List of the 20 best amusement parks in Europe
Recommended amusement park in Europe?
Throughout Europe there is a huge variety of amusement parks that will make the whole family happy. Innovative parks and classic parks, parks with a variety of exciting roller coasters and those taken from fairy tales that will bring you together with castles and familiar characters from movies. We have compiled for you here the leading parks that you should not miss.
Disneyland-Paris-France
A world of legends across 5 amazing countries full of classic attractions, shows and street parades. This is not just a standard amusement park with facilities, it is a place that draws you to the most beloved films and characters, you can make your dreams come true and encounter the unforgettable pirates, you can laugh, get excited and be scared, the whole range of emotions will lead you to an unforgettable experience and finally you can admire the fireworks and unforgettable light displays Oblivion over Sleeping Beauty's castle.
Disneyland is the flagship property at the Disneyland Paris resort and its attractions make guests flock to the place, which only becomes more popular every year. Among the top attractions you can find It's a Small World, Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Wars Hyper Space Mountain.
Walt Disney Studios Park, Disneyland Paris, France - The second gate at Disneyland Paris is in the midst of a transformative expansion over the next few years.
At Walt Disney Studios Park, ranked fourth in the list of top theme parks in Europe, guests can enjoy such attractions as Mickey's Philharmonic, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Toy Story Playland. Ratatouille's unique dark ride is also returning to Epcot in Florida.
Walt Disney Studios Paris_Ratatouille_Place de Rémy
The park's new Marvel-themed area, Avengers Campus, opens in 2022, alongside the Marvel design of Disneyland Paris' New York Hotel. The Avengers Campus is one of three new lands coming to Walt Disney Studios Park over the next few years. It will also be joined by Star Wars and Frozen themed areas. Grouped around a lake, these will significantly increase the number of visitors and the popularity of the park.
Gardland - Northern Italy
Gardaland is an amusement park located in northeastern Italy. Opened on July 19, 1975, and includes "Gardaland", "Gardaland Sea-Life" and "Gardaland Hotel". It is adjacent to Lake Garda, one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Italy. The entire complex covers an area of 445,000 square meters (4,789,940 square feet), while the theme park alone is 200,000 square meters (2,152,782 square feet). Inside there are themed attractions. Almost 3 million people visit it every year.
Gardaland was ranked fifth by Forbes magazine in the top ten amusement parks in the world with the best turnover and is the eighth in Europe in the number of visitors to the park.
Gardland attracts close to three million annual visits. This makes it about twice as popular as the second largest theme park in Italy, Mirabilandia and places it at number 8 on the list of top theme parks in Europe.
Throughout the 60 dunam site, the mix of attractions is rich. Guests can enjoy eight roller coasters, three water rides, three dark rides and several themed family attractions. These include Peppa Pig Land and Kung Fu Panda Academy.
Gardaland fans can also enjoy a themed area dedicated to its friendly dragon mascot Prezzemolo, which is as old as the park itself.
Since 2006, the park has developed its holiday offering in the last decade by adding two more themed hotels (three in total), Sea Life Aquarium, and new for 2020, Europe's first Legoland water park. From its "magical" summer nights to Oktoberfest and Halloween, Gardenland's seasonal celebrations are also popular.
In 2022, the world's first Jumanji theme dark ride will open in the park.
Eftling - Holland
Eftling is a unique amusement park with a fairytale atmosphere and a wide range of exciting and magical attractions, which makes it ideal for the whole family. Eftling is located in a natural environment, captures the magic of all seasons and welcomes you 365 days a year!
Enjoy precious moments that you will cherish forever. Enter this fairytale world filled with wondrous stories, delightful dreams and high-speed adventures. Glide through the magical world of fairies and trolls on the 'Droomvlucht' dream flight, huddle together during the exciting Raveleijn park show and cap off your fantastic day in Eftling with Europe's largest water show
The Netherlands' number 1 theme park received a static number of visitors of 5.4 million in 2019. However, the legendary destination near Tilburg has achieved exceptional performance over the past 10 years, having grown from 4 million visitors a year at the beginning of the decade.
Eftling started a 365-day operation and introduced a second holiday village, Loonsche Land. These helped increase numbers and create a more international guest profile.
