As part of our European road trip this summer I wanted to visit some water parks so reached out into the blogging world to get some expert recommendations.
The first thing I realised is that my definition of ‘central Europe’ is questionable so I’ll clarify – we plan to drive through France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Phew! To some people this is ‘Western Europe’, to some it might even be ‘Northern Europe’, but it’s the rough area below that I wanted to cover.
Read on for what the experts have to say about the best water parks in Central Europe…
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Tropical Islands in Germany
First up, it’s Tropical Islands, as described by Ali from Berlin Travel Tips.
You might not believe it, but Germany is home to the largest tropical resort in Europe. It’s a huge water park called Tropical Islands, and it’s located in what used to be a Zeppelin hangar. At only 60km (37 miles) south of Berlin, visiting Tropical Islands is a fun day trip from Berlin, although you can stay overnight too. The air temperature inside is controlled so it’s always about 26C/78.8F which means you can visit this park all year round. Both the indoor and outdoor sections are open all year, but I think the warm temperatures inside make for a nice break from cold winter days.
Tropical Islands has several pools, both indoors and outdoors, and the longest double racer water slide in the world, plus there are several non-water activities kids will enjoy. The resort also has a spa section where you can get a massage, relax in a sauna, take a clay bath, and get a variety of beauty treatments. Just remember, the sauna area is a textile free zone, which means everyone is naked, but many people will walk around wearing a robe.
You’re not allowed to bring your own food, but there are plenty of restaurants to choose from at Tropical Islands. There’s a buffet, sit down restaurants, German food, Asian cuisines, and more, and there are plenty of cocktail choices at the bars.
I think Tropical Islands is good value, especially if you’re travelling with kids since there is so much to do there. I’ve gone with my husband to enjoy a book and a cocktail in the warm air during the winter, but it might be a bit overpriced if that’s all you’re interested in doing. To reach Tropical Islands from Berlin, take the RE2 or RE7 train to Brand Tropical Islands station. From there, a free shuttle bus takes you to the water park.
Daytime prices start from €33.90 and you can check out their full price list which includes family tickets, evening tickets and lots of different upgrades.
Rulantica, Germany
My next contributor is Cosette from KarsTravels, who is a massive fan of Rulantica, another German water park.
Rulantica is a fantastic water park suited for a whole day of water fun. Our family of three had so much fun with all the rides and pools. The water park is part of the Europa-Park Resort, located in Rust, Germany. There’s an indoor and outdoor part, with 27(!) slides in total.
Europa-Park is a perfect stop on a Northern France road trip. A whole day for Rulantica is enough to go on each slide and pool. However, like us, you’ll want to go again, since you don’t want to go home at the end of the day.
The whole water park is in a Scandinavian theme. There’s a lazy river, called Snorri’s Saga, but also more thrilling slides such as Vildfål or Vinter Rytt. There are several restaurants and bars in the park. You can swim up to two bars and order your drinks while swimming or sitting at the bar in the water. Our son especially thought this was really cool.
The park is suitable for all ages. Snorri strand and Snorri’s Rutscheplads are among the attractions for the little ones. Tønnevirvel and Surf Fjørd are for all ages and there are thrilling rides for the daredevils. If you want to have some peace and quiet there are several different saunas.
Rulantica is open year round, except for the outside area, which is open May till September. You’ll get a wristband upon entrance, with which you pay for your food and drinks. There’s burgers, fries sandwiches, pasta, pizza and more. The bars serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, and other drinks. You’re not allowed to bring in your own food.
Although not cheap (cheapest tickets are €30), we found it well worth it and plan on going again.
Franken-Therme, Germany
Now for something a little different, recommended by Angie Kunze who writes about travel for We’re Not in Kansas Anymore. Although Franken-Therme isn’t strictly a water park, but it boasts 11 swimming pools and a thermal spa, so I thought it was definitely worth including…
Just down the road from the uber popular tourist destination of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the tiny town of Bad Windsheim Germany. The town, which sits well off the trampled tourist track, boasts an impressive thermal spa and water park. It’s a great way to escape the midday crowds of Rothenburg!
In addition to a plentiful selection of spa services and saunas, Franken-Therme Bad Windsheim consists of around 11 swimming pools. The pools vary from quite warm to cool and everywhere in between. There are outdoor pools for summer, and indoor and outdoor combination pools open throughout the year. I think I tried each one before finding my perfect pool!
Maps located throughout the facility help you make your choice. These maps include information on saline content (float your way into oblivion in the high saline pool) and water temperature.
Most of them were too hot for my tastes but as I mentioned earlier, I found one pool to be just right! Twice a day you can catch the laser light and sound show. It’s like a rave party in the pool! Franken-Therme offers reasonable prices and is great for the whole family. The facility consists of a cafe and a connected hotel, so guests have everything they need, whether you want to stay for the day or the entire weekend!
Splash and Spa Tamaro, Switzerland
Thanks to Zoe from Together In Switzerland for recommending Splash and Spa Tamaro.
While visiting the Swiss canton of Ticino, you can spend an enjoyable day at the local waterpark called Splash and Spa Tamaro. Located at the base of the Monte Tamaro mountain, it’s the perfect location to visit after a local hike or for a full day of water activities.
The water park has many facilities to try throughout the visit, which they class in a few ways. Their fun areas include the wave pool and the numerous slides for those with children. But as a couple, we visited and focused on the wellness and relaxation elements at their park.
