WITHIN just one hour, I wake up in Rome, stroll through the streets of southern Spain, and whizz through Scandinavia on a rollercoaster.
There are still 15 more countries to see before the day is through.
The star of the show is the new Voltron Nevera in the Croatia section[/caption]
But that is easily done at Europa Park — a mega theme park in Germany where different areas are designed to look just like European countries.
Spanning 230 acres just outside Rust, a small unassuming town in the southwest of the country near the borders of France and Switzerland, this theme park and hotel resort is an adrenaline junkie’s dream.
And its theming means you can travel the continent on a whirlwind tour.
The attention to detail is off the chart. The Greece area captures the feel of being in Mykonos while the Switzerland section transports you to the heart of the Alps.
From the architecture to the street signs, it feels like you’re really visiting these different lands.
Its extravagance reminds me of a family-friendly Las Vegas, just without the casinos and flashing neon lights.
Instead, it’s packed with 13 rollercoasters, 100 attractions, six themed hotels, and a full-blown water park.
Go Dutch in the park’s Holland quarter[/caption]
Stay the night in the Italian-themed Hotel Colosseo[/caption]
If there’s one thing Europa Park should be known for, it’s white-knuckle rides.
My first stop is one of its most iconic: Wodan, a daunting wooden coaster in the Scandinavian area.
The sound of the creaking as it races over its hills at high speed gets my palms sweating. It’s a fast, furious ride that’s everything you would want in a classic wooden coaster. Windswept hair included.
The star of the show, however, is the new Voltron Nevera in the Croatia section.
Built by the owners of the park, Mack Rides (which also manufactured the UK’s tallest and fastest coaster, Hyperia), this is a game-changer.
With a record-breaking 105-degree beyond-vertical launch, the steepest in the world, it catapults you upside down while still gaining speed.
It combines cutting-edge tech with terrifying elements like seven inversions, a bounce track, and a turntable with a backwards launch that sees you change direction mid-ride.
It’s also super-efficient, burning through queues even on busy days, so you can get a few rides in before lunch.
Voltron is easily one of the most innovative rollercoasters I’ve experienced, not to mention the scariest.
The park’s massive indoor and outdoor water park, Rulantica, is worth a visit
Lee Bell
While there’s lots on offer for thrill-seekers, Europa Park has far more besides.
From kiddie rides and playgrounds to live shows and immersive 4D experiences, the park caters to all ages.
For those who prefer a thrill without the white knuckles, there’s Arthur — an inverted-spinning family coaster — or Matterhorn Blitz, a wild mouse ride with sharp turns and quick drops in a Swiss alpine setting.
On a hot day, there’s Poseidon in the Greek area — a water coaster that combines gentle sailing with a big drop.
For a day off the rides, the park’s massive indoor and outdoor water park, Rulantica, is worth a visit.
With a lazy river, stomach- churning water slides and a wave pool, it’s the perfect way to cool off after a day of coaster riding.
Plus, there are two swim-up bars for the grown-ups if speeding down wet tubes isn’t your thing.
Floating chair
There’s no shortage of drinking or dining options within Europa Park. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a sit-down meal.
Balthasar Castle serves traditional German fare, like bratwurst, in an epic real castle.
For something way more fun, check out Food Loop, where your meal arrives at your table via a mini rollercoaster.
I chose something more casual at Bar Chez Marianne, a cosy café in the quaint Swiss area.
If you want to take your dining to another level, go to Eatrenalin.
This crazy, futuristic restaurant combines gourmet cuisine with cutting-edge technology — and it’s the first of its kind in the world.
Here, you’re transported through different rooms on a state-of-the-art “floating chair”, sampling different dishes paired with creative cocktails among huge immersive displays.
GO: EUROPA PARK
GETTING THERE: The closest airport to Europa Park served by Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways is Basel, Switzerland, about an hour away.
Return fares in November from £39pp. See skyscanner.net.
STAYING THERE: The six themed hotels on site start at around £100 per night.
Entry to the park costs £52 for adults and £44 for children (4–11) and seniors. See europapark.de/en.
I gorged on ten delicious plates inspired by cuisines from around the world.
From fresh king crab paired with a tropical citrus sauce, to delicate Japanese dumplings, each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavour.
It’s like nothing you have experienced.
Despite its size, Europa Park runs like clockwork. During my visit, queues moved quickly even for the most popular rides, the staff were friendly and the park was spotless.
With so much to see and do, a one-day visit isn’t enough.
Luckily, Europa Park has six themed hotels on site, from a medieval castle to a Portuguese monastery and amphitheatre.
It’s no wonder it won the Golden Ticket Award (the Oscars of the theme park industry) for best amusement park worldwide for the ninth time this year.
It might not have the recognition of Disneyland, but with so much for all ages, Europa Park should top any theme park-lover’s list.