The park has added some powerful new attractions in recent years as well. In June 2020, she launched the fun twin coaster experience, Max & Moritz. This came just six months after the opening of the new 4D experience Fabula from Aardman Animations.
Dark ride fans have raved about Symbolica, which opened in 2017. Additionally, hopes are high for the upcoming relaunch of the classic Droomvlucht (Dreamflight). Meanwhile the B&M Baron 1898 Dive Train is noteworthy for its excellent theme that provides tension and thrills.
With CARO, Aquanura and Ravelijn (co-produced with Puy du Fou), Eftling also delivers some solid shows. For many families, a trip to Sprockjesbos (Fairytale Forest) remains a nostalgic 'must-do' destination.
Puy du Fou in France - Loire valley
Puy du Fou is a historic amusement park in Les Epesses, in the Pays de la Loire region of western France. It was founded in 1978 and was chosen several times as the best amusement park in the world.
Puy du Fou amusement park in France:
The park is known for large-scale live shows that combine history, music and special effects. The shows take place in different historical periods, from the Roman period to the present day.
Some of the most popular shows at Puy du Fou include:
Le Signe du Triomphe: A show about the Roman conquest of Gaul.
Le Signe du Triomphe show at Puy du Fou
Le Mousquetaire de Richelieu: a show about the musketeers of the 17th century.
Les Vikings: a show about the Vikings.
Le Secret de la Lance: A play about the Hundred Years' War.
Puy du Fou also has a number of other attractions, including:
Working farm + falcon show + water show + medieval village in Puy du Fou
The park is open from April to September. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance to the park.
If you are interested in history, culture or live entertainment, then Puy du Fou is a must visit destination. It is truly a unique experience that you will never forget.
Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Puy du Fou:
The park is very popular, so it is advisable to book tickets in advance.
The park is large and there is a lot to see and do, so you will need at least two days to explore it properly.
There are a variety of accommodation options near the park, from campsites to luxury hotels.
The park is wheelchair accessible, but some shows may not be suitable for people with certain disabilities.
Legoland Billund Denmark
Go on a fun and scary ride at Ghost – The Haunted House. Sneak into the haunted house, where you can meet vampires, ghosts and monsters very closely. You can try to chase ghosts in the magical mirror maze and meet the mad scientist and his crazy experiment that will send you and your brave family floating and maybe even drop you.
You can also enjoy and look forward to a reunion with all the LEGOLAND activities, the kind of places you can only see in Europe, keep your cool while you go through Polar Land on an amazing snowmobile with the Polar X-plorer roller coaster. This ride has a unique 5 meter drop that will turn your blood to ice. Meet the wonderful colony of real live penguins at Penguin Bay. Explore the fascinating Miniland and experience an amazing world made entirely of LEGO bricks.
Located close to the headquarters of the Lego Group, Legoland Billund was the first Legoland park in the world. And it's still a super touristy place, after over 50 years. Its ability to attract nearly two million guests a year (1.95 million in 2019) to a town with a population of just over 6,500 is testament to the appeal of the famous toy brick.
2019 was a top year, with a 5.5% increase in visitor numbers to achieve the second highest theme park growth in Europe.
Legoland Billund. Miniland the leading theme parks in Europe
At its debut in 1968, Legoland involved little more than a train ride circling a Lego model village. The latter, named Miniland, is now a central component of all nine Legoland parks and 27 Legoland Discovery Centers around the world.
Today, there are two hotels on the site. Versions of most attractions within the park are also located in the other Legoland parks. However, it also boasts some unique features such as Lagordo Town and Polar Town. New for 2021 was Europe's first Lego World Cinema.
With the opening of the Lego House in 2018, Billund's global status as a Lego tourism hub is secure for years to come.
Portaventura Park - Spain
PortAventura is an amusement park and resort in the south of Barcelona, in Salou, Tarragona, Spain; On the Costa Dorada. It attracts about 4 million visitors a year, making it the most visited amusement park in Spain.
