Europa Park (Germany)

Europa-Park is the largest theme park in Germany and a third most popular theme park resort in Europe. Europa-Park is located in Rust, in the south-west of Germany between Freiburg and Strasbourg, France. It is usually open from just before Easter until the beginning of November and from the end of November to the second week in January. The park is split into fifteen different areas, mostly named after European countries or regions. The park mascot is a grey mouse named "Euromaus" although there are over a dozen other characters that "live" at the park.

Europa-Park is run by the Mack family which have produced vehicles since 1780, circus wagons since 1880 and rollercoasters since 1921. The park was opened in 1975 to act as a showcase for many of their different ride models. The amusement ride company is now called MACK Rides. The park is home to eleven roller coasters, the oldest being the Alpenexpress Mine Train, where a powered coaster speeds through a diamond mine, - and the newest coaster being WODAN Timbur Coaster. Europa-Park has very high capacity rollercoasters and attractions and the park can accommodate up to approx. 50,000 guests per day.

Along with the park and rides, Europa-Park is also a major resort. It boasts four hotels, a guest house, Tipi Village and campsite. The largest hotel is called Colosseo which includes a re-creation of a Roman coliseum.

Across the park, there are many shows performed on a daily basis, such as an Ice Show in Greece, a Gladiator Arena Show in Spain, an Acrobatics Show in an Italian Theatre and a fully re-created Globe Theatre, based on that of William Shakespeare. In addition, there are several smaller theatres and outdoor stages, street artists and a daily parade. The Magic 4D Cinema also opens during the evening and shows current blockbusters.

Europa-Park host dozens of events throughout the season. The biggest of these include the Midsummer Party at the end of July/start of August, when the theme park hosts a fireworks display and is open until midnight. Horror Nights - Starring Marc Terenzi, takes place through October evenings and features a range of halloween horror mazes, rides and shows. The official website is www.europapark.de