Since its opening in 1975, Europa-Park Erlebnis-Resort has evolved from a visionary project into one of Europe's most successful leisure destinations. With over 100 attractions, multiple themed hotels, and the adjacent water world Rulantica, the park offers a unique experience. Today, it is Germany's largest theme park and is celebrating its 50th anniversary with numerous innovations and expansions.
Anniversary 2025: 50 Years of Europa-Park
To mark its 50th anniversary in 2025, visitors can look forward to numerous highlights. The interactive dark ride "GRAND PRIX EDventure" and the new feature film "GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE" expand the family-friendly offerings. Additionally, "Silver Lake City" will open with new accommodations and dining options. The Western-themed area will be expanded with 36 Western Houses for four to six people and offer premium camper pitches. During the summer, the Western buffet restaurant "Diner Station" and the "Wild Horse Bar" are set to open. At the same time, the park continues to develop with new themed areas and attractions.
From Vision to Reality
The idea for Europa-Park was born in 1972 during a trip to the USA by Franz Mack and his son Roland. Their goal was to create a theme park that not only entertained families but also showcased Mack Rides' attractions. After unsuccessful plans in Breisach and Neuenburg, the Mack family found the perfect location in Rust. The municipality supported the project, allowing the park to open its doors for the first time on July 12, 1975.
Growth and Innovation: The Early Decades
Despite initial skepticism, Europa-Park quickly became a visitor magnet. By 1975, the park had already welcomed 250,000 guests, reaching one million visitors by 1978. A crucial milestone was the introduction of European-themed areas, beginning with Italy in 1982. This gave the park a unique identity. In the following years, themed areas such as Holland (1984), England (1988), France (1989), and Scandinavia (1992) were added. In 1996, Europa-Park received a "very good" rating from Stiftung Warentest, officially confirming its high quality.
From Theme Park to Short-Break Destination
With the opening of its first themed hotel, "El Andaluz," in 1995, Europa-Park became a short-break destination. Growing demand led to the construction of additional hotels, including "Castillo Alcazar" (1999) and "Colosseo" (2004). In 2012, "Bell Rock," the first New England-style themed hotel, was introduced, further enriching the park’s landscape. The park also continued to expand its attractions: in 2009, the Icelandic-themed area featuring the launch coaster "blue fire" debuted. In 2012, "WODAN – Timburcoaster" became the park’s first wooden roller coaster. The "Voletarium," Europe’s largest flying theater, opened in 2017. With over six million visitors annually, Europa-Park has solidified its position as Germany’s market leader.
Rulantica and Digital Innovations
In 2019, the water world Rulantica opened as an independent expansion of the Europa-Park Resort. With 53 attractions and a combination of indoor and outdoor areas, it ranks among Europe’s most innovative water parks. In 2021, the outdoor area was expanded with the "Svalgurok" water playground, featuring ten slides and over 100 interactive play elements. A highlight of 2023 was the "Vikingløp" racing slide, an eight-lane competition attraction on a 30-meter-high tower. In addition to physical expansions, Europa-Park continues to embrace digital innovation with VR attraction YULLBE and the streaming platform VEEJOY.
An Unparalleled Success in Numbers
A comparison between 1975 and 2025 highlights the park’s remarkable growth: from an initial 16 hectares to today's 95 hectares, from 15 to over 100 attractions, and from 250,000 visitors to over six million annually. With 5,250 employees and 10,000 indirect jobs, Europa-Park plays a significant role in the region’s economy. During the 2025 season, more than 220 apprentices and students will help ensure smooth operations on and off the stage. The in-house Europa-Park Academy guarantees optimal training and professional development for all employees.
Looking Ahead
The Mack family has ambitious plans for the coming years. In addition to expanding existing attractions, new themed areas and rides are in development. The water world Rulantica will also continue to grow. More than 700 craftsmen are working on over 40 construction projects during the off-season. With a strong commitment to innovation, quality, and European charm, Europa-Park remains a trailblazer in the theme park industry.