Portaventura Park is also the 6th most visited amusement park in Europe. The resort also includes the Costa Caribe water park and four hotels. This is the largest resort in southern Europe. It has two airports within 30 minutes of it, including Rauss Airport. There is a train station to Port Aventura with links to Barcelona and Salou.
The park, located in the south of Barcelona, includes five theme areas based on historical cultures (Mediterranean, Far West, Mexico, China and Polynesia) and one theme area based on the park's 2011 opening of Sesame Street.
World-class trips and themes, accommodation on site, and an above-average dose of sunshine make Port Aventura, Spain's leading amusement park resort, attracting families from all over Europe.
The original Fort Aventura Park continues to impress. The hypercoaster train is as exciting as it is tall and long. The park's water rides are popular for obvious reasons.
Port Aventura
The family land SésamoAventura entertains many young guests, in 2019, the award-winning Sesame Street area opened: it was worth the wait.
2019 also saw the opening of Ferrari Land and Kariba Water Park, the three parks within the wider Port Aventura world attracting over 5 million annual visits. With over 2,000 rooms on site, the resort's six hotels play an important part in the site's growing popularity. British, German and Russian families are among the largest groups staying at the site.
Warner Park Madrid, Spain
The number of visitors increased by 2.2% to 2.23 million in 2019 at Warner Park Madrid. This brings it to the 12th place in the list of the top theme parks in Europe. Operated by Parques Reunidos since 2007.
The park was built in partnership with Six Flags, which operated it as Warner Bros. Movie World for its first three seasons, from 2002 to 2004.
In addition to Looney Tunes characters, guests can also enjoy shows and opportunities to meet DC Comic superheroes up close.
New thrill rides have been few and far between since the impressive arsenal of attractions assembled at launch. This includes two B&M coasters, a giant wooden coaster, a triple tower ride and three water rides. However, Parques Reunidos has expanded the offer with the addition of Parque Warner Beach.
Phantasialand - amusement park Germany
Like all large family-owned theme parks, Phantasialand provides a unique experience for its guests. With over 2.05 million visits in 2019, it overtook Legoland Deutschland to become the second busiest park in Germany and the 14th most visited theme park in Europe.
While the Lego-themed venue in Bavaria features rides that are repeated at Lego theme parks around the world, many of the offerings at Phantasialand (south of Cologne) are one-of-a-kind and unique.
Phantasialand_Chiapas
For example, guests can enjoy Chiapas with an extensive themed wooden canal with its wonderful Mexican theme). Another masterpiece is the Klugheim themed area, home to the Taron and Raik roller coasters. In 2020, the new Rookburgh area opens, featuring the longest flying train in the world (FLY) and a Steampunk themed hotel. The interactive dark part of Maus Au Chocolat is entertaining and humorous.
Europa Park - Germany
Europe This is the largest theme park in Germany and the second most popular theme park resort in Europe, after Disneyland Paris. He is also very popular among the Israeli audience.
Europa Park is located in Rust, in southwest Germany, between Freiburg and Strasbourg, France.
The park is home to twelve roller coasters, the oldest being the Alpenexpress Mine Train, where a motorized train races through a diamond mine, and the newest is Arthur, an indoor/outdoor suspended motorized roller coaster and dark ride combination. Europa-Park has roller coasters and attractions with a very high capacity, meaning the park can accommodate up to approx. 50,000 guests a day. This is an amazing experience especially for adrenaline lovers.
Photoscope Poitiers - France
With more than 46 million visitors since its opening, Futuroscope It is one of the best known and most loved amusement parks in France. And the only one of its kind in Europe!
Futuroscope is the ideal place to relax, with 60 hectares of green and peaceful countryside and 25 original experiences you won't find anywhere else!
In the park you can absorb the fantastic, fun and legendary atmosphere of Futuroscope with over 25 original experiences that await you in the theaters, with exciting adventures, the night of legends show and attractions providing pleasures to suit all tastes and ages: huge format movies, attractions full of thrills, 4D rides with XNUMXD effects , games, live performances, outdoor activities and more...
Parc Asterix. Asterix Park - France
Asterix Park is an amusement park in France, based on the stories of Asterix (by Albert Oderzo and René Gossini). Located about 35 km (22 miles) north of Paris, 32 km (20 miles) from the Disneyland Paris resort and 20 km (12 miles) from the historic Château de Chantilly, in Plais in the Oise department, it opened in -1989.
