13 Jaw-Dropping Amusement Parks in Europe You Won’t Believe Exist

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Forget everything you know about amusement parks. My first visit to Europa Park in Germany changed my whole perspective when I found myself soaring through a steampunk wonderland before dining in a full-sized recreation of the Globe Theatre. European parks don’t just do rides; they create entire universes.

From racing through the twisted streets of Barcelona on Port Aventura’s Red Force coaster to watching the sunset sparkle across Efteling’s fairytale forests in the Netherlands, these are the most beautiful places in Europe to unleash your inner child. I’ve discovered 13 parks that completely redefine what an amusement park can be, each one packed with experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Let me show you why these parks are worth crossing an ocean for.

Best Amusement Parks to Visit in Europe

Visiting amusement parks in Europe? Spend the day experiencing the magic of Disneyland Paris, enjoy the thrilling rides at Europa-Park, or explore the excitement of PortAventura World. Step into a fairytale at Efteling, stroll through immersive themed lands, or indulge in delicious park treats. Whether you’re into adrenaline-pumping attractions, family-friendly fun, or enchanting experiences, Europe’s amusement parks have plenty to offer.

1. Disneyland Paris

• 📍 Location: Marne-la-Vallée, France, 32km east of Paris with direct RER train connections 
• 🏆 Best For: Disney magic seekers ✨, families with kids 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, fairy tale enthusiasts 🏰 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Meeting Disney characters, riding Space Mountain, watching the spectacular nighttime fireworks show 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for longest park hours and best weather, avoid French school holidays for smaller crowds 🌞 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel – Luxurious Victorian-style rooms just steps from the park gates

If you’re chasing castle shots with golden-hour glow and want Disney without flying across the Atlantic, Disneyland Paris offers its own fairytale twist.

Time your visit for late May or early June; sunsets stretch until nearly 10 p.m., and the light hitting Sleeping Beauty Castle is unreal. Shoot from the central hub just before the fireworks for those glowing twilight castle shots.

Hit Space Mountain (here called Hyperspace Mountain) in the morning to avoid long queues; it’s darker, faster, and wilder than the U.S. versions, with actual inversions. Don’t miss the La Tanière du Dragon, a cavern walk-through under the castle that hides a 79-foot animatronic dragon.

For photography, morning is best for the castle front with fewer crowds, while evenings give you soft light for moody shots around Adventureland. Plan two full days: one for Disneyland Park and one for Walt Disney Studios. Stay onsite for early park access and quiet, golden-hour strolls.

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2. Europa-Park

• 📍 Location: Rust, Germany, near the French border 1 hour north of Basel, Switzerland 
• 🏆 Best For: Thrill seekers 🎢, roller coaster enthusiasts 🎠, cultural explorers 🌍 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Riding Silver Star hypercoaster, exploring themed country sections, staying at themed resort hotels 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-October for full operations, summer for longest hours, Halloween season for special events 🎃 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Colosseo – Roman-themed luxury resort with indoor pools and spa facilities

Europa-Park isn’t just Germany’s top theme park; it’s Europe’s most underrated adrenaline-fueled playground, with killer lighting and backdrops that change with every country-themed zone.

Golden hour in the Italy section feels like you’re on a movie set, while the Greece area near the Poseidon coaster gives perfect lighting for dramatic wide-angle shots. Come mid-September, crowds thin, the weather’s mild, and the sunset light is chef’s kiss.

Silver Star is your must-do: Europe’s second tallest coaster with sweeping views and silky airtime. Hit it first thing in the morning or just before closing for minimal wait and great ride photos from the bridge. Don’t miss Wodan, a beastly wooden coaster lit beautifully in the late afternoon; stand on the bridge for killer action shots.

Book a room at Hotel Colosseo for easy access and golden-hour views from the rooftop garden. Two days is good, but three lets you explore every zone and shoot when the light’s just right.

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3. PortAventura World

• 📍 Location: Salou, Spain, 1 hour southwest of Barcelona on the Costa Daurada 
• 🏆 Best For: Beach vacation combos 🏖️, thrill ride junkies 🎢, Ferrari fans 🏎️ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Conquering Shambhala hypercoaster, exploring themed Mediterranean worlds, racing at Ferrari Land 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-June and September for perfect weather without peak summer crowds, Halloween for scare mazes 👻 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel PortAventura – Convenient park-adjacent location with themed rooms and exclusive park benefits

If you’ve ever wanted to ride a coaster and then hit the beach before sunset, PortAventura World is your dream spot and one of the best places in Europe to shoot high-speed thrills with a coastal vibe.

Visit in mid-to-late September: fewer crowds, cooler temps, and the sun sets perfectly behind Shambhala, lighting the coaster like a postcard. Bring a zoom lens; the camelback hills and splashdown make for epic action shots from ground level.

