Best Theme Parks in Europe for Thrill Rides
What adventure seeker doesn’t love an amusement park? The adrenaline rush as you turn upside down and loop left to right on exciting rides is an exhilarating experience. If you’re a fan of roller coaster rides and love to travel, then planning a trip around the top theme parks abroad should be on your bucket list. There are many different parks, each having a unique theme and experience. Read on to find some of the best theme parks in Europe. Then, get ready to grip your seat. Adventure awaits!
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Best Theme Parks in Europe Table of Contents
List of the Best European Theme Parks
1) Europa Park, Germany
If you are looking for a glorious day out at a world-class Theme park, then look no further than Europa Park. Located just out of the German town of Rust, Europa Park is a kids’ and adults’ dream.
Europa Park consists of 14 themed areas within the park based on countries within Europe. Not only are there rides in these areas, but you can also get food from those countries like Spain, France and Greece. At different times of the day, there will also be shows for you to watch. Some may be based on the country, like Flamenco Dancing, or dramatic shows like jousting. There is something for all ages within the themed areas.
If you are looking for a complete thrill-seeking adventure, the Silver Star or the Blue Fire Mega coaster is definitely for you. On a hot day, the huge splash from the Atlantica Super Splash will cool you down, but don’t worry, on a cold day, if you get wet, there is a human drier that you can use! If you are visiting Europa Park with kids and aren’t sure about rides, Arthur is for you.
While many visit Europa Park on a day trip from Freiburg, there are many accommodation options on-site. From massive resort-style hotels to themed RV parks, there is the perfect accommodation option for Europa Park visitors.
Where is Europa Park? Europa-Park-Straße 2, Rust, Germany, 77977
How much does Europa Park cost? From 50 euro
2) Efteling Park, Netherlands
Before Walt Disney made children’s dreams come true, Efteling gave Dutch families reasons to smile, laugh, and have a grand time. Efteling Park is one of the oldest theme parks in the world, predating Disney, and the largest amusement park in the Netherlands, about twice the size of Disneyland in California.
Established in 1952, Efteling Park is not the standard theme park for little kids. Instead, its iconic fairy tale forest features many darker European fairy tales with Efteling’s signature style. The entire park is unique, mysterious, quirky, yet delightful. Visit Efteling in the town of Kaatsheuvel, Southern Netherlands. See more than 30 attractions in four fantastical realms: Fairy, Adventure, Travel, and Alternative.
Where is Efteling Theme Park? Europalaan 1, 5171 KW Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
How much does Efteling Park Cost? From €49
3) Gardaland Park, Italy
By Džangir Kolar from Dr Jam Travels
Gardaland Park is an amusement park located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda in north-eastern Italy. The park opened back in 1975, and it covers a quarter of a million square meters. It is among the top 10 theme parks in Europe, with 3 million visitors yearly.
Ticket prices start at €40 per adult, and you will need to book a date in advance. There are many ticket options like fast track, multi-day visit, combination with a hotel, lego aqua park, or aquarium.
For most thrilling rides, kids should be at least 1.4 meters tall. You can choose among Roller coasters (Blue Tornado, Mammut, Sequoia, Shaman) and different rides (water, dark, family, flat thrill). Choose the ones that you can handle and enjoy the ride.
Where is Gardaland Amusement Park? Via Derna, 4, 37014 Castelnuovo del Garda VR, Italy
How much does Gardaland Park Cost? From €40
4) Alton Towers Resort & Water Parks, UK
Alton Towers is the biggest theme park in the UK and one of the best theme parks for adults in the world. It also has the bonus of a water park and many water rides! Many of its thrill rides were the first to be done anywhere and have since been copied several times over. Located in the heart of Staffordshire, England, also known as Shakespeare’s county, you will find the UK’s biggest amusement park.
The park is split into themed areas, each having at least one thrill ride that will satisfy any adrenaline junkie. The most popular rides are the Smiler, Nemesis, Rita Queen of Speed, Sev7rn, Oblivion, and The Wicker Man, a wooden coaster.
When you’re not on the rides, explore the themed lands of this once residential estate, complete with a castle, gardens, beautiful nature trails, cable cars, and a vast river.
Where is Alton Towers Resort? Farley Ln, Alton, West Midlands, ST10 4DB
How much does Alton Towers Resort Cost? From £34
Related Posts:
- Top Adrenaline Activities in the UK
- Top 10 Best Theme Parks in the UK for Thrills & Family Fun
- Alton Towers vs Thorpe Park
5) Disneyland Paris, France
Disneyland Paris (France) is one of the top European theme parks. It is located a few kilometers east of the French capital, and it is well connected to Paris by local trains.