It is particularly known for its large variety of roller coasters, and has begun to incorporate trips and themes from historical cultures such as the Romans, the ancient Greeks and even the Egyptians, but always in the visual style of the stories.
Asterix Park boasts that guests can immerse themselves in themed lands dedicated to ancient Greece and Egypt. In keeping with the comic books from which this leading European park takes its name, there are plenty of humorous touches along the way.
2019 was good - a seven per cent increase (the highest of any theme park in Europe) to 2,326,000 meant it climbed four places in the top 20.
Riding in the Asterix-Discoblix park
That's why it regained the title of the busiest non-Disney theme park in France. In addition, revenues increased by 13%, as well as the addition of attractions such as 2017's Pégase Express and 2019's Attention Menhir! Experience 4D, the company has developed the Asterix Park resort offer with new accommodation. This includes La Cité Suspendue and Les Quais De Lutèce. The park's first Christmas season also helped boost attendance in 2019.
In 2021, the park announced that it was closing its dolphinarium permanently: its eight dolphins and five sea lions would be returned to other parks in Europe.
Gröna Lund Stockholm Stockholm, Sweden
Gröna Lund is an amusement park in Stockholm, Sweden. It is located on the sea side of the island of Djurgården and is relatively small compared to other amusement parks, mainly due to its central location, which limits expansion. The amusement park that covers 15 dunams includes over 30 attractions, and is a popular place for concerts during the summer. Gröna Lund was founded in 1883 by James Schultheiss. Grona Lund has its roots in the 80s, making it the oldest theme park in Sweden. In 20, a German named Jacob Schultheis leased the area to build "carousels and other amusements", and until 1883 Schultheis' descendants ran Gröna Lund. The location of the park is quite unique in that most of the buildings are old residential and commercial buildings from the 2001th century. The buildings are therefore not built for the park; Instead, the park is built around the buildings and that is part of the charm of the place.
Sweden's top theme park saw a 3.5 percent drop in attendance in 2019 and will not reopen in 2020 as the country adopts a unique response to the coronavirus. This was shared by amusement parks and other places in Sweden hosting more than 50 people,
This meant Leesberg fans had to wait until spring 2021 to discover the secret underground world of the park's rabbit mascots, as shown in an unashamedly dark ride called Uplandet.
Liseberg_Coaster_Concert_Selix
Even bigger things are expected to arrive by 2023. The first phase of Leesburg's €10 million funfair, including the Turbo and Tempus rides, opens in April 2022 and a hotel and themed water park will arrive in time for the park's 100th anniversary in 2023. This will change Leesberg's business model.
Like Copenhagen's Tivoli, one of the things that makes Lisberg such a valued community asset is its city center position and concert/event program. The return visit that results from this explains its presence in the list of the leading theme parks in Europe, in a country of just over 10 million people.
Tivoli Gardens Denmark - Copenhagen Denmark
Tivoli Gardens (or simply Tivoli) is a famous amusement park and pleasure garden in Copenhagen, Denmark. The park opened on August 15, 1843 and is the second oldest amusement park in the world, after Dyrehavsbakken in nearby Klampenburg.
With 4.033 million visitors, Tivoli is the second most popular seasonal theme park in the world, the most visited theme park in Scandinavia and the fourth most visited in Europe, only after Disneyland Paris, Europa-Park Rust and Haftling.
Tivoli Gardens inspired Walt Disney's famous hit park, before Disneyland's influence on the amusement industry. And the attraction still delights residents and visitors to Copenhagen after more than 175 years.
Inside this Danish institution, visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment, recreation and hospitality. Due to Tivoli's landlocked location, there is a lot of air travel. These include Star Flyer, Vertigo, Fata Morgana and the Golden Tower. Particularly delightful are the picturesque wooden Rutschebanen train and the steamboats. The park is also famous for its restaurants and concert program.
The park and its attractions are beautifully designed. Tivoli Gardens is characterized by buildings in Art Deco design, traditional oriental architecture and influences closer to home. Together the rides, attractions and gardens generated 4.58 million visits in 2019. This figure represents a 5.5 percent decrease compared to 2018.