Ride Furius Baco right after opening to avoid 60+ minute lines. Then head to Ferrari Land, where Red Force launches you 367 feet in just seconds, great for burst shots against the clear blue Catalan sky.

Break up the park time with a beach walk in Salou (10 mins away), and return for sunset coaster shots or night rides under lights. Stay at Hotel PortAventura to bounce between parks and beaches effortlessly.

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4. Efteling

• 📍 Location: Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands, 1 hour southeast of Amsterdam and 30 minutes from Tilburg 
• 🏆 Best For: Fairy tale lovers 🧚‍♀️, families seeking magic ✨, dark ride enthusiasts 🎪 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the enchanted Fairy Tale Forest, riding Symbolica dark ride, meeting the park’s mystical creatures 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-October for full park operations, December for magical winter wonderland atmosphere ❄️ 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Efteling Hotel – Fairy tale themed rooms with exclusive early park access for guests

Fairy tales come to life at Efteling, but the real magic is in the soft light, misty mornings, and dreamy rides you won’t find anywhere else.

Arrive early, like rope drop early, especially in April or September when the morning mist rolls through the Fairy Tale Forest. It creates a surreal atmosphere perfect for storytelling photos.

Prioritize Symbolica for its jaw-dropping interiors and trackless ride system; hard to capture, but incredible for close-up detail shots. Droomvlucht is pure magic, floating you through bioluminescent forests (a tripod or fast lens is needed if you shoot during the ride).

Baron 1898 is your hero shot: shoot from the bridge at golden hour for moody, industrial vibes. Efteling’s attention to visual storytelling is unmatched; even benches and trash cans fit the theme.

Book a night at the Efteling Hotel, not just for convenience, but for early entry when the park is quiet, golden, and full of light beams through the trees.

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5. Tivoli Gardens

• 📍 Location: Central Copenhagen, Denmark, directly across from Copenhagen Central Station 
• 🏆 Best For: Historic charm seekers 🏛️, romantic dates 💕, architecture enthusiasts 🏗️ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Evening strolls through illuminated gardens, riding vintage wooden coasters, dining at world-class restaurants 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for full operations and outdoor dining, December for magical Christmas markets 🎄 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel d’Angleterre – Historic luxury hotel just minutes from Tivoli’s gates

Tivoli Gardens is Copenhagen’s living postcard, best explored at dusk when the lanterns flicker on and the whole park glows like something from a Wes Anderson film.

Shoot in June or early July; long northern evenings give you that blue hour that lasts forever. Bring a fast prime lens for night shots, especially along the lakeside paths where the reflections double the magic.

The Star Flyer is your go-to for skyline shots; time your ride just before sunset and grab sweeping views of Copenhagen from 260 feet up. In a contrast, the 1914 Rutschebanen offers vintage thrills with creaky wood and dramatic shadows in late-day light.

Dinner at one of the on-site restaurants, like Grøften, gives you prime views of the garden illuminations while avoiding the dinner rush. Stay at Hotel d’Angleterre if you want that full luxe experience just minutes from the front gates.

Don’t go midday; it’s all harsh light and heavy crowds. Arrive around 4 p.m., explore, shoot, ride, and then settle in for the evening light show.

6. Parc Astérix

• 📍 Location: Plailly, France, 35km north of Paris with direct shuttle bus connections 
• 🏆 Best For: Comic book fans 📚, thrill seekers 🎢, French culture enthusiasts 🇫🇷 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Riding Oz’Iris inverted coaster, meeting Astérix and Obélix characters, watching live stunt shows 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-October for best weather and full show schedule; avoid French school holidays for shorter lines 🌤️ 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel des Trois Hiboux – Charming Gallic-themed hotel within walking distance of the park

Parc Astérix isn’t Disneyland; it’s weirder, wilder, and unapologetically French. If you’ve ever wanted to ride a coaster through ancient Egypt and then high-five a cartoon Gaul, this is your spot.

Start with Oz’Iris, a fast, inverted coaster that dives through temples and water features, best ridden in the morning when queues are shorter and the sunlight cuts perfectly across the ride for crisp action shots. For wood coaster fans, Tonnerre de Zeus offers 90 seconds of shaky, airtime-packed fun. Don’t skip Toutatis, the newest launch coaster with seven airtime hills and some of the smoothest transitions in Europe.

Live stunt shows run every hour; get to the Roman Arena around 15 minutes early for good seats and dramatic lighting (late afternoon golden hour is best for photos). Roaming characters like Astérix and Obélix are everywhere; head to the Viking Village mid-morning for shorter lines and better interaction.

Avoid weekends and French school holidays. The sweet spot? Late May or early September for warm weather, smaller crowds, and full show schedules.