This Parisian Walt Disney Studios Park is one of the most popular day trips from Paris, and it has rides and popular attractions for all the family. It is divided into themed lands with different atmospheres and decorations: Main Street US, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Discoveryland.
The best rides in Disneyland Paris are located in Frontierland and Adventureland. Thrill-seekers will love Big Thunder Mountain, a crazy train that runs through an abandoned mine in Frontierland; Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril is a rollercoaster in Adventureland that explores a haunted ancient temple.
Where is Disneyland Paris? Staines Road, Chertsey, Surry, England, KT16 8PN
How much does Disneyland Paris Cost? From £38
6) Gröna Lund, Sweden
There are so many things to do in Stockholm, but if you like amusement parks, you must allow some time to visit Gröna Lund. Dating back to 1883, it is the oldest amusement park in Sweden and has over 30 exciting attractions.
For the ultimate thrill, go on the Ikaros! Firstly, you are seated in a chair and then slowly taken 95 metres up in the air to the top of the tower. Then, just when you are feeling a little relaxed and enjoying the views over the city of Stockholm, your chair starts to tilt 90 degrees forwards until you are entirely facing down towards the ground. And then….. you are dropped at a fall speed of 90 km/hour. This ride is for adrenaline junkies and certainly not for the faint-hearted!
Where is Gröna Lund? Lilla Almanna Grand 9, Stockholm, 115 21
How much does Gröna Lund Cost? From 265 SEK
7) Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest theme parks in the world. Located in Copenhagen, Denmark, one of the most beautiful Scandinavian cities, this popular amusement park not only has pristine gardens filled with lanterns, flowers, and fountains, but it is also home to a few famous roller coasters and rides that will even make thrill-seekers a little nervous.
Vertigo is perhaps the most famous thrill ride at Tivoli Gardens. Riders climb aboard a small plane that goes 100 kilometers per hour while it twists and turns as it goes up into the sky then spirals down toward the ground. The intense ride will make your stomach turn as you experience 5 G force as you accelerate at five times the weight of gravity.
While thrill seekers may go for the adrenaline, one of the biggest attractions to the small theme park is simply the beauty of Tivoli Gardens. It is the perfect place to spend a day, whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or want to enjoy the magical charm and atmosphere of the park.
Where are Tivoli Gardens? Lilla Almanna Grand 9, Stockholm, 115 21
How much does Tivoli Gardens Cost? From 265 SEK
8) Tibidabo Amusement Park, Spain
Tibidabo Amusement Park, located at Mt. Tibidabo in Barcelona, is one of the best theme parks in Europe. The Sacred Heart church and the colorful Ferris Wheel in the park that dominates the skyline of Barcelona are both located inside this 100-year-old historic park.
One can either trek to the hilltop or take a funicular ride from the Tibidabo bus stop. A package ticket with the Funicular railway will give you access to two of the rides along with the scenic area. A €10 worth ticket gives you access to the rides as many times as you like.
The best attraction here is the Avio, the replica of the first aircraft to fly from Barcelona to Madrid in 1927. This flight simulator will stir your emotions and imagination alike. Other rides here are Muntanya Russa, Hurakan, Diavolo, and Giridabo (the iconic big wheel).
Tibidabo Theme Park is indeed a must-visit place in your Barcelona itinerary.
Where is Tibidabo Amusement Park? Plaza del Tibidabo, 3-4, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, 08035
How much does Tibidabo Amusement Park Cost? From €35.00
9) Walibi Holland, Netherlands
Located in The Netherlands, only a 1-hour drive away from Amsterdam, Walibi Holland is an amazing theme park. While it is fun for the entire family, it is primarily known for its roller coaster rides.
Although it offers more than 30 different attractions for all ages, it is roller coasters like Goliath, Condor, and Xpress: Platform 13 that will make the adrenaline rush through your veins.
While Goliath is the longest roller coaster in the Benelux Union, Condor is a super fun hanging roller coaster, and the Xpress: Platform 13 gets from 0 to 90 km per hour in less than 3 seconds! Other thrilling rides include UNTAMED and Speed of Sound, but there’s much more to discover in Walibi Holland.
