On July 12, 1975, Europa-Park in Rust opened its gates. This year, Germany’s largest theme park celebrates its 50th anniversary with events throughout 2025. In an exclusive interview with ROCK FM, founder Roland Mack shared insights into the park’s five-decade journey, its biggest challenges, and what lies ahead, recorded in the historic Eden Palladium.
The 50th Anniversary: A Milestone for Europa-Park
The anniversary season kicks off on March 22, 2025, with events, themed festivals, and a new interactive attraction in the Historama, inspired by an "Euromaus" movie set to hit cinemas nationwide in 2025. "We thrive on repeat visitors," Roland Mack emphasizes, noting that 80% of guests return regularly—a testament to the park’s enduring appeal. The Rulantica water park also expands, adding a new outdoor pool and the recently covered "Twist and Splash" ride. Over 50 years, Europa-Park has welcomed more than 150 million visitors. Mack looks forward to smooth operations and ensuring guest safety, a responsibility he upholds as an engineer.
The Heart of the Park: Family and Innovation
"The family business is our backbone," Mack states. Like Walt Disney, he lives close to the park—with a residence on-site—and often tours the grounds in a golf cart, greeting guests who recognize him. His children carry the vision forward: Michael Mack leads the film projects with the upcoming movie, Thomas enhances gastronomy with a winery, Ann-Kathrin contributes as an architect, and Frederik’s son works in human resources. Attractions like "Voltron Nevera," launched in 2024, break records and blend tradition with innovation. Mack Rides, the family company, supplies rides worldwide and uses the park as a testing ground. "The Macks are approachable," he says proudly, fostering trust through this closeness. For Mack, loving people and sharing guests’ joy is key to the park’s spirit.
A Historical Gem: The Eden Palladium
The interview took place in the Eden Palladium, a carousel over 100 years old, built in 1906, which Mack acquired and restored. It’s the only one of its kind left in Europe, captivating visitors with its carvings, horses, pigs, carriages, and gondolas that evoke the turn of the century. "It’s a treasure and a passion," he explains. Fully functional, it reflects the family’s roots in carousel and wagon construction, tracing back to the Mack company, established for 250 years. Mack sees this as a nod to Europa-Park’s rich history.
The Beginnings: From Vision to Reality
The idea for Europa-Park emerged well before the 1970s. In the 1950s, Roland Mack and his father Franz supplied fairground operators and exported roller coasters to the USA—including the "Wilde Maus," showcased at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, which thrilled a seven-year-old Bill Gates, as Mack recently read in a book. A trip to the USA solidified their plan: "We were captivated by Disney’s storytelling," he recalls. Back in Germany, they sketched the concept on a beer coaster while Franz scouted land. On July 12, 1975, the park opened with the Schlosspark as its foundation; the "Europa" theme followed two years later. The first year drew 250,000 visitors, growing to 400,000 the next. Mack invited Bill Gates to ride the "Wilde Maus" at Europa-Park—his response is still pending.
Challenges and Triumphs: A Risky Start
The launch was a gamble. "Newspapers called it a ‘leisure ruin,’" Mack remembers. Skeptics questioned whether a park far from cities like Strasbourg or Freiburg could succeed. Yet, Mack and his father trusted their instincts, lacking formal studies—it was gut feeling and experience. A sign at the exit promised, "A new attraction will rise every year for the next seven years." That philosophy still drives the park. "My father said, ‘Every mark goes back into the park,’" Mack notes. From a hoped-for 500,000 visitors, they soon hit one million, spurring further investment. Even early lows never tempted him to give up.
Looking Ahead: The Next Generation Takes Over
Roland Mack hands the reins to his children. "They’re innovative and well-prepared," he says confidently. Michael spearheaded "Voltron Nevera" and "Voletarium," Thomas shapes the culinary offerings, Ann-Kathrin brings architectural flair, and Frederik’s son ensures skilled staffing. At 75, Mack keeps a childlike curiosity: "You have to stay young at heart," he says, cherishing the park as much as his four-year-old granddaughter, who adores every detail. Reflecting on 50 years, he’s grateful and proud of the park and Mack Rides, a global leader among ride manufacturers. "This park is my life," he concludes.
Values and Lessons: Grounded in Humility
Mack highlights three life lessons: staying grounded, meeting people as equals, and striving for perfection. "Humility leads to success," he advises, urging a blend of dreams and practicality—a balance honed during his mechanical engineering studies. He takes guest feedback seriously: "Visitors are our employers." This connection keeps the park vibrant. His father Franz instilled the idea that work doesn’t feel like work when you love it—a principle Mack lives by.
