Classic amusement parks or theme parks, Europe is full of these leisure areas for young and old that will give you unique experiences and sensations. And because they sometimes justify a trip on their own, we have selected the 20 best parks in Europe for you. Fasten your seat belts, it’s going to move!
1.Disneyland Paris
Located about 30 km from the center of the capital, Disneyland Paris is the most visited park in Europe and one of the best known in the world. Opened in 1992, it is part, with that of Tokyo, of the only two Disneyland located outside the United States. Disney characters come to life in the two parks that make it up, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios, where you can enjoy many attractions as well as hotels, restaurants, shops and even a golf course.
2. Thorpe Park
If you are looking for thrills, spice up your holidays by coming to enjoy Thorpe Park located 30 minutes drive from central London. Nicknamed “the thrill capital”, it was the first park to offer roller coaster with 360° turns and is mainly aimed at teenagers and young adults looking for adrenaline! With 2 million visitors each year, it is the UK’s most visited park.
3. Garda Land
Located in Castelnuovo del Garda, 1 hour from Venice, Gardaland welcomes around 3.4 million visitors each year, making it the third most popular park in Europe. It now has around fifty attractions dedicated to young and old alike. Since 2017, the park offers in particular to slide down its roller coaster “Shaman” with a helmet of virtual reality to enjoy the physical sensations of the merry-go-round while being immersed in a unique imaginary universe!
4. Tusenfryd
This amusement park, which receives about 500,000 visitors each year, is the most popular park in Norway. It was built in 1988 on the site of the former Oslo Zoo, of which it is now 4 times larger. Among its main attractions are the Speed Monster and the Thunder Coaster, two roller coasters that will delight thrill seekers.
5. Grona Lund
Located in Stockholm and built over 120 years ago, it is the Sweden’s oldest amusement park. In addition to its many rides, the park also offers concerts and entertainers to entertain parents and kids looking for a variety of activities, who don’t plan on spending their day on roller coasters and other thrill rides.
6. PortAventura
Located on the east coast of Spain, in Tarragona, PortAventura is a group of parks where you can taste a taco from Mexico, meet the fury of the Dragon Khan in China or go on an expedition to the Himalayas with the Shambhala… all this just over an hour’s drive from Barcelona! Take advantage of a day trip to enjoy the 3 parks that make it up: PortAventura Park, Caribe Aquatic Park and Ferrari Land, which notably houses the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Europe. Hold on tight!
7. Dyrehavsbakken
Also known as Bakken – much easier to pronounce, we grant you – this amusement park is located in Klampenborg, an hour’s drive from Copenhagen in Denmark. Opened in 1583, it is the oldest amusement park in the world. It offers a wide range of entertainment with around thirty themed rides, but also a theatre, a circus and numerous gardens that will delight families.
8. Legoland Billund
Opened in 1968, it was the first of six Legoland parks built over the years around the world. Located in the Danish city of Billund, next to the original Lego factory, Legoland Billund is Denmark’s second biggest tourist attraction and a symbol of the country with its attractions dedicated to the famous building blocks. A must have for Lego lovers !
9. Prater
Prater is located in the beautiful Wiener Prater park in the city of Vienna in Austria. This is a huge green space located in the heart of the city and bringing together a permanent funfair, the largest Austrian stadium, the congress center and a 65 m high Ferris wheel which is also its symbol.
10. Efteling
We continue in style with this park located in Kaatsheuvel, in the Netherlands, about 70 kilometers from Rotterdam. In 1992 it was considered the best theme park in the world. It is characterized in particular by its unique style and atmosphere ; Efteling is an enchanted world where you can enjoy classic attractions while strolling through a forest of fairies and elves worthy of a story.
11. Europa-Park
Located in Rust in Germany, not far from Strasbourg, Europa Park was elected the Europe’s best amusement park in 2022. Founded in 1975, this site is today the most visited in Germany. Over the years, Europa-Park has constantly evolved by regularly adding new attractions, all centered around the theme of European countries. It’s a real trip through Europe awaits you, with Italian Renaissance architecture, Seville mosaics, azulejos, a charming Swiss village and even a descent of rapids typical of the Austrian Tyrol!
