It’s the perfect time to take the family on a road trip to check out Germany’s amusement parks. From an afternoon spent with Shrek to an exuberating dive on a roller coaster, these fantasy worlds will satisfy thrill-seekers of all ages.
Part 2: Theme Parks in Southern Germany
Tripsdrill
Tripsdrill, located in Cleebronn, is the oldest amusement park in Baden-Württemberg. The park offers water slides, carousels, a wine museum, wildlife park and more. The “Mammoth” roller coaster is one of the main attractions and the largest wooden roller coaster in Germany.
In the past 80 years of operation, the park has developed into a major tourist destination with 100 different attractions. Tripsdrill offers water slides, carousels, dancing teacups and more.
The main attractions, however, are the “Mammoth” roller coaster, the largest wooden roller coaster in Germany, and a wild water rafting tour.
For those who want to take a break from the crowds, a 47-acre wildlife park is located next to the amusement park.
Entrance fees start at €23 for children ages 4-11 and €27 for adults.
Schwaben Park
Schwaben Park is an amusement park located approximately one hour northeast of Stuttgart in the Welzheimer Forest. The park is divided into three areas: action area, fun and adventure, and the animal world.
The fast paced amusement sections offers a variety of fun for the young and the old. Two of the most popular rides are the Himalayan Railway ( fast roller coaster) and the Wave Runner (a water ride). Little ones can get the thrill of their lives by hopping on the Bayer Express (a roller coaster), Kids Free Fall, Children Cars (bumper cars), Kids Flume and so many more.
The whole family will have an unforgettable experience with unique shows as well as marvel at the skills of the park’s animals! Other entertainment includes a parrot theater, pet show, children magic, puppet theater and chimpanzee show.
Europa Park
Europa Park, located in Rust, about 175 kilometers southwest of Stuttgart, is divided into 15 different areas, mostly modeled after European countries. Each features the architecture, landscaping, food, shopping and attractions of the country it represents; visitors can ride a London bus in England, or face Poseidon on a water ride in Greece.
The park is home to 10 roller coasters, including one of Europe’s highest and largest, the “Silver Star.” The park also offers musical, laser and ice shows, and a 4D cinema.
The park’s newest addition is “Arthur in the Minimoys Kingdom,” where three themed areas are transformed into an adventurous journey through nature where visitors will “feel like the brave hero Arthur in the world of Minimoys,” according to Europa Park’s website.
Taking a ride on “Wodan Timburcoaster,” Europa Park’s first wooden roller coaster, also promises quite an experience. There are carousels, bumper cars, a beach playground and a water world for youngsters.
Entrance prices range from €36 for children ages 4- 11 to €41 for adults.
Freizeitpark Traumland
Traumland means dreamland in English. Freizeitpark Traumland in the Swabian Alb, an hour drive from Stuttgart, combines a trip to fairyland with fun rides and games. Young and old can take an adventurous journey of discovery.
Discover an imaginative world and experience a day of adventure in the fairytale forest with characters and voices. Or hop on one of the popular rides like the children’s flume, slingshot, ferris wheel, Jumping Tower and caterpillar. Little ones can also take a ride on a pony as well as touch and feed animals at the petting zoo.
Entry prices are €11,50 for children ages 3-11 and €12,50 for everyone else.
Legoland Germany
More than 50 million individual Lego blocks were used to build Legoland Germany. Rides and attractions, as well as one of the largest Lego stores in Germany, await visitors.
One of the latest attractions is the “Tempel X-pedition” ride at Legoland’s Pharaoh Empire theme park. Visitors can experience an adventurous ride through the darkness during an interactive treasure hunt.
Tickets cost €36 for children ages 3-11 and €40.50 for adults, but visitors can save money by booking online.
Allgäu Skyline Park
Between Munich and Lake Constance lies a magical place amidst incredible mountain scenery. The 47-acre theme park features 50 attractions for the entire family. There are rides for the romantic at heart as well as plenty of fun for the very young. Adrenaline junkies can get their fill on the Sky Wheel, one of the world’s highest roller coasters. The Whitewater Rafting Ride offers a refreshing rush for the whole family. Get your thrills on Germany’s largest bumper car ride and the half-mile Bob Racing track.
Little ones can have their go on the Indian Canoes, the Kiddy Train Ride or the Construction Site Ride. And that is not all! The petting zoo, water playground, trampoline and many more will surely bring a smile to their faces.
Tickets cost €23 (150 cm and taller), €18 (110-150 cm) and €16 (60 years old and older). Entry is free for children under 110 cm.
Maerchenwald im Isartal
Located just outside of Munich, is a great amusement park with an mystical forest that has surprised and attracted the young and old for many years. There are more than 20 illustrated fairytales with 260 animated figures. The tales are told in English and in German.
