In Germany's sunniest region, keeping cool is easy this summer. Just head for Europa-Park on the edge of the Black Forest. Feel the wind in your hair on thrilling roller-coaster rides: zoom down flumes and splash into pools. Of its 15 Europe-themed areas, France is currently being revamped and will shine with new splendour from this summer. Look forward to hurtling through Paris on the brand-new Eurosat-CanCan Coaster, a classic dark ride; travel into the future with Eurosat Coastiality, an innovative VR experience; voyage back in time at Madame Freudenreich's Alsace Souvenir & Curio Shop, with its dinosaur breeding farm in the old wine cellar and dinos munching yummy Alsace cake! Aboard the Liberté, a floating bistro boat, visitors can already watch the magic of 20 fountains dancing to music whilst taking in the French savoir vivre. Watch all the 2018 news here!

From Paddington Bear to spectacular rollercoaster rides

In this award-winning park, more than 100 attractions and shows guarantee non-stop fun for young and old, families and couples. Grabbing the limelight is Paddington on Ice-The Marmalade Mission, a new show featuring the world's favourite bear. The 13 spectacular rollercoasters range from the 73-m/240-ft tall Silver Star to the 100-kph/60-mph WODAN-Timburcoaster. Want to cool off? Try Austria's Tirol Log Flume, Scandinavia's exciting Fjord Rafting or Portugal's spinning Atlantica SuperSplash, which drops 30m/100ft into water. Smaller children play in areas designed just for them, such as Iceland's Hansgrohe Children's Water World or Ireland's Children's World for example.

World's best theme park

With 23 hours of entertainment every day, Europa-Park is not only the world's largest entertainment park, it has also been voted “world's best theme park” for four years in a row. Mixing comedy, fantasy and brilliant acrobatics, Times-The Show moves from Shakespeare and Sherlock Holmes to the present day in the Globe Theatre in the English-themed area. Over in Italy, Rulantica-The Musical is a new production in the Europa-Park Teatro. It tells the moving tale of the discovery of Rulantica and the power of true love.

Hot summer highlights

Highlights of the summer months are special events. Get stunning bird's-eye views of the park and the Black Forest aboard the Europa-Park Zeppelin air ship (June 2-10); follow the World Cup football action on giant screens (June 14-July 15). On July 21, the Summer Night Party turns night into day with great live shows; the rollercoasters run till midnight and a dazzling firework display tops it all off. Love to dance? Music@Park is a huge DJ party on August 4.

Stay the night

To get the full experience, stay overnight in one of the five park-owned 4-star hotels. By contrast, the rustic Europa-Park Camp Resort has a western USA theme, with campfires and cowboys, covered wagons, tepees and log cabins. But wherever you stay, the main benefit is early entry to the park the next morning. 

Europa-Park is open daily from March 24 to November 4 (9am to 6pm; longer during peak season).

For further information call: +49 7822 77 66 88 or visit www.europapark.de/en and follow @EuropaParkUK.

 Join us in welcoming the new attractions of the 2018 season here!