Where is Walibi Holland? Spijkweg 30, 8256 RJ, Biddinghuizen,The Netherlands
How much does Walibi Holland cost? From €38
10) Thorpe Park, UK
Thorpe Park is another major UK theme park. While being significantly smaller than Alton Towers, Thorpe Park packs a punch with exciting rides and roller coasters.
One of the most famous thrill rides at Thorpe Park is the Nemesis Inferno roller coaster, featured in the British sitcom ‘The Inbetweeners.’ However, other notable thrilling rides include Stealth, the fastest roller coaster in the UK, Saw, an exciting roller coaster that takes you indoors in the dark, intensifying your senses, and the Swarm, which twists and turns like an angry wasp!
Thorpe Park is definitely one of the best theme parks in Europe for thrill seekers. Best of all, there are great packages that include longer park opening times and themed accommodation with Thorpe Breaks.
Where is Thorpe Park Resort? Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey, England, KT16 8PN
How much does Thorpe Park Cost? From £35
11) Portaventura World, Spain
PortAventura World, located in Salou, Catalonia, Spain, is a thrilling theme park that promises heart-pounding adventures. From rollercoasters to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, this leading European amusement park has no shortage of adrenaline-fueled experiences.
Some of the most exhilarating rides at PortAventura include Shambhala, Europe’s highest and fastest rollercoaster, and the Hurakan Condor. This drop-tower ride is one of the tallest rides in the world. Inversion coasters like the Dragon Khan and water rides like the Tutuki Splash also grab visitors’ interest. You can even extend your stay and include a visit to the Costa Caribe Aquatic Park to cool down from the intense Mediterranean heat.
Where is PortAventura World Resort? Avinguda Alcalde Pere Molas, s/n 43480 Vila-Seca, Tarragona
How much does PortAventura Park Cost? From 40 euros
The Best Amusement Parks in Europe, Final Recommendations
I hope you’re as excited as I am at the thought of an adventure-packed weekend full of adrenaline and thrills. Most of these theme parks are best booked in advance to avoid disappointment. Many of the options also include fast-track upgrades so you can pack as many rides as possible into your day.
Which do you think is the best theme park in Europe, and which ride gives you the most excitement? I’d love to hear your feedback and recommendations, so please let me know in the comments below.
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There is plenty of theme parks here I would love to try, done the uk ones being based here but I feel the Dutch ones shout out to me the most. Let’s be fair the more adventurous they are the better … amazing post by no the way
These theme parks look so fun and adventurous! On this list, I only visited the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen but definitely would love to visit more. The rides at Disneyland Paris and Europa Park in Germany totally capture my attention.
I have admit that I am not a big amusement park person unless it is more of themed one, such as Disney or something that has rides based on themes, not only to make me dizzy.. ha ha. Now that I have kids, we are more and more visiting parks too. Just went to one in Finland and we had a great time. I prefer water parks… they are great fun!
Now I can truly say that travel is not about sightseeing only, sometimes it’s also about thrillriding! I didn’t know Europe has these for adrenaline junkies. Wow for Gröna Lund!
I was never a fan of thrill rides, but when our son was young and we traveled through Europe he was always asking us if they have Parks like “Magic Mountain” there. If I knew about the one in Barcelona, we could have taken him there. We never took the time to visit Mt. Tibidabo, so we didn’t discover it.
Wow these theme parks are amazing. I have done a few theme parks and have enjoyed them. I definitely have the Disneyland Paris on my list but would love to go to the others as well. Some of these rides look scary but I surely want to do it as it is perfect for adrenaline rush.
We are big kids and love to visit theme parks. We often don’t think about looking for them when we are in Europe. Although we almost did visit Tivoli Gardens when we were in Copenhagen but ran out of time. So great to see a list of some great ones for thrilling rides. A good reminder about booking in advance during these times.
I used to love visiting amusement parks when I was younger, and never thought about doing this while on holiday. This is a great option for families to take advantage of. I’ve only heard of the one in Germany, Europa Park.
I never think about going to amusement parks in other countries, but it seems so fun! I’d love to ride that roller coaster in Gardaland Park, Italy. What a great ride! I’ll have to schedule a visit next time I’m in Europe. So fun!
The only one I have been to is the Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen. We went there in the evening and just loved the experience with the riot of colors all around apart from the rides.
I cannot understand how can you recommend Tibidabo instead of Port Aventura. One only can guess.
Hi Marc, thanks for your feedback. A fellow travel blogger recommended Tibidabo based on their experience but I’d love to hear more about Port Aventura as I’d be open to adding more parks to this list 😊 I’ll do some research.