A new special attraction is the Fairytale Tree. This new talking tree will captivate all visitors with its almost human-like facial expressions and precise movements. Also the educational Schnullerbaum (Pacifier Tree) encourages little children to separate from their pacifiers.
Entry for kids under 85 cm is free. Prices are €12 for children over 85 cm and €13 for adults.
Churpfalzpark
Just northeast of Munich, the Churpfalzpark has been offering something for all ages since 1971. Attractions include amusement rides and a combination of beautiful gardens. The park features unique attractions, restaurants, live shows and theme tours. The range of rides includes high speed rafting, roller coaster, flume, carousel, flying swing, children cable cars and much more. All rides (except for machines and quads) are included in the admission price and can be used as often as desired.
The various gardens at the park offer an array of colors and smells. Take your pick of the following gardens: Mexican, English, banana, palm, and more. Be dazzled by summer flowers, tulips, violas, roses and many more. The annual dahlias show should not be missed!
Ticket prices are €16.50 (ages 14 and older), €15.50 (ages 6-13) and €13.50 (ages 3-5).
Bayern Park
Bayern Park offers exciting adventures for everyone! The park features heart-thumping roller coasters, gigantic swings and pendulums, a freefall tower, a whitewater rafting facility and much more. No matter what the weather is, the indoor hall offers a variety of leisure time adventures for infants and teens including wall climbing, a playground area and more. Also take out your maps and join the adventurous treasure hunt through the park at the new pirate hideout through September 14.
There are more than 17 different attractions to delight little ones. There are playgrounds, fairytale trains, carousels, pedal cars, electric motorcycles, a tower slide and more. The colorful kids’ village provides children ages 2 to 6 a place to practice being grown-ups with play houses and a tower. In the heart of the forest there is also a small village with nine colorful wooden houses which are connected via wooden ladders, climbing poles, ropes and tunnels.
Animals are integrated in the design of the theme attractions. There are currently twelve different animal breeds in outdoor enclosures. Don’t miss the spectacular bird show featuring eagles, vultures, falcons and other birds of prey.
Entrance prices are €18.50 for adults, €16 for children (100-140 cm) and free for children under 100 cm.
Theme Parks in Eastern Germany
Freizeit-Land Geiselwind
Between Würzburg und Nürnberg on the edge of Steigerwald Nature Park lies one of the most popular destinations. Freitzeit has 100 attractions, including four roller coasters, live shows, animal shows, playgrounds, theaters, exhibitions and idyllic relaxation areas.
One of the most popular rides at the park is the Heaven Striker in which adrenaline junkies can fly high and free fall. The new roller coaster, called the Black Hole, will bring butterflies to the stomach with its tight turns and fast dips. A hit for children is Juniors Ballonfahrt & Red Baron which takes them on a fascinating journey in wicker baskets gently toward the sky.
Relax after all the action at the petting zoo or just enjoy the antics of the monkey. The spacious animal grounds invite visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Entry for children under 110 cm is free. Tickets for visitors over 110 cm cost €22,50 and visitors over 140 cm is €26,50.
Erlebnispark Schloss Thurn
This amusement park is located just outside of Nuremberg at an old palace. Thurn Castle was first documented in 1422 and transformed into a Baroque palace in 1737.
At the castle grounds, visitors can enjoy 50 family rides, spectacular shows, relaxation zones (areas to enjoy classical music on the lawn or a place to observe animals), a day in nature and much more. The various rides and activities for children are bumper boats, bumper cars, carousels, trains, dragon boat, a stagecoach, a water slide, miniature golf, creative water playground and much more.
Special events range from pirates day, knights and princesses day, to wild cowboy day and others.
Entry price is €16 for kids 3-11 and €18 for adults.
Freizeitpark Plohn
Freizeitpark Plohn is located in former East Germany, approximately 1 ½ hours north of Grafenwoehr, and is surrounded by meadows and a forest.
Spend a fun-filled day on roller coasters, log flumes, funny boats, go-karts, carousels, bumper cars and more. And it’s the El Toro that brings thousands of people to this family amusement park as it is the biggest and fastest wooden roller coaster in East Germany. Children flock to the park of the Tree House, which is the biggest and craziest treehouse in Germany. It has many ways for kids to climb up and six different ways to slide down.
The park has a Western theme that offers other exciting adventures for the young and old with the following: the Pony Adventure, Horse and Carriage, Tipi Slide, Western Railway, Silver Mine Roller Coaster, Buffalo Bill Saloon and Western Rodeo.
Entry price is € 21 for kids 4-12, €24 for ages 13 and over, and free for kids under 4.
Remember to visit respective websites before you start your trip, as opening hours or prices may change based on current COVID-19 regulations.