Unveiling Hidden Gems: Cemetery and Kayak Hub - Secrets in Europa-Park
Unusual Spots Found at Europa-Park: Graveyard and Canoe Docking Area - Unusual Attractions at Europa Park: Graveyards and Kayaking Stations
You'd never guess it, but just around the lively Dutch-inspired neighborhood in Europa-Park, there's a humble Marian chapel. Few intrigued tourists dare glance inside this unpretentious structure. On its weather-beaten walls, you'll find the tombstones of the grand Boecklin family, who once proudly ruled over the Rust castle - now a part of the park's history. Real graves next to the "Flying Dutchman"? Unmistakably, but mostly unnoticed.
Turning 50 on July 12, Europa-Park, Germany's largest leisure haven, gleams under the spotlight, showered with glamour and spectacle. Opened north of Freiburg in 1975, it now attracts over six million visitors yearly.
Laundry in the Square
On the cobbled Piazza of the "Colosseo" hotel, houses decked in Italian style create a quaint courtyard. Square lines of laundry diffuse the scent of sun-dried linen. No coincidence. The ornamentation serves to amplify the southern ambiance of the inn. "We adore details," boasts the park director, Roland Mack. Yet, some guests are left scratching their heads, muttering, "Now people are hanging their laundry on the hotel."
Boaters Left High and Dry
The meandering Elz river winds through the park in Ortenau. Kayakers on the water are left stranded, as some bridges in the park don't rise high enough, as a spokesperson relayed. The boaters must thus abandon the river at the Bell Rock hotel and await the park's security service to ferry them back to the Elz.
From Europa-See to Europa-Park
France, Italy, or Spain - Europa-Park currently boasts 17 European-themed areas, with Monaco joining the array soon. However, the park's name is inspired by the Europa-See in the South Baden border town of Breisach, where it was initially proposed to build the park in the '70s. The former fishing village of Rust was the third choice of location.
Sketches on Beer Mats
The idea of a homegrown theme park with permanent attractions took root in the minds of the late senior executive Franz Mack and his son, Roland, during a trip to the USA in 1972. First drafts of the dream were jotted down on beer mats.
The amusement park was conceived as a platform to showcase the family's own products. Way back then, the Mack family cultivated autoscooters, carousels, ghost trains, and other attractions in Waldkirch, Black Forest. Roller coasters still bear the distinct fingerprints of the company Mack Rides, whose roots trace back to the 18th century.
Roller Coasters Came Later
Although synonymous with adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, Europa-Park isn't all about speed and heights. The first roller coaster in the park didn't take off until 1984. Then named "Blue Enzian," it now goes by the name "Alpenexpress Enzian."
The traditional ride suffered a devastating fire in recent years and was subsequently rebuilt. Interestingly, the first "typical" roller coaster with significant height differences was "Eurosat" in 1989.
Relics from 1975 Reign Supreme
Some attractions from the park's inaugural year still catch the eye of visitors. The Mississippi steamer, now a Danube steamer, circles around the Austrian-themed district. The old Western railway loops around the park, now dressed as a panoramic railway - propelled by electricity this time. And the auto ride, Monza-Bahn, has been refashioned as Silverstone Circuit.
Legendary Figures Ride Along
Don't let the crowd fool you; stars make a regular appearance in the park. In April, Wolfgang Niedecken, a Cologne rocker, was spotted with his wife Tina during an award ceremony. Even royalty appreciates a visit; Prince Albert II of Monaco has graced Rust with his presence multiple times, accompanied by his children.
- Rust
- Germany
- Theme Area
- Cemetery
- Roland Mack
- Elz
- Freiburg
- Ortenau District
- Theme Park
Fun Facts
- Europa-Park originally intended to be built near the Europa-See but settled on Rust as a more suitable location.
- The first sketches of Europa-Park were drawn on beer mats.
- Some attractions at Europa-Park date back to when it first opened in 1975.
- Some buildings in the park, such as the Colosseo hotel, have laundry hanging on the walls to resemble an Italian village.
The Commission, led by Roland Mack, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the presence of old tombstones in the humble Marian chapel of Europa-Park, including those of the Boecklin family.
After a long day exploring Europa-Park, one could unwind at home, either gardening or engaging in a soothing lifestyle at their accommodation, or perhaps planning a travel itinerary for their next adventure.