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7. Gardaland Resort

• 📍 Location: Castelnuovo del Garda, Italy, at the southern tip of Lake Garda 1 hour east of Milan 
• 🏆 Best For: Lake vacation combos 🏞️, families seeking variety 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, Italian adventure seekers 🇮🇹 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Riding Raptor wing coaster, exploring themed movie sets, combining park visits with Lake Garda tours 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for warmest weather and lake activities, Halloween season for spooky transformations 🎃 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Gardaland Hotel – Adventurous themed rooms with direct park access and exclusive benefits

Gardaland Resort is where coasters meet lake life. Right next to Lake Garda, this park is a smart add-on to any Northern Italy trip, especially if you’re mixing adrenaline with wine tastings and boat rides.

Head straight to Raptor, Italy’s first wing coaster, early in the day; you’ll want that front-row seat with nothing above or below your feet. The jungle-themed track makes for epic motion shots if you’re photographing from the queue or exit area. For something slower, the Magic House offers a disorienting optical illusion show inside a rotating room (fun and great for surreal photos).

Late afternoon is the golden hour sweet spot for photos of Egypt Valley and Fantasy Kingdom; the light bounces off the sets just right. Got kids or need a break? The Peppa Pig Land and Prezzemolo Tree House areas are shaded and usually quieter by mid-afternoon.

Best time to visit? Mid to late June before Italian school’s out, or late September for cooler temps and fewer tourists. Bonus: October weekends go full Halloween with fog machines, haunted houses, and eerie lighting; a photographer’s dream.

8. Alton Towers

• 📍 Location: Staffordshire, England, 1 hour from Birmingham and 2.5 hours from London 
• 🏆 Best For: Thrill seekers 🎢, families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, theme park enthusiasts 🎠 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Riding The Smiler (world’s first 14-loop roller coaster), exploring the enchanted gardens, staying overnight at the themed hotels 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for best weather and longest opening hours, October for spooky Scarefest events 🎃 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Alton Towers Hotel – Fantasy-themed rooms where kids can sleep in an enchanted forest or pirate ship

Alton Towers feels like someone dropped world-class roller coasters into a Jane Austen novel. This place is part historic estate, part thrill park, and it makes for surprisingly photogenic adventures.

Hit The Smiler first; 14 loops and disorienting black-and-yellow theming make for wild shots. Then move to Nemesis and Oblivion for deep-pit drops and high-speed dives; they are best lit from late morning to early afternoon for contrast shots between steel and greenery.

Don’t skip the Alton Gardens, a massive, 19th-century landscape garden perfect for wide-angle lens shots and chill time between rides. It’s also where you’ll find the least crowded paths. If you’re into long-exposure photography, visit during Scarefest (October) when the entire park glows with eerie lighting after dark.

Book a night at Alton Towers Hotel for early ride access and more time to explore. Midweek in early June or mid-September offers the best ride-to-crowd ratio.

9. Ferrari Land

• 📍 Location: Salou, Spain, adjacent to PortAventura World on Costa Dorada, 1 hour from Barcelona 
• 🏆 Best For: Formula 1 fans 🏎️, speed demons 🏁, luxury seekers ✨ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Conquering Red Force (Europe’s tallest and fastest roller coaster), racing simulators, Ferrari gallery exhibitions
•  📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June and September-October for perfect weather and smaller crowds; avoid peak summer heat 🌞 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: PortAventura Hotel PortAventura – A charming Mediterranean-style stay with direct theme park access and playful vibes perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike

Ever wondered what it feels like to be shot out of a cannon in a Ferrari? Ferrari Land is speed in its purest, most polished form. Red Force is the centerpiece: 0 to 112 mph in 4.9 seconds, followed by a 367-foot vertical climb that’ll yank your stomach into orbit. Ride in the front row for the clearest view of the coast, and shoot mid-morning with the sun behind you to capture the full tower launch without glare.

Indoors, the Ferrari Gallery has real F1 cars under perfect lighting, ideal for static shots without crowds. The racing simulators? Actually competitive and photogenic (no blurry action shots). The Junior Track is great for low-angle kid shots with motion blur, especially in golden hour light.

Best times to visit are April–June or late September, when the crowds thin out and the lighting is softer all day. 