Walibi Belgium - Brussels, Belgium
Walibi Belgium is a unique and experiential leisure park for the whole family in Belgium. 40 attractions including 16 for children, street animations, XNUMX water park and many other extraordinary adventures.
Walibi Belgium is the ideal amusement park to visit with family and friends. The park has attractions for all ages. The famous Radja river, the crazy disaster mine and all the other family attractions...
Choose one of the sensational attractions of Walibi Belgium. Face the high speeds or the dizzying heights! You will feel your heart drop at every turn and turn, the adrenaline will make you continue to indulge in the experience.
Thorpe Park, United Kingdom -
A few miles south of London's Heathrow Airport, Thorpe Park became a visitor attraction in 1979. Along with Alton Towers and Chessington Worlds of Adventure, it was one of three parks in the UK.
Due to its relative proximity to Chessington (and also to Goland Windsor,), Marlin decided to differentiate the offer at Thorpe Park. Here the focus is on thrill-hungry youngsters, while Chessington is geared more towards families.
After the launch of the world's first 10-inversion roller coaster in 2002, Colossus, came a flurry of new rides. These include Nemesis Inferno, SAW – The Ride, Stealth and The Swarm. In addition to SAW, the Walking Dead and Angry Birds brands also appear in the park.
One of Thorpe Park's most unique attractions is Darren Brown's Ghost Train. Action, special effects and a terrifying VR experience on the London Underground, it's unlike any other ghost train.
In 2021, Merlin Entertainments announced plans for a new roller coaster at Thorpe Park. This will be the theme park's first new coaster since The Swarm launched in 2012.
Alton Towers - United Kingdom
The Alton Towers theme park opened on April 4, 1980. The main attractions include Nemesis, Oblivion, Air, Runaway Mine Train, Congo River Rapids, Hex – The Legend of the Towers,... Alton Towers is known for creating new types of rides, in everything related to trains mountains They have a series of 'secret weapon' rides that usually bring something new, surprising, big and wild, that will leave you speechless and with a hair-raising experience.
Alton Towers Water Park opened in June 2003. It consists of several pools and slides including the Master Blaster water coaster. The water park, along with the adjacent Splash Landings Hotel, has a tropical Caribbean theme with slides.
Alton Towers celebrated its 40th anniversary as a theme park in 2020. Its roller coasters such as Nemesis, Rita and The Smiler bring in a pilgrimage of guests from around the world. It also has three themed hotels, lodges, tree houses and an indoor water park. This makes the sprawling Alton Towers Resort an attractive short break destination.
Elton Towers_The Wicker Man-
A big hit with young guests and their families is CBeebies Land. They were joined in 2021 by the dark ride of Granny Gangsta, based on stories by the children's writer David Williams. Additionally, visitors can still explore the site's manicured gardens, which predate the theme park.
In 2022, three new attractions inspired by Hey Duggee, Andy's Adventures and JoJo & Gran Gran opened in CBeebies Land.
Attendance increased in 2018 following the launch of Wicker Man's incredibly immersive wooden coaster.
Chessington World of Adventure, UK
Another Merlin Entertainments property on the list of top theme parks in Europe is Chessington World of Adventures. This family-friendly attraction has its roots as a zoo since 1931. Animals are still a central part of the offering.
Guests can embark on an off-road truck journey across African-style plains. Meanwhile, those staying overnight at Safari & Azteca Hotels can enjoy a fully immersive experience with themed rooms and animal encounters in the nearby Wanyama Game Reserve.
They recently added two features by children's author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. The Gruffalo River Ride Adventures take passengers on a magical riverboat journey through the dark and deep forest. Meanwhile, Room on the Broom - invites guests to interact with characters from the book of the same name.
New for 2020 was the colorful Elmer's Flying Dumbos ride. In addition to the rides, attractions and zoo, Chessington also has a Sea Life Centre. Even the park's carousel has an animal theme. In July 2022, the park opened the land and of Shipwreck Beach, "Inspired by coastal port towns, the "wild, wet and stormy" land features nautical themes.
