Europa-Park in Rust, which attracts over six million visitors annually, is planning a new location in Alsace called Europa Valley. Michael Mack, the managing partner, stated in an interview with the regional newspaper "Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace" that the project planning is essentially complete. The focus is on greenery and tranquility, with possible sports and family attractions, as well as hotels, near the municipality of Diebolsheim northeast of Sélestat.
Concept and Contents of the New Location
Michael Mack, son of Europa-Park founder Roland Mack, emphasized in the conversation that this new concept will feature no roller coasters, which are otherwise the hallmark of the park in Rust. Instead, the site is intended to offer plenty of greenery and tranquility. He pointed out that political officials in the eastern French border region are responsible for announcing the project, not the owning family.
Roland Mack's View on the Project
Roland Mack, who founded Europa-Park 50 years ago with his father Franz in Rust north of Freiburg, spoke more cautiously. He told the German Press Agency that the idea of Europa Valley stands or falls with a good transportation link between Rust and the Alsatian site. Since the cable car solution is currently on ice and not feasible, there are no concrete plans for implementation at present.
Possible Connection Options and Challenges
Michael Mack mentioned in the newspaper interview a possible tunnel as an alternative to the cable car. The idea of a cross-border connection over the Rhine has already sparked discussions in the region. Seven years ago, Europa-Park shelved plans to build a cable car to France after protests from environmentalists. On the German side, criticism arose that the planned cable car would run over the Taubergiessen nature reserve.
Current Accessibility and Assessment of the Project
Anyone wanting to travel from Rust to Diebolsheim currently has to cover about 12 kilometers by road and use a Rhine ferry. Roland Mack stated that the owning family still considers the Europa Valley concept in Alsace a fascinating project and welcomes the strong support and trust there.
Historical Background and Current Reports
The plans for Europa Valley are not new and have provoked much protest in recent years, particularly from citizens' initiatives. As early as 2020, Europa-Park published plans for the branch near the Alsatian municipality of Diebolsheim. Current media reports state that the project is now almost complete, but Europa-Park denies this and emphasizes that there are no new developments whatsoever. The original planning for a cable car between the sites dates back five years but is currently not feasible.
Close Ties to the French Side
The Europa-Park owners' connections to the neighboring country are close and diverse. Many of the park's approximately 5,000 employees come from France. In January, Roland and Michael Mack received the Legion of Honor from French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, the highest French award. Macron described them at the time in the Élysée Palace as great friends of France.
Further Activities of the Family in France
For three years, the family has operated the company MACK One in the Alsatian town of Plobsheim south of Strasbourg, where multimedia content is developed. Michael Mack is responsible for this area, and according to company statements, the location enables the recruitment of talent from the French creative industry. The owning family acquired Château Ollwiller near Colmar in 2020, which is considered the second-oldest winery in France. Michael Mack's brother Thomas is responsible for the hotel and gastronomy sector of Europa-Park.
