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Heide Park
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Heide Park Resort, commonly known as Heide Park, is a theme park in Soltau, Lower Saxony, Germany. With an overall area of over 850,000 m2 (210 acres), it is the largest amusement park in Northern Germany and among the largest in the country. It is part of the British-based Merlin Entertainments, which operates 123 attractions in 24 countries.[4]
Key Information
History
[edit]The site originally belonged to the Heidenhof Wildlife Park, which was named after the chapel that was built there in 1350. After the zoo was closed in 1972 following a devastating storm, the showman Hans-Jürgen Tiemann bought the land and opened a small amusement park in 1978 (with the contractual requirement to maintain Heidenhof Chapel as well as the keeping of native animals). When Heide Park opened on 19 August 1978 it offered only six rides: the Monzapiste, the Heide Park Express, the Oldtimerrundkurs, the Floßfahrt (tow boat ride), the Wichtelhausenbahn and the Hochbahn. In its first season, the Heide Park had just under 200,000 visitors. 1979 saw the first dolphin show, for which they built a large domed roof a year later (after the 2008 season, the dolphinarium was closed due to protests).
Heide-Park
The location of Heide-Park
The Heide-Dorf (Heath Village), a richly detailed replica of typical buildings from the Lüneburg Heath, was inaugurated in the 1988 season. In 1996/'97, the Dutch section of the park was built, with a windmill and canal at the other end of the park.
With the growth of the park, the catchment area grew as well. In the 1990s, up to two million people visited Heide-Park each season, with 2,100,000 guests in 2001. The following year the UK-based Tussauds Group bought the park and since then attendance to the park has decreased to 1.5–1.6 million visitors per annum. Hans-Jürgen Tiemann still has influence in the park by shares and as an advisory director of the Tussauds Group. In early 2007 the Merlin Entertainments Group bought the majority of the shares of Tussauds Group from Dubai International Capital, which had taken over the shares in 2005.
The most recognizable landmark in the park is a 1/3 scale replica of the Statue of Liberty (35 meters tall), it was inaugurated on 4 July 1986 on the 100th anniversary of the original statue. At the end of 2011 the whole structure was relocated to stand within the roller coaster Colossos. The park's mascot is a bear called Wumbo.
In the 1990s, Hans-Jurgen Tiemann was successful as a driver and sponsor on the touring-car racing circuit, while his son Marcel Tiemann began a career as a professional race car driver.
The Park's owner, The Tussauds Group, was sold in May 2007 to the Blackstone Group.[5][6] The Tussauds Group as a separate entity ceased to exist, and was merged into the Blackstone-owned Merlin Entertainments, which has since operated the Park.[6]
Music and events
[edit]The music played at Heide Park is a combination of commercial tracks, library music and commissioned music. The following composers have had their music played at the park: Graham Smart, Ian Habgood, David Buckley, Crispin Merrell, IMAscore and John Sanderson.
Halloween in October is a special event.
Heide Park Resort
[edit]
Hotel Port Royal was opened in 2007 with 150 family rooms and 16 suites. There is also a Holiday Camp that opened in 2005 with 81 wooden houses in Caribbean style with a total of 536 beds.
Park areas
[edit]The park is divided into five areas.
- Eingang & Ausgang, that features Lower-Saxony style buildings
- Bucht der Piraten, that is mainly themed around the world of pirates
- Transilvanien, with a medieval-style castle on top of the hill surrounded by a forest
- Land der Vergessenen, which hosts the park's award-winning wooden roller coaster Colossos - Kampf der Giganten, as well as the Mayan Village that has many flat rides.
- Exploria
Attractions
[edit]Heide Park currently has about 40 rides which are mainly aimed at families but its thrill rides are also very popular. One of the main attractions is Colossos - Kampf der Giganten, a wooden roller coaster, which until the opening of Balder, on 12 April 2003 in the Swedish amusement park Liseberg, was the steepest wooden roller coaster in the world. The latest attraction is the wing coaster Flug der Dämonen. It is Germany's first wing coaster and reaches a maximum of 4 g positive during the ride.