Legoland Deutschland, Germany - LEGOLAND® Deutschland Resort
Legoland Deutschland opened in 2002 outside the city of Gunzburg. It now hosts 1.7 million visits a year, making it the 18th best theme park in Europe.
The site's 43-hectare (107-acre) layout served as the blueprint for subsequent Legolands. Goland Deutschland Resort has also pioneered themed accommodation offers. For example, the Lego Castle Hotel, which has since evolved into several other Legoland locations, and the Pirate Island Hotel.
The Gunzburg site also includes some unique offers. For example, the Land Der er Pharaonen and the Lego gallery of football stars.
The park was built before the Legoland Parks business was taken over by Merlin. However, Germany has proven to be a good market for the world's second largest operator of visitor attractions. It chose Berlin as the location for the world's first Legoland Discovery Center, which opened in 2007. Now replicated in 26 other locations around the world, a second German store is in Oberhausen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Legoland Windsor, UK –
Windsor Safari Park has never been empty for a day since its relaunch as Legoland Windsor in 1996. The utilization of the infrastructure of the former attraction led to the development of the site in West London, which is perhaps the most interesting topographically. From every Legoland park to date.
All Legoland supplies are there. From Lego City Driving School and Apprentice of the Dragon to Ninjago The Ride and of course Miniland's Model City. An interesting attraction, which repeats itself in different guises in Legoland California, Dubai and Japan, the best attraction is the Deep Sea Adventure submarine ride.
Legoland Windsor_DUPLO_Dino_Coaster
New for 2020, the Duplo Dino Coaster offers young guests a 'first train' experience. In 2017, Legoland Windsor Resort debuted a new-look Legoland hotel concept. This served as the blueprint for other hotels in Legoland resorts around the world.
In 2021, Lego Mythica: World of Mythical Creatures opens at Legoland Windsor, a new themed area which is home to the UK's first flying theatre.
Since 2015, the venue has been the UK's top theme park in terms of visitor numbers, and with a 5 per cent increase in 2019 to 2.45 million, it has experienced the third largest increase in attendance of any park in Europe.
Futuroscope, France
In joint 16th place in the list of the leading theme parks in Europe is Futuroscope. Although some have drawn comparisons to Epcot, this park in western France is a unique proposition. "Futuroscope is the intelligent amusement park",
In 2020, Futuroscope opened its first roller coaster, Objectif Mars. However, most of its main attractions are film and media-based offerings housed in eye-catching pavilions.
These include the IMAX-based Astronaut Mission, the flying theater L'Extraordinaire Voyage, The Kube Mysteries with its set of video maps and the night show La Forge aux Étoiles. There is also an interactive dark ride.
The park was opened in 1987, the place is located outside the city of Poitiers, between the Loire Valley, La Rochelle and Bordeaux. The park has a long season of activity (February to December).
Futuroscope was built with public funds upon its launch. Subsequently, 45% of the park's operating company was allocated to Compannie des Alpes in 2014. A €304 million expansion including a state-of-the-art water park and two hotels was recently approved.
The Prater - Vienna, Austria
Wiener Prater is a large public park in the second district of Vienna (Leopoldstadt). When people talk about Wiener Parter they often mean "Worstelparter". The so-called "Wurstelprater" is the oldest amusement park in the world. But the Wiener Prater consists of more than that: the Hauptala (Main Alley), the Kreuz and the Praterstadium (Ernest Happel Stadium) belong to the "Wiener Prater" area.
The Prater was first mentioned in a document in 1162 under the reign of Emperor Frederick I. In 1766 Emperor Joseph II. Donate the area to the people of Vienna. From this point on the Prater was accessible to everyone. As a result, bowling alleys, movie theaters, cafes and a host of other entertainment for the whole family were created.
Blackpool Pleasure - Blackpool - United Kingdom
This theme park offers extraordinary thrills - it is a theme park in the UK with a combination of unique rides and activities for families. You can try the legendary Big One, head to Nickelodeon Land to try out 12 thrilling trains, or there's Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic to delight your kids and satisfy your inner thrill seeker.
If you're looking for one of the best amusement parks in the UK, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the Big One. With the best trips, shows and prices.
