Although Germany didn’t invent the concept of amusement parks, the country certainly knows how to create an abundance of them. So here is the surprisingly extensive list of Germany’s Many, Many Amusement Parks.
Over 100 parks on the record include zoos and safari adventures, interactive indoor experiences, and traditional theme parks with rides and various attractions. The following, in alphabetical order, is a sample of the more popular parks and what they have to offer in the way of family fun.
Babelsberg Film Park
Located within the state-of-the-art media city with the same name in Potsdam, the capital of the state of Brandenburg, Babelsberg Film Park offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry.
How do stunts work? What does the work of a make-up artist involve? How is the Sandman brought to life on screen? Babelsberg Film Park reveals all the tricks used within the film industry to curious visitors, who can join the team and get involved by presenting the weather forecast or enjoying a moment in the spotlight as a stand-in. The film pros are on hand to offer advice and show how it’s really done. There’s plenty to keep the youngest visitors entertained too, including the gingerbread house from Hansel and Gretel, the jungle playground, Radio Teddy’s glass studio, and boat rides in Panama. Children and grown-ups alike are in for a treat in Janosch’s Dreamland.
Bayern Park Leisure Paradise
Located between the Bavarian spa resorts of Bad Füssing, Bad Griesbach, and Bad Birnbach, Bayern Park Leisure Paradise in Reisbach promises hours of fun for all the family whatever the weather with more than 80 attractions to choose from.
Hop aboard the Bayern Park Express for a tour of the park and a good look at some 80 attractions on offer, including the log flume, the “Freischütz” rollercoaster that accelerates up to 80 km/h, and the “Duell der Adler” thrill ride. The frog pendulum and steep slide are two other speedy attractions that are well suited to thrill-seekers, whilst younger visitors are sure to have a ball on the swan carousel and little pig ride.
Those in need of a peaceful break from all the action can admire a miniature model of Neuschwanstein Castle at the back of the park, cruise around the lake on the paddle steamer or visit the real Baroque church near the farmhouse.
BELANTIS Theme Park
Boasting over 60 attractions across eight themed areas, BELANTIS Theme Park just south of Leipzig in the Leipzig Lake District is the largest theme park in eastern Germany.
Even the names of the themed areas sound exciting: “Valley of the Pharaohs”, “Beach of the Gods”, “Island of the Knights”, “Coast of the Explorers” and “Prairie of the Indians” are just some of the BELANTIS worlds that visitors can explore.
There is plenty to keep even young visitors entertained in the various themed areas. They can head off on a desert expedition, take part in a temple rally or compete in the “Tour de Franz” on a wobbly bike. Bigger thrill-seekers will be in their element too, rising to the challenge of the Huracan rollercoaster and its five loops or controlling the wings of their own plane on the Flight of the Gods ride. The site’s lakes provide the perfect opportunity for a ride in a Native American canoe.
FORT FUN Adventure Park
Welcome to the Wild West in the Sauerland region! FORT FUN Adventure Park has all kinds of fun in store for budding cowboys, including the longest summer toboggan run in Europe, hang-gliding, and white water rafting.
The 75-hectare adventure park is home to around 40 rides and attractions, ranging from the traditional to the ultra-modern, as well as exciting shows and all kinds of Wild West experiences. Visitors can enjoy horseback rides through the countryside and climbing wall adventures, whilst the “Wild Eagle” sky glider is a must for all the adrenaline junkies out there, flying 700 meters down the steep mountainside at 80 km/h.
Wet and wild adventures come in the form of white water rafting on the Rio Grande and adventurous rides on the 480-meter-long Wild River. Luckily, there are plenty of snack stations to refuel after all that excitement.
Geiselwind Adventure Park
Conveniently located next to the A3 motorway between Würzburg and Nuremberg, Geiselwind Adventure Park has plenty of fun and entertainment to offer families with children aged four and above across a site spanning more than 400,000 square meters.
The “Top of the World” tower, the world’s largest transportable observation tower, stands tall at 95 meters and can be seen from miles around. The fast-paced “Tower of Fear” ride also offers panoramic views, taking thrill-seekers up nice and slowly before plummeting to the ground in free fall. What better way to follow that up than with a ride on “Boomerang” – Germany’s only loop-the-loop rollercoaster that goes forwards and backward at speeds of around 75 km/h? And if that’s still not enough adrenaline, there are more than 100 rides and attractions to try out in total. Less daring visitors may prefer a visit to the wildlife park or one of the many shows.
Hansa-Park
A visit to the multiple-award-winning Hansa-Park in Sierksdorf on the Bay of Lübeck has come to be a must for most holidaymakers staying along the coast of the Baltic Sea. The resort is the only seaside theme park in the whole of Germany.
The unique mix of nature, parkland, award-winning rides, and links to local history is what makes the Hansa-Park so special. Myths and legends from the era of the Hanseatic League in Europe are brought to life at the theme park.
More than 125 amazing attractions (including 35 rides) cover the entire spectrum from chill to thrill alongside lovingly designed themed areas and spectacular, nail-biting live shows. There’s enough to keep the whole family entertained here for days on end! Visitors wishing to stay overnight can check into the linked Hansa-Park Resort holiday homes to save long journeys back and forth.