Roller coasters
[edit]| Name | Picture | Type | Opened | Max. Height |
Length | Max. Speed |
Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Loop |  |
Steel coaster |
1983 | 30 m | 706 m | 67 km/h | Vekoma |
| Colossos - Kampf der Giganten |  |
Wooden coaster |
2001 | 52 m | 1344 m | 110 km/h | Intamin |
| Desert Race |  |
Launched coaster |
2007 | 19 m | 650 m | 102 km/h | Intamin |
| Flug der Dämonen |
 |
Wing Coaster | 2014 | 40 m | 772 m | 100 km/h | Bolliger & Mabillard |
| Grottenblitz |  |
Powered coaster |
1985 | 6 m | 370 m | 45 km/h | Mack Rides |
| Indy-Blitz | Steel coaster | 2008 | 4,5 m | 128 m | 23 km/h | Zierer | |
| Krake |  |
Dive coaster | 2011 | 41m | 476 m | 103 km/h | Bolliger & Mabillard |
| Toxic Garden |  |
Vekoma SLC | 1999 | 33 m | 689 m | 80 km/h | Vekoma |
| Bobbahn |  |
Bobsled coaster |
1993 | 27 m | 990 m | 53 km/h | Mack Rides |
Water rides
[edit]| Name | Picture | Type | Opened in | Max. Height | Ride length | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Rafting |  |
River rapids ride | 1992 | - | 600 m | Intamin |
| Wildwasserbahn I | Log flume | 1980 | 12 m | 600 m | Mack Rides | |
| ToPiLauLa-Schlacht | Splashbattle | 2010 | - | 150 m | Mack Rides |
Other attractions
[edit]| Name | Type | Opened in | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounty | Pirate Ship | 1982 | Intamin |
| Breakdance | Breakdance | 1991 | HUSS Maschinenfabrik |
| Dämonen Gruft | Ghost Train | 2024 | Preston & Barbieri |
| La Ola | Wave Swinger | 2009 | Zierer |
| Floßfahrt | Tow boat ride | 1978 | Mack Rides |
| Heide-Park Express | CP Huntington train | 1978, rebuilt 2004 | Chance-Morgan |
| Drachengrotte | How to Train Your Dragon theme | 1991 | Mack Rides |
| Wasserflieger | How to Train Your Dragon theme | 2016 | Zierer |
| Hicks Himmelsstürmer | How to Train Your Dragon theme | 2016 | Zamperla |
| Magic | Fast spinning ride | 1991 | Huss |
| Monorail | Monorail | 1985, renewed 1995 | Intamin |
| Oldtimer | Steerable oldtimer track | 1978 | Mack Rides |
| Panorama | a 75m tall Gyro tower | 1985 | Intamin |
| Panoramabahn | Train Ride | 1978 | Mack Rides |
| Käpt'ns Törn | a leisurely 4 min boat ride | 1997 | Mack Rides |
| Scream | a 103m tall Drop Tower | 2003 | Intamin |
| Ghostbusters 5D | An interactive dark ride | 2017 | Triotech |
Krake Alive! - a 7 min horror maze (2012); Heide Park. This indoor horror maze has 7 different scenes in the 300 sq m building with plenty of special effects and live actors as well. Age limit 12 years.
Go Karts - go karts (2004); extra charge
Dämonen Gruft - a dark ride manufactured by Preston & barbieri opened in 2024. Sits on the former Wildwasserbahn II log flume station.
Kiddie Rides
[edit]- Koggenfahrt - circular ride (1982); Mack Rides.
- Lucky Land - play area with gold digging, horse shoe throwing, etc. (2008).
- Nostalgic Carousel - Venettian Carousel (1997); Bertazzon.
- Pizie Town Train - on track ride (1978); Mack Rides.
- Rotor Baron - airplanes (1985); ETZ Marcel Lutz.
- Screamie - a 12m tall mini drop tower (2008); Zierer.
- Sea Horse Bay - paddle boats for kids (2005); Klarer Freizeitlagen.
- Steam Carousel - carousel (1989); Peter Petz.
- Water Playground - water play area (1991).
- Wild West bucketwheel - mini Ferris wheel (2008); Zierer.
