Whether you’re on a family vacation or you’re looking for a fun weekend activity, Germany is an excellent destination for a water park adventure. And we’ve found some of the best water parks offering both indoor and outdoor activities, so that you can visit year-round.
AQUALAND Freizeitbad, Cologne
Vertically drop for 10 metres on the Rocket Launcher
AQUALAND promises to provide a family day out that will entertain both young and old. For kids, there are waterslides galore, not to mention the Rocket Launcher, which is the first of its kind in Germany; this looping slide is for the daredevils at heart, starting with a trapdoor that vertically drops you 10 metres, then manically swerves around the building at up to 50 kilometres-per-hour. For adults looking for something more relaxed, a refined spa and treatment centre with twelve different saunas awaits upstairs. Finish the day at Übernachten im Kölner Norden and make sure to visit the Cologne Zoo the following day, which is only 10km away.
Galaxy Erding, Erding
Ride a thrill-seeking waterslide with a virtual reality headset
Galaxy Erding is Europe’s largest waterslide park, combining advanced technology with adrenaline-fuelled water slides. The latest in thrill-seeking innovation is the VR (virtual reality) waterslide, which is the first experience like this in the world. Strap on a pair of VR glasses and slide down the 160-metre-long tube slide – try to keep calm as you’re virtually transported to another galaxy. When you come back to reality, stop in at Hotel Apfelbaum and wake up to a hearty buffet breakfast.
Tropical Islands, Krausnick
Escape a European winter at this tropical island waterpark
Tropical Islands is an indoor haven for all families looking to escape cold, European winters. Part tropical island and part waterpark, it’s a place where you’ll find sandy beaches, palm trees and a cyclone of waterslides ranging from relaxed, family-friendly plunges to turbo slides that speed up to 70 kilometres-per-hour. There’s also a range of large pools to soak in while pretending you’re on a tropical island, even though you’re just an hour from Berlin. Stay at Ferienhaus Christoph Columbus, which is conveniently right next door.
Europabad Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe
There's something for all ages at Europabad Karlsruhe
Europabad is home to one of the longest water slides in Germany and provides an experience like no other. Although there is something for all ages, the slides are better suited to older children. Dare to ride the creepy-crawly Tarantula slide or the Green Viper, both of which feature LED lighting and chilling sound effects that make the experience all that much more exciting. Upstairs, there are numerous saunas, cold baths, a garden and a jacuzzi. Dry off and head back to the family-friendly Hotel Rio, just a few minutes’ drive away.
Bayern-Park, Reisbach
A park for thrill-seekers and water lovers
Bayern-Park has everything for water lovers and thrill-seekers, including heart-stopping roller coasters and the longest whitewater rafting ride (meandering through the park for over 600 metres) in Germany. For those seeking a gentler experience in the water, jump aboard the park’s paddle steamer and tour the sights of its lake. Stay a short drive away at Schlossparkhotel Mariakirchen and relax at the on-site brewery.