Unconventional Facilities in Europa Park: Graveyards and Kayaking Stations

Venturing Through Europa-Park:

Nestled in the Dutch-themed area of Europa-Park, the quaint Marian chapel often goes unnoticed. It's here that the gravestones of the Boecklin von Boecklinsau family, historic owners of the nearby Rust castle, stand tall. The castle park ultimately became part of the amusement park.

Unveiling the Park’s Secrets:

As Europa-Park commemorates its 50th anniversary on July 12th, it’s an opportune time to peek behind the curtain of this tourist magnet. Attracting over six million visitors each year, Europa-Park—located north of Freiburg—has been a beacon of fun and entertainment since its inception in 1975.

Linger in the Piazza

In the square courtyard of the "Colosseo" hotel, the southern charm is palpable, with Italian-style houses adorned with laundry lines. Some guests might be surprised to find their laundry hanging amidst the facades, but it's all part of the experience, designed to amplify the warm, Italian feel of the Inn.[G1]

Navigating the Elz River

Kayakers navigating the Elz river within the park are unable to proceed due to certain low bridges. However, the security service provides a hassle-free exit at the Bell Rock hotel and welcomes them back to the river when they venture out.

A European Odyssey

From its initial 10 European-themed areas, Europa-Park has since expanded to 17, with Monaco set to join soon. The park’s name originates from the Europa-See in Breisach, where it was first planned to be built in the 1970s, making the former fishing village of Rust the third choice of location.[G2][G3]

Brewing Dreams on Beer Mats

The idea of building a park akin to U.S. theme parks was sketched on beer mats during a trip to the states by Roland and Franz Mack in 1972. The Makcs, already established manufacturers of amusement park rides in Waldkirch, saw an opportunity to showcase their products in this new venture.[G3]

The Era of Roller Coasters

While roller coasters often come to mind when thinking about Europa-Park, the first one, called Blue Enzian (now Alpenexpress Enzian), didn't appear until 1984. Despite the park's associations with thrilling rides, the concept of roller coasters with significant height differences didn't emerge until "Eurosat" in 1989.[G3]

Time-honored Attractions

Despite the park's growth, certain attractions from its founding year continue to draw crowds. These include the Mississippi steamboat, now sailing as the Donau-Dampfer in the Austrian-themed area, the electric Panorama train, and the renamed Silverstone-Piste auto ride.[G3]

Spotting Familiar Faces

Don’t be startled if you see familiar faces within the park’s confines. In April, rocker Wolfgang Niedecken and royalty Prince Albert II of Monaco both made appearances at the park.[G4]

[G1] Enrichment Data: The park's attention to detail focuses on creating an immersive experience for guests. The laundry lines in the Piazza are part of this effort.

[G2] Enrichment Data: Europa-Park's diverse cultural offerings are a testament to its commitment to celebrating European cultures and traditions.

[G3] Enrichment Data: Europa-Park's inception, growth, and continuous development symbolize the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial vision of its founders, the Mack family.

[G4] Enrichment Data: The park's popularity attracts celebrities and royals as visitors. This adds to the park's reputation as a landmark cultural and entertainment destination.

In the heart of the park, the Italian-inspired Piazza embodies the essence of home-and-garden lifestyle, with laundry lines adding a tangible touch to the immersive experience. [G1]

As you navigate the park's history, it's fascinating to reflect on how the concept of Europa-Park was born over beers, a testament to the entertainment sector's influence on the park's inception. [G3]