- Peppa's Boat Trip - boat ride - Peppa Pig theme (2018); Metallbau Emmeln
- George's Dino Adventure - tracked horse ride Peppa Pig theme (2018); Metallbau Emmeln
- Grandpa Pig's Train Tide - train ride - Peppa Pig theme (2018)
- Peppa's Hot Air Balloon Ride - balloon ride - Peppa Pig theme (2020)
Shows
[edit]
Five shows are available each day at Heide Park, these are;
- Anger of Mayan, a 25-minute show about Mayan Indians at the Mayan Amphitheater that was built in 2011 and seats 800 people.
- Gold of Port Royal, a 35-minute pirate show at Pirate Arena that was built in 2010 and seats 1200 people.
- Puppet Comet, a 10-minute puppet show at Puppet Comic Theatre, built in 1985 and seats 100 people.
- Madagaskar LIVE! - It's Circus Time, a 30-minute show based on the movie Madagaskar 3: Flucht durch Europa in a tent, built in 2013.
- Previous shows include The Dolphin Show (closed 2008), The Parrot Show (closed 2008), The Bird Theater (closed 2009) and Hello Spencer (closed 2016).
Cancelled Attractions
[edit]- Unnamed strata coaster
Trivia
[edit]- Heide Park was one of three playable real world parks (with Alton Towers and Blackpool Pleasure Beach) added to RollerCoaster Tycoon in the Loopy Landscapes expansion pack.
Gallery
[edit]- Main gallery: Heide Park at WikiCommons
-
Heide-Park Entrance -
Kapitol -
Rapid River -
Pirate in 2007 -
Hallo Spencer Studio -
Hotel Port Royal Eingang
References
[edit]- ^ "TEA/AECOM 2023 Theme Index and Museum Index" (PDF). aecom.com. Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). 2024. p. 30. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
- ^ "Theme Parks Portfolio". LXi REIT Plc. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
- ^ "LondonMetric LXi REIT merger press release". LondonMetric. LondonMetric. 6 March 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ^ "Impressum und Kontakt | Heide Park Resort". Heide Park (in German). Retrieved 2023-12-05.
- ^ "Merlin conjures up leaseback deal". 17 July 2007 – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
- ^ a b Cho, David (6 March 2007). "Blackstone Buys Madame Tussauds Chain" – via www.washingtonpost.com.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Heide-Park.
- Official website of the Heide-Park
- Heide-Park Holiday-Camp
- Heide-Park-world - Info, Photos, Forum, Gallery etc.
Heide Park
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History
Founding and Early Development
Heide Park originated from the vision of German showman Hans-Jürgen Tiemann, who in the mid-1970s sought a suitable location for a new amusement park inspired by the success of Europa Park in Rust. He acquired the 85-hectare site in Soltau, Lower Saxony, which had previously served as the Heidenhof Wildlife Park—a facility that closed in 1972 after severe damage from a storm. The development transformed the former heathland into a family-friendly destination by constructing basic infrastructure such as pathways, rest areas, and entrance facilities while preserving elements of the natural landscape and incorporating initial wildlife exhibits to emphasize a blend of nature and entertainment.[6][14][15] The park officially opened on August 19, 1978, with a modest lineup of six rides designed for broad appeal: the Monzapiste (a bobsled-style track), Heide Park Express (a scenic miniature train), Oldtimerrundkurs (vintage car circuit), Floßfahrt (log flume ride), Wichtelhausenbahn, and Hochbahn, complemented by a small animal show. This initial setup highlighted the park's foundational concept as a hybrid wildlife and amusement venue, drawing on the site's natural heath surroundings to create an immersive, accessible experience for families. In its debut partial season, Heide Park welcomed approximately 200,000 visitors, surpassing the Tiemann family's expectations and setting the stage for steady growth.[6][16] During the early 1980s, the park invested in expansions to enhance its thrill offerings while maintaining its nature-integrated theme, including the introduction of a dolphinarium in 1979 for live animal performances and the addition of its first roller coaster, the Vekoma looping model known as Big Loop, in 1983. These developments helped boost full-year attendance to approximately 300,000 in 1979 and 500,000 in 1980, with visitor numbers surpassing 1 million annually by the mid-1980s, solidifying Heide Park's position as northern Germany's premier family amusement destination.[16][17][18]Expansion and Ownership Changes
