Funfair over? These theme parks offer new adventures

Theme parks in Germany are just the thing if you're in the mood for roller coasters, thrills and special experiences—but there's no funfair near you right now. One moment you're racing through a tight turn, the next you're upside down in the air. And sometimes just looking at an elaborately designed themed area is enough to forget everyday life for a day.

Funfairs and theme parks do not have to be rivals. If you love the smell of roasted almonds and the thrill before a fast ride, you can enjoy both. We’ll show you four exciting park ideas and introduce two theme park guides to help you plan your next trip—whether you’re going alone, with friends or with your family.

Advertising / product recommendations: This article introduces two books available for purchase and contains links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Using an affiliate link does not add any extra cost to your purchase.

Theme parks in Germany: When the funfair takes a break

At a funfair, you enjoy the mix of changing rides, lights and spontaneous discoveries. A theme park, by contrast, offers an entire site with permanent attractions, themed areas, shows and often particularly long roller coasters. That is why visiting a park is worthwhile even if you have already been to lots of fairs.

But not all parks are the same: some focus on extreme acceleration and steep drops, while others offer family adventures, water rides or cinematic settings. If you think in advance about what you enjoy most, it is easier to find the right destination – and plan your budget more realistically.

Four parks, four adventures: These destinations will leave you wanting more

Europa-Park in Rust: roller coasters and themed areas

At Europa-Park in Baden-Württemberg, you can plan a full day of experiences around major roller coasters and lovingly themed areas. If you love action, take a closer look at the rides Voltron Nevera, blue fire and WODAN. In between, shows, gentler rides and places to eat offer a break from the adrenaline. Our tip: choose your top attractions before your visit rather than waiting until you reach the park entrance to decide.

Phantasialand in Brühl: In the middle of another world

Phantasialand in North Rhine-Westphalia is especially interesting if the ride itself is not all that matters to you, but the whole experience. In Rookburgh, Mexico or Deep in Africa, architecture, sounds and attractions blend into a world of their own. Roller coaster fans may know Black Mamba, for example. The park is a great idea for a day trip, especially for visitors from North Rhine-Westphalia.

Heide Park Resort in Soltau: Plenty of adrenaline

Would you rather go as fast as possible? Then Heide Park Resort belongs on your list. Colossos – Kampf der Giganten, Flug der Dämonen and Desert Race offer very different roller coaster experiences. There are also family attractions and more relaxing options. So if you’re visiting with a mixed group, check in advance which rides are suitable for everyone’s height and appetite for adventure.

Movie Park Germany in Bottrop: Cinematic action

At Movie Park Germany, there's plenty to enjoy, from film worlds and shows to action. With Star Trek: Operation Enterprise, Van Helsing’s Factory and the Movie Park Studio Tour, several attractions cater to different tastes. There are also family-friendly areas. The park is a good example of how a day out doesn't have to be all about roller coasters, but can also be about stories, sets and memories you make together.

This is only a small selection, of course. Germany has many more theme parks, family parks and adventure parks to offer. And if you are willing to cross the border, there are exciting destinations in the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria. Printed theme park guides can be a useful addition to websites and apps when searching for places to visit.

Planning a visit to a theme park in Germany: Three questions to ask before you go

Before choosing a park, three simple questions can help: How much adrenaline do you want? How long do you want to be out? And what matters to you besides rides? Someone with only an afternoon to spare will plan differently from a group hoping to spend a whole weekend away, including an overnight stay.

• Action or family entertainment? Check the ride types and height restrictions in advance. That way, you won't be disappointed before you get on.
• One day or a short trip? Take travel time, waiting times and breaks into account. For larger parks, a second day may make your visit more relaxed.
• How much does the trip cost? Compare admission, parking, food and, if applicable, accommodation. It’s best to check prices and seasonal opening hours directly with the park.

Also bear in mind when planning that new attractions, seasons and available rides can change. Use books for ideas and guidance, but always check the official park website for the latest information.

Book tip 1: MARCO POLO Freizeitspaß Deutschland

With MARCO POLO Freizeitspaß Deutschland, you can bring a wide selection of leisure ideas to your bookshelf. According to the publisher, the guide provides detailed information on more than 90 leisure, animal and theme parks, along with tips about the surrounding regions. It covers Germany as well as destinations in the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria. This is particularly interesting if you enjoy discovering new parks rather than always visiting your old favourites.

The second edition was published in 2025 and has 294 pages. The book is not aimed solely at extreme roller-coaster fans: families, explorers and visitors to animal parks and adventure worlds will also find ideas. It is particularly suited to anyone planning varied weekends or a short road trip with several stops.

Who is it for? For curious explorers looking for a wide range of theme parks and other attractions. Find the travel guide here: (advertising / product link).

Book tip 2: Die schönsten Erlebnisparks in Deutschland 2026

If you’d prefer a more concise guide to theme parks with practical help choosing where to go, Germany’s Best Theme Parks 2026 – presented by parkscout.de may be of interest. The Parkscout editorial team presents 40 selected destinations in it. Alongside theme parks, it also covers zoos, water parks and family parks. There is also a brief look at destinations in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The 2026 edition has 208 pages and was published by Vista Point Verlag. According to the publisher’s description, it covers topics including what makes each park special, suitable options for families, food and drink, possible costs and whether one day is enough for a visit. This information can be useful when you have several destinations to choose from and don’t want to set off without a plan.

Keep the publication year in mind when using this guide: prices, new attractions and opening times may change over time. Who is it for? Anyone who wants to compare destinations and plan their next theme park visit in a structured way. Find the guide here: (Advertisement / product link).

Two books, two different focuses – which guide is right for you?

Both books have a similar idea, but focus on different things. MARCO POLO stands out for its particularly wide selection of theme and amusement parks, including ones outside Germany. Parkscout focuses on a smaller selection and puts practical trip-planning questions more at the forefront. Neither book replaces the latest information from the park operators, but both can help you discover new ideas in the first place.

• Do you love variety and road trips? Then MARCO POLO is probably the better place to start.
• Would you like to choose a day trip carefully? Then the Parkscout guide may be especially useful.
• Are you looking for a gift for a theme park fan? Both books are an alternative to the usual gift voucher, especially for people who like to plan their next trip themselves.

Whether either book is right for you depends less on some supposed “number one” and more on your travel plans. We have assessed both titles based on the publishers’ information; this does not involve a practical test of the books.

Your next adventure is waiting

The next funfair is sure to come around. Until then, you don’t have to miss out on the excitement before the ride begins. Maybe it’ll be a spontaneous day in Bottrop, a trip to Brühl or a long weekend with a new theme park on your wish list. With a little preparation, you’ll have more time for what really matters: having fun, discovering new things and making memories together.

And if you’d rather look for the next Ferris wheel, bumper cars or Breakdance, you’ll find suitable events in our funfair calendar. For more product ideas, take a look at our Gadget category. If you’re looking for more inspiration for the off-season, discover our theme park board games to beat the winter funfair blues too..

Sources and image credits: Product information: MARCO POLO Verlag and Vista Point Verlag. Park information: linked official park websites. Cover image: Europa-Park PR – “EP Voltron.jpg”, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 licence (source; licence). Archive image, not a current event photo.