Theme Parks
July 2, 2007
Summer has arrived in Germany and it's time to go for a swim, stroll around the city and eat ice cream. But what about riding a roller coaster, getting scared in a ghost train and watching an ice skating show -- all in one day? For kids, visiting a theme park is always a great adventure, and now is the time to do it.
No matter where you are in Germany, you're bound to be near a major amusement park.
Europapark
This year the Europapark in Rust near Freiburg won the "Parksmania Award" for being the best leisure park in Europe -- for the fourth time. The park is composed of 12 different sections that represent the countries of Europe.
Jump into one of the rotating vehicles of "Atlantis Adventure," an interactive theme ride, and try to get every underwater target with your laser harpoon in the Greek section of the park. Or check out "Silver Star," Europe's largest roller coaster, which will lift you up to a 73 meter (240 foot) high peak and bring you back down 130 km/h (81 mph). You can also go fjord rafting in the Scandinavian section, and in little Switzerland you'll find a funny bobsled run.
Besides all these high-velocity possibilities, it's also possible to just sit back and watch one of the international live shows Europapark offers: A colorful ice skating revue, the Spanish knights and flamenco shows, the "Fantasia" globe theatre show and many more.
Opening times
Summer season: March 31 - Nov. 4, 2007 (9 am - 6 pm)
Winter season: Dec. 1, 2007 - Jan. 6, 2008 (11 am - 7 pm)
Admission
Kids under 4 years: free entry
4 - 11 years: 26.50 euros
Over 11 years: 30 euros
Seniors (over 60): 26.50 euros
Further information
http://www.Europapark.de
Phantasialand
Do you feel like a little thrill? Phantasialand in the town of Brühl near Cologne is the home of various attractions that can cause adrenaline rushes -- like “Colorado Adventure,” a roller coaster in Wild West style; the bungee drop tower “Mystery Castle”; and the inverted coaster “Black Mamba,” built in 2006.
If you don't feel like getting your stomach in knots, try some of the calm and relaxing rides, such as an old Berlin carousel or the aerial cableway “Tittle Tattle Tree.”
Like Europapark, Phantasialand consists of several parts with different themes like Silver City, China Town and the new section Deep in Africa. All these are built and equipped with a certain love for detail which gives them just the right atmosphere.
With more than 100 attractions and frequent shows by well-known artists, Phantasialand attracts two million visitors a year and has been awarded several prizes. So if you should be in western Germany and have a sunny spare day, it’s worth a visit.
Opening times
Summer season: April 1 - Nov. 4, 2007 (9 am - 6 pm)
Asia Nights: June 30 - Aug. 31, 2007 (from 7 pm)
Winter Season: Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2007; Dec. 5 - 9, 2007; Dec. 12 - Jan. 6, 2008; weekends in Jan. 2008 (11 am - 8 pm)
Admission
Kids under 1 m: free entry
Kids (1 - 1.45 meters): 26 euros
Taller than 1.45 meters: 29.50 euros
Seniors (over 60): 19 euros
Two-day ticket: 42 euros
Further information
http://www.Phantasialand.de
Heide Park Soltau
Heide Park in Soltau in Lower Saxony is the largest theme park in Germany, but that's not the only record it holds. Its freefall tower “Scream” is the tallest of his kind (103 meters, 427 feet). “Desert Race” is the first launched coaster to be set up in Germany.
The focus is, like in most leisure parks, family entertainment and so there's a lot on offer for kids. Children as young as four can go on the white-water ride or, if their parents need a break, take a walk in the beautiful Heide Village.
A highlight at Heide Park is the Statue of Liberty. Built to scale at about a third of the height of the New York original, it is set on a lake inside the park.
Opening times
Summer season: March 24 - Nov. 3, 2007
Admission
Kids under 4 years: free entry
4 - 11 years: 24.50 euros
Over 12 years: 28.50 euros
Two-day ticket: 44 euros
Further information
http://www.Heide-Park.de
Belantis
Opened in 2003, Belantis is a relatively new leisure park and the first large one in East Germany. It has been growing and many of its visitors come not only from the eastern federal states, but also from the west.
There are many classic attractions, like the "Dragon Ride" roller coaster, a swing boat and a mad house, but also inventive features like “The Pharaoh's Curse,” a white-water ride on Europe’s largest pyramid.
Opening times
Summer season: April 1 - Oct. 31, 2007
Admission
Kids under 1 m: free entry
1 - 1.45 meters: 16.90 euros
Over 1.45 meters: 18.90 euros
Seniors (over 60): 16.90 euros
Further information
http://www.Belantis.de