Europa-Park plans 3 new family rides for 2027, including a giant swing

Europa-Park has pulled back the curtain on its first new additions for 2027, and families have plenty to look forward to. Germany's largest theme park is building three new family attractions: a giant swing over the lake in Portugal, a tower with sweeping views in Iceland and, in Italy, the return of a classic that has been a fixture for the park's youngest guests for more than 40 years.

That fits what Europa-Park says it stands for: shared experiences that bring generations together and get them excited.

Portugal comes first. A Wild Swing XL is going up in the Portuguese themed area, a giant swing that will carry riders of all ages more than 14 meters into the air, right over the Portuguese lake. The park promises a pleasant mix of thrills and fun, which sounds like the right dose for families whose kids are getting braver but whose parents aren't necessarily chasing extremes. The swing takes its cue from the easygoing feel of the Portuguese coast, a spirit of creative tinkering and an unusual inventor's story. Who's behind the invention, and what the story involves, the park isn't saying yet. We can't wait to find out.

Iceland is heading skyward, too. Between the WODAN – Timburcoaster wooden coaster and the blue fire Megacoaster, the park is adding a new tower attraction that kids and adults can control themselves. So you're not just along for the ride; you're in charge, with a panoramic view over the Icelandic themed area thrown in. While the harbor below bustles with activity, entirely new vantage points open up at the top. Framed by two roller coasters, that should make for quite a view.

The third new attraction is really an old friend. The popular gondola ride in the Italian themed area has been part of the experience for the park's littlest visitors for more than 40 years. In 2027, Enzo’s Piccolo Mondo returns with a fresh shine, inviting the whole family to discover Italy through impressive art, classic theater and the sounds of Italian music. Anyone who floated through it as a kid will be able to share it with their own children in 2027.

Europa-Park hasn't said exactly when the three attractions will open or what they'll look like in detail. More information is expected later. What we do know: The Portuguese, Icelandic and Italian themed areas are all getting something new in 2027, and every one of these additions is designed with the whole family in mind.