Heide Park Resort
Heide Park Resort – Source Heide Park Resort
Surrounded by almost 900,000 square meters of landscaped gardens, the Heide Park Resort in Lüneburg Heath is one of Germany’s largest theme parks and home to 40 rides.
Visitors can push themselves to their limits here by taking a spin on Limit, a loop-the-loop suspended rollercoaster that turns riders upside-down five times in a row and leaves their legs hanging in the air thanks to the design of the seats. Then there’s the wooden rollercoaster Colossos, which induces a sense of nostalgia and looks perfectly harmless. In actual fact, it is the fastest and tallest wooden rollercoaster in the world, reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h. Scream Tower – one of the world’s biggest gyro-drop towers – does exactly what it says on the tin.
Visitors looking for some slightly calmer entertainment can watch the many shows starring dolphins, sea lions, pirates, stunt performers, and acrobats.
Klotten Wildlife and Leisure Park
The combination of rides, attractions, and animal enclosures makes for a fun-filled day out at Klotten Wildlife and Leisure Park near Cochem. Add the picturesque setting of the Moselle wine-growing region and what more could you want?
Visitors are welcome to admire 50 domestic and exotic species of animals in the enclosures that mimic conditions in the wild and in the petting zoo. Eight kinds of birds of prey show off their natural flying ability in the falconry. And the theme park takes things to dizzying heights too, with the log flume standing at 25 meters and reaching speeds of up to 75 km/h. Then there’s the Klotti rollercoaster and the nine-meter-tall Klotti Tower, which demands a whole lot of muscle power if visitors are to reach the top. But they will be suitably rewarded with a panoramic view of the 60-hectare site.
Younger visitors are sure to enjoy the wide range of attractions closer to the ground, including the adventure farm and the electric horse-riding arena.
Märchenwald Fairytale Forest
The beautifully designed Märchenwald Fairytale Forest in Klotten Wildlife and Leisure Park, not far from Lake Starnberg, is ideal for families with younger children.
Visitors can take a ride on the vintage railway, go at full speed on the spinning flowers ride or experience zero gravity for one second on the star swing. On top of all that, there’s always a chance to be enchanted by the magical village and admire the many fairytale houses. Whether visitors are climbing up in the treetops or in the dedicated climbing park, they’re sure to get a real buzz. The amazing “Generations Playground” features imaginative equipment for activities and games to suit every age group. There’s a baby play area for the tiniest family members, whilst bigger kids can explore the labyrinth adventure playhouse.
Movie Park Germany
Fast-paced rollercoasters, live shows, the 30,000-square-metre Nickland area designed especially for kids, and the chance to meet famous cartoon characters are all the ingredients of a fun-filled day at Movie Park Germany.
Movie Park Germany in Bottrop is a theme park inspired by the movies, which is more or less unique in Germany. Five themed zones boasting more than 40 attractions and shows from the fascinating world of film attract no end of visitors to the park. Little fans can meet SpongeBob SquarePants and friends, hunt creepy vampires in the dark on the spectacular “Van Helsing’s Factory” indoor rollercoaster, and experience dinosaurs up close in Ice Age – The 4D Adventure, which the whole family is sure to enjoy. Ranging from tame to extreme, visitors can choose the attractions best suited for them and dive into the world of film to their heart’s content.
Plohn Theme Park
The child-friendly Plohn Theme Park is home to more than 70 attractions spread across different themed areas. Visitors can check out the rodeo in the Wild West Town, the dragon swing in the Japanese Garden, and the log flume.
A raft ride through Dinoland takes you right back to prehistoric times, with frightfully realistic, life-size dragons, crocodiles, and dinosaurs appearing at the edge of the water. A volcano may well suddenly erupt too and make visitors jump even more!
The fairytales of the Brothers Grimm are brought to life in the magical Fairytale Forest. Hansel and Gretel, Puss in Boots, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Old Mother Frost, and other popular fairytale characters tell tales from long ago.
“Dynamite” then brings things right back to the modern-day. Germany’s first big dipper, which opened in 2019, reaches heights of 40 meters over a distance of 500 meters, with loops, a helix, and twists.
Ravensburger Spieleland Theme Park
The Ravensburger Spieleland amusement park between Ravensburg and Lake Constance promises fun and adventure for families with children aged three and up.
The most popular heroes from board games and television series are brought to life at the Ravensburger Spieleland Theme Park by games company Ravensburger. Children are invited to meet the biggest liar of a bear of all time in Captain Bluebear’s Wonderland and interview the characters from the German TV show “The Mouse” in the Mouse and Elephant Adventure Land. Ravensburger’s best game concepts can be enjoyed in supersize format in the Kaleidoscope of Fun and Games. This is the only place in the world where visitors can actually explore “Labyrinth” and enjoy face-paced fun on the hippo water ride.
Schloss Dankern Holiday Resort
Schloss Dankern, a Baroque-moated castle in Haren at the heart of the Emsland region, offers a variety of leisure activities for the whole family to enjoy as the central point of an adventure-packed holiday resort.