10. Tropical Islands

• 📍 Location: Brandenburg, Germany, 1 hour south of Berlin in a former aircraft hangar 
• 🏆 Best For: Families with young kids 🏖️, wellness seekers 🧘‍♀️, year-round beach lovers ☀️ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming in the tropical lagoon, relaxing in the spa village, staying overnight in lodge tents 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round paradise – perfect escape during cold German winters, less crowded on weekdays 🏝️ 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Tropical Islands – A surreal indoor escape where you can sleep under a rainforest canopy or in a safari tent, just steps from the world’s largest indoor waterpark

Walking into Tropical Islands feels like entering a dome-shaped hallucination: tropical rainforest, 80°F, and a beach… in rural Germany. Built in a decommissioned airship hangar, this place is massive and surprisingly photogenic. For the best shots, head to the lagoon early in the day when the steam rises and sunbeams cut through the dome’s skylights. A wide-angle lens does wonders here.

The beach has real sand from the Baltic, and the rainforests are dense enough to mimic Southeast Asia. There’s even a lazy river and a spa zone modeled after Bali. Bring a waterproof phone case if you want pool-level reels. The indoor lighting is consistent year-round, so it’s perfect when you need tropical shots in the dead of winter.

Weekdays in winter (especially Jan–Feb) are nearly empty. Book a safari tent or rainforest lodge under the dome for the most immersive and weirdly cozy overnight stay.

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11. Futuroscope

• 📍 Location: Poitiers, France, 1.5 hours southwest of Paris and 2 hours from Loire Valley 
• 🏆 Best For: Tech enthusiasts 🤖, families seeking unique experiences 🎬, futuristic adventure seekers 🚀 
• 📸 Top Experiences: 4D and virtual reality attractions, dancing water shows, space-age architecture tours 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for outdoor shows and extended hours, December for magical Christmas illuminations ✨ 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel du Futuroscope – Space-age themed hotel with rooms designed like spacecraft pods

If sci-fi and amusement parks had a baby, it would be Futuroscope. This place leans hard into high-concept tech: think 4D flying rides, VR body-swap adventures, and robot dance battles. Start with The Extraordinary Journey, a suspended simulator that swings you over real-world landscapes. For the best visuals, sit middle-left; the lighting’s sharpest here, and the landscapes feel more immersive.

Architecture here is part of the experience: mirror-finish pavilions, prism towers, and glowing spheres. They reflect beautifully at golden hour or during blue hour when night shows light up the park with lasers and fountains. Shoot wide and low for futuristic drama.

Best time to visit is May through September for extended hours and outdoor events. December adds Christmas illuminations for those sparkly nighttime shots. Crash at Hotel du Futuroscope; the capsule-style rooms are ultra-themed and within walking distance of everything.

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12. Legoland Windsor

• 📍 Location: Windsor, England, 30 minutes west of London and walking distance from Windsor Castle 
• 🏆 Best For: Families with kids aged 2-12 🧒, Lego enthusiasts 🧱, castle explorers 🏰 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Miniland recreations of famous landmarks, building workshops, themed hotel stays 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for best weather; avoid school holidays for smaller crowds; October half-term for Halloween fun 🎃 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Legoland Hotel – Themed rooms where everything is designed around Lego, including in-room treasure hunts

Every detail in LEGOLAND Windsor is built for wonder and surprisingly great content. Start at Miniland, where 40+ million bricks recreate cities like London and New York in jaw-dropping detail. Shoot during early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds. A macro lens helps catch those sneaky brick-built street scenes.

Kids will love rides like the Dragon Coaster or the new Flight of the Sky Lion, both tame enough for GoPro ride footage. On hot days, the splash zone is gold for slow-motion water shots. And the Lego workshops? A great place to shoot hands building custom creations.

Best times to visit are weekdays from May to early July, before UK schools let out. October half-term is brilliant too, with Lego-style Halloween decorations everywhere. 

13. Phantasialand

• 📍 Location: Brühl, Germany, 30 minutes south of Cologne and 1 hour from Düsseldorf 
• 🏆 Best For: Thrill ride connoisseurs 🎢, themed experience lovers 🎭, coaster enthusiasts 🎠 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Taron and F.L.Y. hypercoasters, immersive themed worlds, spectacular live shows 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-October for full park operation, avoid German school holidays, September-October for Oktoberfest celebrations 🍺 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Matamba – African-themed luxury hotel with early park access and themed suites

Every inch of Phantasialand is built like a movie set, but with coasters. Taron is the star: Europe’s fastest multi-launch coaster twisting through a medieval village. Shoot during early morning runs for misty, moody shots with sharp contrast. Or ride F.L.Y., the world’s longest flying coaster, for a bird’s-eye view of the steampunk district, best captured with a chest-mounted camera.

Each themed land is obsessively detailed. You’ll jump from 1920s Berlin to African jungles to Chinese temple gardens in minutes. Berlin’s square is especially photogenic at sunset, with street performers and vintage signage catching that golden hour glow.

Visit from April through October; avoid German school holidays if you want cleaner shots. In late September and October, you’ll get Oktoberfest energy with added beer gardens and seasonal lights.

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