Unusual Attractions in Europa Park: Cemeteries and Kayaking Stations

Discovering Hidden Gems: Unravelling the Secrets of Rust's Cemetery and Kayak Station - A Peek into Europa-Park's Inner Workings

Unusual Features at Europa-Park: Graveyard and Kayak Station - Unusual Attractions in Europa Park: Cemeteries and Kayaking Stations

Rust, a town nestled in the heart of Germany, may seem an ordinary place to many, but hidden beneath its tranquil surface lies a bundle of secrets waiting to unfold. From the humble Marian chapel in the Dutch-themed area, home to the Boecklin von Boecklinsau family's grave markers, to the less-explored corners of Europe's largest theme park – Europa-Park, Rust has much more than meets the eye.

As the iron curtain of Europa-Park's grandeur lifts on its 50th birthday on July 12th, it's time to delve deeper into the park's inner workings. Attracting over six million visitors each year, the park, which was built north of Freiburg, boasts a diverse range of European-themed areas, set to welcome Monaco as its 18th addition soon.

Washing Lines and Cultural Flair

A trip to the Colosseo hotel, the park's inn in Italian-style, will take you back to a time when laundry was hung on display as a sign of cultural flair. In the hotel's inner courtyard, a Piazza surrounded by houses is adorned with lines bearing a resemblance to the laundry hanging on them. This quaint detail adds to the park's extraordinary attention to detail, a philosophy epitomized by park manager, Roland Mack. Yet, some visitors struggle to comprehend this innovative touch, expressing confusion such as, "Now people are hanging their laundry on the hotel."

A River Runs Through It – But Not for Kayakers

The Elz river, flowing through the park's Ortenau district, creates a picturesque scene. However, kayaks are unable to traverse its waters because of certain bridges' low heights. Kayakers must disembark at the height of the Bell Rock hotel and be escorted back to the river by the park's security service.

From Europa-See to Europa-Park

Europa-Park's name holds a fascinating origin story. The park was initially intended to rise in the South Baden border town of Breisach, near the Europa-See. However, the former fishing village of Rust, which served as the third location choice, won the day, providing a perfect backdrop for the park's expansion.

Beer Mats and Dreams Take Shape

The seeds of Europa-Park were sown in 1972 when the late park founder Franc Mack and his son Roland embarked on a trip to the USA. Inspired by American amusement parks, they envisioned a permanent theme park with a diverse range of attractions. The initial sketches were made on humble beer mats.

Alongside the creation of Europa-Park, the Mack family also pursued the manufacturing of autoscooters, carousels, ghost trains, and other rides in Waldkirch, their Black Forest base. This passion for ride creation continues today, with Mack Rides still producing roller coasters in-house. The company's roots can be traced back to the 18th century.

Beyond the Thrill of Roller Coasters

Though famous for its roller coasters, Europa-Park's roller coaster collection grew gradually. The first roller coaster, "Blue Enzian," was not built until 1984, while the park's first "typical" roller coaster with large height differences, "Eurosat," debuted in 1989.

The park still boasts some relics from the founding year, such as the Mississippi steamer, which now sails around as a Danube steamer in the Austrian-themed area, and the panorama railway, originally a Western railway that now circles through the park. The auto ride Monza-Bahn, now known as Silverstone Circuit, also remains a popular attraction.

A-List Encounters at the Gateway to Fairy Tales

Celebrities flock to Europa-Park for its enchanting allure. In April, rocker Wolfgang Niedecken, known for his Kölsch music, was spotted wandering the park after attending an award ceremony. Even royalty, such as Prince Albert II of Monaco and his children, have made multiple visits to the park.

Rust – Rich in History and Secrets

While exploring Europa-Park's fascinating nooks and crannies, don't forget to venture outside its gates and delve into the town's historical charms. From the quiet serenity of the Marian chapel, home to the graves of the noble Boecklin family, to the hidden details scattered around the park, every corner of Rust begs to be uncovered.

• Rust
• Germany
• Theme Area
• Cemetery
• Roland Mack
• Elz
• Freiburg
• Ortenau District
• Theme Park
• Laundry
• Rocker
• Prince Albert II of Monaco

The Commission's proposal for a Council Regulation on the establishment of a European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products for Human Use (EPA) could potentially enhance the safety of food products consumed daily, ensuring a healthier lifestyle for everyone. An exploration of Rust, Germany, home to Europa-Park, also offers a unique blend of entertainment, as stars like Wolfgang Niedecken and Prince Albert II of Monaco have frequented the theme park, creating a different kind of home-and-garden experience. Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts may find the low river bridges a hurdle when trying to kayak in the Elz river, a picturesque waterway flowing through the Ortenau district of the park.

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