Our favourites from our Spa day included the hot tub and inside bar area as well as the panoramic outside pool for some fresh air. There were lots of non-alcoholic options available, such as the local lemonade called Gazzosa. We also discovered one of the saunas, which they have quite a few to choose from – as well as a snow room that dips to -12c degrees!
For those wanting more relaxation and de-stress, such as taking a massage and treatments, they offer additional packages. You can book in advance on their site.
The Splash and Spa Tamaro is open all year round, so even on a cold wintry day it’s perfect. Our tip for visiting (if by car) would be to arrive before lunch time to make sure you get a parking spot as the parking is shared with visitors who head up to Monte Tamaro – which can get busy during weekends!
The Water Park Tiki Pool, Netherlands
The next recommendation is from Lara Hartog, writer and editor at The Best Travel Gifts website.
If you are looking for the best water park around Belgium, Luxembourg, and The Netherlands, then Water Park Tiki Pool in Wassenaar, The Netherlands, is a must-visit. As a local Dutchie, I’ve enjoyed the Tiki Pool both as a kid and an adult.
It’s part of Duinrell Amusement Park, and it includes an outdoor and indoor area (for which you need to buy separate tickets). The indoor area is the true highlight, and I would recommend buying a ticket for just that one. It features tropical pools, Turkish baths, a whirlpool, 21 unique slides (1.5 km in total), a fun slide area for young kids (15 cm deep), and a small restaurant for snacks. Though you’re also allowed to bring your own food and drinks.
Since it’s an indoor pool, it is perfect for all weather conditions. And the kid-friendly area and challenging slides make it ideal for all ages. Trust me, even your older teens will love it here. I consider myself quite an adventurous soul, and some slides still scare me. (If you’re curious, check out The X-stream; a trapdoor slide, and the Pelican Dive; a seven-meter freefall slide).
While I love the Tiki Pool, I do think it is slightly overpriced. Tickets only grant 2 or 3 hours of access (depending on the season), and since it’s a super popular Dutch attraction it’s often busy. However, if you’re staying at the Duinrell bungalow park you get a free or discounted ticket, depending on the season. This is what me and my family always do and it’s a great way to enjoy a fun, cost-effective weekend.
Aqualibi, Belgium
Next up is a water park in Belgium, contributed by Annalies from Travelers and Dreamers blog.
Aqualibi is the place to go in Belgium if you are looking for a unique water experience! It is an indoor waterpark with thrilling slides, wave pools, thermal baths, and a unique tropical environment, and can be visited year-round. Aqualibi is a park that is suitable for all ages. It has designated areas for small children, while most of the slides can be accessed by children with a minimum height of 106 cm when they are accompanied by a parent.
A wonderful experience for waterpark lovers is celebrating your own or your child’s birthday in the waterpark. The park has a birthday package for children up until 14 years old. It includes a discount on the entrance fee, cake and drinks, a gift, and on top of that an Aqualibi pass for one year for the birthday celebrant!
While you can’t bring your own drinks and food into Aqualibi it has a pretty decent restaurant called Palm Beach Club. It offers separate spaces for visitors who are dressed/in a bathing suit and serves things like burgers, pizzas, pasta, salads, drinks, and ice cream. Even if you are a vegan like me, you won’t be disappointed! They serve a delicious vegan burger.
Aqualibi is easily accessible from Brussels, the capital of Belgium. It is located in Waver, only a half-hour drive from Brussels or an hour away by train from Brussels-Central station (with a change of train in Leuven).
As a traveler, if I would want to visit Aqualibi, I would definitely opt to stay in Brussels and go to Aqualibi on a day trip. There is nothing much to do in Waver while Brussels is a lovely place to visit with many attractions like La Grand Place, Manneken Pis, the Atomium, and the lovely neighborhood of de Marollen, where you can find the best vintage shops in Brussels.
Another cool day trip that you can do in Belgium involving water is visit the Thermes de Spa. The term “spa” as a generic term for thermal baths originates from this town because of its amazing water quality. Here, you can find indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a wellness center that caters to visitors with a minimum age of 16. It can be reached from Brussels by train in one hour and 45 minutes.
Aquapalace Praha, Czechia
And finally, recommended by Erin, of Wanderlust With Kids, is Aquapalace Praha.
Aquapalace Praha, the biggest water park in Czechia, is definitely worth a stop if you’re visiting Prague with kids. Only 30 minutes from the city centre, there’s so much to do at the waterpark, from water slides for both kids and adults to a wild river and wave pool, as well as a sauna area. Take a ride down the longest slide in the country or float down one of the lazy rivers. There are ten other waterslides to try, as well as a wave pool, hot tubs and a separate area for toddlers.
You’ll be given a wristband when you enter, which opens your locker and also keeps a running balance of any food and drink that you purchase within the water park. It’s useful as you don’t have to worry about carrying cash, and then you just pay the balance when leaving the waterpark.
Top tip: Bring your own towels and water bottles to save a bit of expense. You can also bring in some snacks to cut down on food costs.
Aquapalace Praha is a great way to spend a few hours, especially on a hot summer day, but it’s also open year-round. Tickets aren’t cheap, but there’s so much to do that it’s worth the price if you’re a fan of waterparks.
Summary
There are some great water parks in central Europe and I’d love to know if you try any!
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