12. Energylandia
Located in Zator in Poland, Energylandia is the largest amusement park in the country. Opened in 2014, this 44-hectare park offers a large number of attractions for all age groups. Whether you’re looking for thrills or prefer more leisurely rides, Energylandia has something for everyone. We appreciate its mix of traditional rides, themed areas and green spaces to relax. In short, an essential destination for families and groups of friends!
13. Phantasialand
Located in Brühl, near Cologne in Germany, Phantasialand is an amusement park offering an immersive experience in different thematic universes. During your visit, you will be propelled through six worlds, from the old Berlin of the 20th century to Mexico and China. Thrill-seekers can try Taron, one of the fastest and most intense roller coaster in Europe. But if you prefer softer experiences, don’t panic, you can enjoy the Chiapas attraction, a raft trip through the heart of the Mexican landscapes. We also appreciate Phantasialand for its quality shows, in particular the “Nobis” acrobatics show.
14. Tivoli Gardens
Located in the heart of Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is a Danish institution. This historic park, opened in 1843, even inspired Walt Disney when designing its theme parks! Tivoli Gardens offers a unique experience, with a combination of attractions, concerts, theater and dance performances and music festivals. The park is home to the famous vintage wooden roller coaster, the Rutschebanen, which will delight thrill seekers. There is also a peaceful Japanese garden to rest between two attractions. At night, the gardens light up with thousands of lights!
15. Linnanmaki
Nestled in the charming city of Helsinki in Finland, Linnanmäki Park is renowned for its nostalgic atmosphere and its vintage charm. It is best known for its flagship attraction: a wooden roller coaster which is one of the oldest in the world! It is also appreciated for its social commitment since it is managed by a children’s foundation, to which all profits are donated. Linnanmäki also offers a host oftraditional attractions, from rides for children to games of skill without forgetting the typical food stalls of fairgrounds. A unique experience, combining pleasure, entertainment and a touch of nostalgia!
16. Parc Asterix
Located in Plailly, France, Parc Astérix is a must-visit destination for fans of the famous comic book characters Asterix and Obelix. With some fifty attractions and shows, twenty of which are directly inspired by the world of comic strips, the park offers a authentic adventure through the history of Gaule. Among the major attractions, we will mention in particular Oziris, a roller coaster rich in sensations! Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Parc Astérix offers a multitude of live shows, including a dolphin show, a stunt show and even a performance by Roman soldiers.
17. Plopsaland
In the heart of West Flanders, Belgium, Plopsaland stands out as an unmissable amusement park for the whole family. Founded in 1935 by a passionate beekeeper, the park was first a sanctuary dedicated to bees. Over the years, it has evolved, gradually replacing the bees with the elves of the popular Belgian series Kabouter Plop, from which it takes its name. Today, Plopsaland offers more than 50 attractions, from roller coasters to live shows. Its little extra? A superb aquatic complex with a variety of slides and pools!
18. The Puy du Fou
When we think of the Puy du Fou, it’s not the roller coaster that immediately comes to mind. It is because this theme park, located in the west of France, offers a totally unique and different experience. entirely devoted to depiction of history through spectacular performances and pageants, the Puy du Fou offers a total immersion in the past. On the program: Viking battles, tournaments of medieval knights, re-enactments of events from the French Revolution… A great day of fun and learning in perspective!
19. Chessington World of Adventures
Located in Chessington, England, the Chessington World of Adventures park is something of a combination of amusement park and zoo. With a wide variety of rides (carousels for toddlers, roller coasters for the brave), this park is for all ages! And if you need to take a break and collect your thoughts after the thrills, head to the zoo, where you can admire a great variety of exotic animals. The park also regularly organizes shows!
20. Futuroscope
Located in Poitiers, France, Futuroscope invites you on an exciting journey into the world of science and technology. With more than 40 attractions and shows, it highlights the latest technological advances through immersive experiences, which will take you on a journey to the planet Mars! You can also discover the marvels of artificial intelligence and robots, marvel at 3D and 4D films, or even test your skills through interactive games…
So which of these amusement parks are you going to visit on your next vacation? 😉
