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As the largest seasonal theme park in the world, Europa Park in Germany has to be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
Europa Park’s sheer size and offering of 11 rollercoasters and over 100 attractions, all set within 13 European travel themed areas, can only function with the efficiency and innovation the Germans are known for. Combine that with immaculately choreographed seasonal events like Halloween, and you’ll soon find yourself traversing a sensorial adventure playground.
I spent my entire childhood eagerly awaiting my annual trip to one of the three big UK theme parks, and I’ve never grown out of my addiction. Despite having sampled various fairgrounds and parks around the world, from North Korea to Canada, Europa Park has literally topped them all.
The park attracts thrill-seekers from the neighbouring countries of France and Switzerland, as well as fans from around the world, priding itself on being accessible to more than just its countrymen. However, the approach of the year-end sees a significant drop of warm weather chasing UK visitors.
Considering autumn and winter at Europa Park are filled with some of the best themed events of the entire calendar year, it’s a shame to stay away.
Autumn marks the start of the spooky season before Santa comes to ride the rollercoasters in December and visitors swap ghoul chasing for bobsleighing, tubing and ice-skating.
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Halloween at Europa Park and Traumatica
Halloween at Europa Park, Germany is a choreographed spectacle that has to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. And it tops the spooktastic, epic scale alongside spending Halloween in Transylvania.
I was invited by Tourism Baden-Württemberg and Europa Park to experience the prank-led, pumpkin-filled Halloween days and its heart-racing, adrenalin-pumping, scream-filled Traumatica (previously called Horror Nights, adults only).
From late September to early November, eery figures lurk around the pumpkin-filled park and hundreds of zombies and menacing creatures flood every dark nook and shadowy cranny of the chilly night.
A separate ticket is required for those wanting to experience the dead of the night, but it is worth the extra cost of 14 Euros (25 Euros for a Fast-track ticket on top) for the added adrenalin kick. The atmosphere is charged when the sun goes down, with people pumped up in anticipation of the fright.
The addition of four horror houses adds to previous years of stand-alone experiences.
Starting with the ‘Horror on Ice V – Hellfire’ ice show, I took on and survived all five scare zones, including ‘The curse of the werewolf’, one about our most common nightmares, the ‘Lab’, ‘The Dead Inside’ and the spiders in ‘The Crypt – reborn’. Think creaking floorboards, evil lurking in abandoned spaces, and hoards of zombies trying to escape. I’ve been to a handful of ‘live experiences’ like this, but Europe Park’s attention to detail is incredible – especially considering it is all built within the grounds of the rides, broken down during the daytime and resurrected again for the new dawn.
Whether it’s Summer, Halloween or Winter, Europa Park ensures that every year sees the introduction of a new attraction to entice people back. Whether be it a rollercoaster or other grand ride, or an entertainment addition such as ’Spook Me!’ – the first Europa-Park Musical alongside the new horror houses.
It’s not hard to spot the die-hard fans that continuously return in anticipation and the general child-like excitement that radiates from theme park enthusiasts, like myself.
So while my day was spent riding The Eurosat ‘Pumpkin Coaster’, the Blue Fire ‘Megacoaster’ and high-speed Silver Star, and wandering through the traditional houses, alpine villages and cobbled alleys of Germany and Switzerland, sipping a latte in a café in Italy, wandering the white and blue island facades of Greece, relaxing by the plazas and fountains of Spain, browsing the cosmonaut themed Russia, or checking out a pub in England, the night belonged to another, hair-raising world.
Planning and Booking a Trip to Europa Park
Europe Park Costs and Admission Prices
– Children, 36 Euros (67.50 Euros for a two-day ticket). Those under the age of four go free
– Adults, 41 Euros (77 Euros for a two-day ticket)
– Groups of 20 or more, 35 Euros
- For a full list of year-round events including the Miss Germany grand final, the Euro Dance Festival, Easter Village, the Summer Night party, Oktoberfest, alongside other European themed festivals, check out the Park’s comprehensive events listing
- Europe Park’s signs, materials and announcements are provided in a bilingual German, French and English language mix, making all aspects of the park accessible to all
- Further information on Traumatical (Horror Nights) can be found here.
Where To Stay in Europa Park
Europe Park’s 4-star resort hotels add to the European themed feel. Attention to detail can be found at the New England Bell Rock Hotel with its 18th-century style 35m high lighthouse, the Roman-style ‘Colosseo’ or the medieval Spanish Knight’s Castle that is the ‘Castillo Alcazar’.
I stayed one night in the Spanish El Andaluz whose traditional architecture, music and courtyard transported me to a different country, and my last night lapping up the calm and serenity of the Portuguese monastery style ‘Santa Isabel’ in my cosy studio-style room, before an early morning journey to the airport.
More Than Just a Theme Park
Think of it as two theme parks in one which, when combined with the region’s greater offering, makes for a fun and active getaway. Europa Park isn’t just a standalone break; close to the three charmingly traditional cities of Basel, Strasbourg and Freiburg, it’s just two hours from scenic valleys and the incredible highlands of Germany’s Black Forest.
So with adrenalin and active adventure all within easy reach of Stuttgart airport by a matter of two hours, when will you be heading over for heart-racing autumn and winter fun?
Special thanks go to the staff at Europa Park for allowing me to sample the best rides and rollercoasters, for the Fast Track entry into Horror Nights and for allowing me to sample two of the beautiful themed hotels. You are never too old for childlike fun.
Daniel McBane says
We used to go to Europa Park once a year when I was growing up (this was back in the 80s). I remember loving the roller coasters (though there were far fewer of them back then) but sadly, I don’t remember much else and none of your photos seemed familiar either. I don’t know if you only took pictures of things that weren’t around at the time or if I’m getting old and my memory’s going. Obviously, I’m going to assume the former, but I’m afraid it’s probably more of the latter. That said, we never went on Halloween. That wasn’t a thing in Germany back in those days.
Becki says
They pride themselves on having something new each year, so I am sure a whole array of things have changed or have been added since the 80’s. I think you need to go back and find out 🙂
Nicole says
I have to admit although living close to the park I never went there for Halloween, so thanks for the articel, maybe I’ll give it a try next year.
I have been there for christmas time and that is just magical in the evening.
btw guess you did not mean Basle in your article but Basel 😉
Becki says
In the day time it’s fun scary but Horror Nights is supposed to scare you properly…. if you like that kind of thing. I enjoy the adrenalin rush of not knowing what is going to happen! Terrifyingly Fun!
Debbie says
Looks like a darker and more northern Disneyland! 🙂
Christine says
Sounds like such a good experience. I’d love to visit a Halloween themed park. Having the maguc key must have been the best ever! 😉
Becki says
Theme Parks should do competitions where people can win the chance to be in the park for the day with a member of staff and a magic key. It’s a dream come true! Also from a geeky sense too 🙂