Licence to thrill: Adrenaline and after-hours fun at Europes fanciest theme park

A trip to the theme park this summer doesnt have to be dominated by greasy burgers, scruffy fun fair rides and a night at a Fawlty Towers style B&B with a leaking roof. Europa-Park has upped the theme park ante by offering a more refined way to do things.

The German theme park has pioneered an upper class experience which revolves around premium hotels, fine dining, wellness and the kind of smiling, seamless organisation that you would expect from our Teutonic friends.

So you can hit the park during the day, riding on their dozens of roller coasters and thrill rides and chill out in luxury at night.

Europa-Parks hero rides include the Voletarium (which sounds a bit like Vomitorium and might be best before lunch…), Arthur and Atlantica Supersplash.

Theres a 4D Magic Cinema, Monorail, African Queen Boat Ride, a Scenic Train, and the Blue Fire Megacoaster – which goes from 0 to 100 kmh in 2.5 seconds.

EUROPA-PARK - Christopher Beanland — Europa-Park hotel room (Picture: Hans-Joerg Haas)

The park is spick and span and everything from the queues to the rides runs like clockwork. Its certainly nicer than a UK theme park.

And although youre in Southern Germany, near the French border, you could be anywhere because the park has different zones like Ireland, Italy, France, Greece and even England.

When Brexit happens will they install their own theme park border controls? Well have to wait and see.

But theres a serious point here too: Europe isnt a dirty word in these parts (even the nearest airport is called EuroAirport) and that spirit is really nice to see here, as kids get a taste of many foreign lands at a young age and in a fun way.

Europa-Park is still going strong even though a fire in May damaged part of the sprawling park – which was started by the ride manufacturing company Mack as a showcase for their products, and is still family-owned.

The fun really begins when you leave the roller coasters behind though. Europa-Parks 4 star hotels like the Colosseo deal in luxury. Big rooms can fit in whole families and make the perfect place to unwind.

There are hot tubs and lots of wellness options like spas and saunas, plus gyms.

Food is a big priority and Europa-Park is the site of the worlds only double Michelin-starred restaurant in a theme park, Ammolite – The Lighthouse Restaurant from chef Peter Hagen-Wiest. Theres also La Romantica Italian restaurant and the more casual Silver Lake Saloon.

Freigegeben f?r: Print, Social Media, redaktionelle Berichterstattung — Freiburg. Chris Keller / Schwarzwald Tourismus

Europa-Park is on the edge of the Black Forest and you can easily travel with DB German Railways on a Baden-Württemberg Day Ticket up into the hills for walking, sailing, climbing and even a relaxing spa day at Badesparadeis Schwarzwald or Keidel.

Also nearby is the beautiful city of Freiburg. This historic, handsome university town boasts a fine range of architecture from old churches to modern marvels. The city is famously one of the greenest on earth and specialises in eco technology, public transport provision and low energy housing.

Freiburg is famous for the storm drains which run down its streets and for its flammkuchen (tarts) and spaetzel (like a sort of heavy pasta).

It also has one of the warmest and driest climates in Germany – ideal for wine production and of course beer. And you can sample a tipple and delicious food at one of the many bars and restaurants like Ganter Brewery Restaurant.