Europa-Park in Rust, Germany's largest theme park, is preparing a new large themed area dedicated to space. Park manager Roland Mack announced that the Euro-Mir roller coaster will be dismantled and completely rebuilt with new technology. This development aims to offer families a rocket-like experience and is part of a comprehensive redesign in the Russia area. The opening is planned for 2028.
New Space-Themed Area
The new space-themed area in Europa-Park, located in Rust in southern Baden, is dedicated to space travel. The revamped Euro-Mir roller coaster, which opened in 1997, serves as the central attraction. Mack, the park manager and co-founder, told the German Press Agency that the ride will be rebuilt with modern technology. The name might change, but a final decision is pending. The new version targets the whole family and aims to create a rocket-like feeling.
Cooperation and Further Attractions
Europa-Park is in talks with the European Space Agency (ESA) to establish a partnership for the space-themed area. "We are in discussions with the European Space Agency ESA to cooperate," Mack said. In addition to the new roller coaster, further attractions are planned. Last year, the park opened the large roller coaster Voltron Nevera powered by Rimac, which is primarily aimed at a younger audience, in contrast to the family-friendly orientation of the new Euro-Mir.
Redesign of the Russia Area
The Russia area in Europa-Park will remain but will be reduced in size. Mack emphasized that the historical Russia with dacha facades and golden onion domes will not be dismantled. The area has existed since 1998 and was previously assigned to Euro-Mir. Some elements will change in the Russia area. Previously, the co-founder of the leisure facility north of Freiburg had rejected content changes in the Russian themed area. The reason: Mack did not want the agenda to be dictated by politics and crises. Russia has been waging a bloody war of aggression against neighboring Ukraine for over three and a half years.
Further Developments in the Park
Europa-Park currently comprises 17 themed areas dedicated to European countries. Next year, the small state of Monaco will be added, and Prince Albert II is expected to travel to Rust in the spring. The leisure facility in the former fishing village of Rust has existed for 50 years. Mack drew a positive balance of the anniversary year and expects an increase of two to three percent in visitors. The visitor number is likely to exceed six million again in the fiscal year 2025/26, which runs until the end of March.
Fan Reactions
Among fans of Europa-Park, the announcement elicits mixed reactions. Many welcome the cooperation with the ESA and the focus on an authentic space-themed area that remains family-friendly, while hoping for the preservation of the soundtrack and the iconic mirror towers. There is criticism of the ride characteristics of the current Euro-Mir, which are perceived as unpleasant, and concerns about the reduction of the Russia area, which might appear too small. Some see political motives behind the redesign but are pleased about improvements and the continuation of the space theme.
