Europa-Park in Germany has been named the world's best theme park at the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards, marking the 11th time the attraction has won the prize. The resort, located in the small town of Rust in south-west Germany near the French border, features 14 roller coasters and more than 100 attractions and shows.
The award, organised by the industry publication Amusement Today, saw the park beat competitors from around the globe. Its latest win makes it an alternative worth considering for Brits planning a theme park holiday outside the likes of Disneyland Paris.
A Resort of 21 Themed Areas
The enormous resort is divided into 21 themed areas, with 18 based on European countries and regions and another three fantasy areas. Visitors can move from Greece and Iceland to Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Croatia without leaving the park.
There are more than 100 attractions and shows, including 14 roller coasters, as well as more than 50 themed restaurants and bars. Among its biggest rides is Silver Star, a 73-metre-high roller coaster which reaches speeds of up to 130km/h (81mph).
Wooden coaster WODAN - Timburcoaster reaches 100km/h (62mph), while Voltron Nevera, which opened in 2024, features four launches, seven inversions and a 105-degree launch. There is plenty for visitors who do not fancy the biggest rides too, with family attractions, children's rides, boat rides, dark rides and live entertainment spread across the park.
History and Growth
Europa-Park opened in 1975 after Franz Mack and his son Roland developed the idea for their own theme park. It started with just 15 attractions spread across around 16 hectares. The park now attracts more than seven million visitors per season, while the wider resort has six themed hotels.
Winter Season and Tickets
The park is also preparing for a massive Christmas transformation. Its 2026 winter season runs from November 28 until January 9, 2027, with the park open from 11am until at least 7pm. It will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Visitors in December can explore a Christmas market surrounded by festive decorations and Christmas trees, warm up beside campfires and watch fairytale 3D projections. There will also be a Christmas circus and other shows, an ice skating rink and the Bellevue Ferris wheel, which offers views across the park.
Children can try winter activities including FIS Snowkidz and Skitty World, while many of the park's usual attractions continue operating. However, some rides can close at short notice because of snow, ice, wind or low temperatures.
Prices vary depending on the date. Online one-day tickets cost between €67 and €76 (around £56 to £63) for visitors aged 12 and over. Children aged four to 11 and visitors aged 60 and over pay between €56.50 and €65 (around £47 to £54), while children under four enter free.
The standard ticket gives visitors access to Europa-Park and its regular rides, attractions and shows, although some optional experiences cost extra. Buying a ticket at the park costs an additional €10 (around £8), so booking online in advance is cheaper.
The resort also includes the Rulantica water world, although this requires a separate ticket. A Rulantica day ticket currently costs between €38 and €54 (around £32 to £45).
Getting to Europa-Park
For Brits travelling to Europa-Park, nearby airports include Strasbourg in France and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden in Germany, both around 64km (40 miles) away, while EuroAirport Basel is around 90km (56 miles) away.
Those travelling by rail can head to Ringsheim/Europa-Park station. Regular buses then make the short journey between the station, Europa-Park, Rulantica and the resort hotels. Drivers can reach the resort using Germany's A5 motorway and taking exit 57b for Rust. Standard visitor parking costs €10 (around £8) for the day.