Sporting activities and games await at this preserved natural site spanning around 200 hectares, making it the ideal destination for anyone in need of fun and relaxation. The indoor Spielland play area covering 10,000 square meters features wavy slides, an ice rink, bouncy castles, climbing walls, indoor bumper cars, pool tables, darts, carousels, softball cannons, pony rides, and slide towers – what more could little thrill-seekers want? When the weather is playing ball, visitors should head to the adventure village, where they can try the rollercoaster, pony rides, mini-golf, tennis, beach volleyball, outdoor pool, and boat slide. Visitors can stay overnight in wooden lodges available to hire for between six and ten guests.
Serengeti Safari Park
Visitors to the 200-hectare Serengeti Safari Park in Hodenhagen can experience the African animal kingdom up close and admire a great many species thanks to the Petting, Jungle and Serengeti Safaris.
The Serengeti Safari allows visitors to see a lion pride, bison, giraffes, tigers, and zebras roaming free from the comfort and safety of their own car or the safari bus. There are no vehicles allowed for the Jungle Safari, though, as visitors explore the space in which 200 monkey species and the newly added Bennett’s tree-kangaroos live. The Petting Safari is visitors’ chance to feed and cuddle alpacas, donkeys, and goats. The Safari Park is recognized as a zoo and is one of the leading breeding facilities for elephants and white rhinoceroses in Europe.
Boasting 40 rides and all kinds of shows, the Adventure Safari provides ample opportunity for animal-inspired fun of a different kind.
Skyline Park
Over 60 attractions await thrill-seeking families at Skyline Park on the edge of the Allgäu region. The highlights include the traditional night-time events and Germany’s largest bumper car attraction, which covers more than 1,000 square meters.
The Sky Wheel heads up high into the skyline as the tallest rollercoaster in Europe with inverting elements, whilst the Sky Shot, affectionately known as “The Bullet”, catapults riders up to 90 meters in the air. In this case, riders are subject to centrifugal forces, but they need to rely on their own initiative on the Sky Dragster. Visitors who dare to board the most powerful motorbike rollercoaster in the world can set their own speed and accelerate at a faster pace than Formula 1 racing cars. Younger adrenaline junkies can drive cars, wheel loaders, and mini tractors around a building site or race down the giant slide.
Stukenbrock Safari Park
More than 600 African animals roam freely around Stukenbrock Safari Park, with rare white tigers and lions amongst the inhabitants. Visitors have the option of staying the night in a tent or lodge.
Visitors can explore the park in their own car or on the safari bus. For safety reasons, the windows have to be closed when passing through the lion and tiger enclosures. But visitors can watch the giraffes, camels, antelopes and zebras up close in the nearby grassland area and may even be lucky enough to have the chance to stroke them. Barbary macaques live in the open-air monkey enclosure, which the Ape Express train passes through to give visitors the chance to feed the animals. More than 30 rides and attractions at the affiliated theme park never fail to disappoint visitors looking to let off some steam.
The Tolk-Schau Family Theme Park
Located near Schleswig is Germany’s most northerly leisure park. It is a huge hit with families with little kids in particular thanks to its animal enclosures and massive play areas.
More than 100 life-size dinosaur models call the park home, alongside live chickens, peacocks, tree frogs, and tortoises. In fact, the way in which nature is intertwined with the 30-hectare park is all part of its charm. Where else in the northern German countryside would you find a boat slide, summer toboggan run, swinging ship ride, family-friendly rollercoaster, and bumper cars? In “Dinosaur Valley”, the Tyrannosaurus rex and iguanodon can be found lurking behind hedges and bushes. The barbecue huts are popular with families and groups of friends, who can use them to cook and eat together in the middle of the park.
Source: German’s Tourism Board – Germany Travel
Photo Credits:
Bayern Park Leisure Paradise – Source Bayern Park Leisure Paradise
Belantis Theme Park – Belantis Fanclub Public Facebook Profile
FORT FUN Adventure Park – Source Fort Fun Public Facebook Profile
Filmpark Babelsberg – Source Filmpark Babelsberg Public Facebook Profile
Geiselwind Adventure Park – Source Geiselwind Adventure Park
Hansa-Park Parade – Source Hansa-Park
Heide Park Resort (and Lead Photo) – Source Heide Park Resort
Klotten Wildlife and Leisure Park – Source Klotten Wildlife and Leisure Park
Märchenwald Fairytale Forest – Source Germany Travel
Movie Park Germany – Source Movie Park Germany Public Facebook Profile
Plohn Theme Park – Freizeitpark News
Ravensburger Spieleland Theme park – Source Ravensburger Spieleland Public Facebook Profile
Schloss Dankern Holiday Resort – Source Schloss Dankern
Serengeti Safari Park – Source Serengeti Safari Park
Skyline Park – Source Skyline Park Public Facebook Profile
Stukenbrock Safari Park – Source Stukenbrock Safari Park Public Facebook Profile
The Tolk-Schau Family Theme Park – Source The Tolk-Schau