark.de · always check for the latest
03 Getting there & parking
| Option | Detail | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Car · A5 motorway | Exit 57b Rust / 57a Ettenheim, follow signs | — |
| Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB) | Nearest airport · shuttle / car | ~50 min |
| EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse (BSL) | Regional airport to the south | ~60 min |
| Train · Ringsheim (Europa-Park) station | ICE/TGV via Freiburg/Offenburg + shuttle bus 7231 | ~10 min bus |
Parking
| Parking | Rate | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Day visitor car park | €10 / day | Large signed lots at the entrance |
| Hotel guests & disability permit | Free | Included |
| Camper / caravan (Camp Resort) | from ~€30 / night | On-site camping & pitches |
Getting there & parking · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · prices may change
04 Where to stay
On-site and resort hotels put you right at the gates — often with early park access — turning the visit into an easy two- or three-day trip.
The newest hotel, themed as an explorer’s museum — direct gateway to Rulantica.
The largest hotel, built around a piazza with a replica Colosseum façade.
A red-and-white maritime resort with a lighthouse and Atlantic styling.
Whitewashed courtyards and towers in the style of southern Spain.
A medieval knights’ castle — the most playful, family-focused option.
A quiet cloister-style retreat modelled on a Portuguese monastery.
Plus the Camp Resort (themed cabins, tipis & pitches) and the Rulantica Krønasår rooms. Staying on-site turns Europa-Park into an easy two- or three-day trip with early park access.
05 Best time to visit & opening times
| Season | When | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Summer season | late March – early November | All rides open; from 09:00, closes 18:00+. Busiest in German school holidays. |
| Halloween | late Sept – early November | 13,000+ pumpkins, mazes & décor; popular weekends. |
| Winter season | late November – early January | Snow theming & lights, 11:00–19:00; a few outdoor rides closed. |
Quietest: weekdays in the shoulder months (April, September before Halloween, early December). Busiest: summer weekends & German school holidays.
Opening times vary by day · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · check before you travel
06 Themed areas
Each area has its own theming — architecture, food and rides. Half the fun is simply walking through.
Good to know
- No paid fast-pass for regular rides — arrive at opening and ride the big coasters first; some have single-rider lines.
- Height limits apply to the thrill coasters (typically 1.20–1.40 m); most family and dark rides have no minimum.
- Lockers, strollers & wheelchairs are available to rent near the entrance.
- Lost & found and first aid are at Guest Services by the main entrance.
- Rulantica water world is a separate gated attraction with its own ticket — plan a full extra half-day.