Following its establishment in the late 1970s, Heide Park underwent significant expansions in the early 2000s to enhance its appeal as a major amusement destination. In 2001, the park introduced Colossos, a record-breaking wooden roller coaster manufactured by Intamin, which stood as Europe's tallest and fastest at the time with a height of 50 meters and speeds up to 110 km/h. This addition marked a pivotal investment in thrill attractions, contributing to a surge in visitor numbers and solidifying the park's reputation for high-adrenaline experiences.[11] The park's corporate trajectory shifted in 2002 when it was acquired by the Tussauds Group, a UK-based entertainment company seeking to expand its European portfolio with large-scale theme parks. This ownership change facilitated further development, including infrastructure upgrades and attraction enhancements aimed at international audiences. In 2007, Tussauds merged with Merlin Entertainments, which assumed control of Heide Park as part of a broader acquisition that created one of the world's largest visitor attraction operators. Under Merlin's management, the park benefited from integrated branding strategies and capital investments, such as the redevelopment of themed areas in the 2010s to improve immersion and operational efficiency.[19][20] Merlin's ownership evolved further in 2019 when the company was taken private in a £7.5 billion deal led by Kirkbi (the investment arm of Lego's founding family) and a Blackstone-led consortium, with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board also participating; this structure has supported ongoing sustainability initiatives and digital enhancements at Heide Park. A key milestone under this era was the 2014 launch of Flug der Dämonen, a Bolliger & Mabillard wing coaster featuring five inversions and reaching 100 km/h, which expanded the park's extreme ride lineup and drew renewed interest from coaster enthusiasts. In the late 2010s, significant refurbishments included a €12 million overhaul of Colossos in 2019, incorporating steel supports for smoother operation while preserving its wooden essence.[21][22] The COVID-19 pandemic impacted attendance, with recovery efforts focusing on health protocols and targeted marketing; in 2023, the park welcomed 1.68 million visitors, reflecting a post-pandemic rebound amid broader European theme park trends. To build on this momentum, 2024 saw the debut of Dämonen Gruft, a compact dark ride experience produced by Alterface, emphasizing horror-themed storytelling in a 380 m² space and tying into the park's existing demon lore. As of late 2025, no major new attraction announcements have been made beyond the seasonal reopening scheduled for March 22, 2026, allowing focus on operational refinements and guest satisfaction.[23][24][25]Resort Facilities
Accommodations
The Heide Park Resort provides on-site lodging through two primary options tailored for family vacations, integrating seamlessly with park experiences via direct access and themed elements that echo the park's adventures. The Holiday Camp, catering to self-catering families, consists of 81 colorful wooden huts accommodating 2 to 8 guests each, with options for private bathrooms or shared sanitary facilities, and offers amenities like a sandy beach area, children's playground, beach volleyball, and table tennis for a relaxed, surfer-style atmosphere just minutes from the park entrance.[26][27] These accommodations emphasize flexibility and proximity, allowing guests to return easily after park visits, with a total of 536 beds available.[27] The Abenteuerhotel, originally opened as the 4-star, pirate-themed Hotel Port Royal, features 164 rooms including family suites and premium themed options inspired by park elements like pirates, with spa facilities such as an indoor fun pool and sauna for post-adventure relaxation.[28][29] Guests benefit from exclusive perks, including early ride access, a separate park entrance, and interactive experiences like a digital treasure hunt tied to the pirate-themed Bucht der Piraten area.[29] Combined with the Holiday Camp, the resort supports over 1,000 overnight stays, enhancing extended visits with its family-focused design.[27][28] For 2025, accommodation packages bundle 2-day park tickets with overnight stays at either option, a sumptuous breakfast buffet, free parking, and additional family perks like access to the hotel's indoor playground and laser game, promoting immersive theming connected to the park's pirate and adventure zones.[30][31][32]Visitor Services and Accessibility
Heide Park Resort is situated on an 85-hectare site in Soltau, Lower Saxony, Germany, making it one of the largest amusement parks in Northern Germany.[1] The park is conveniently accessible via the A7 motorway, with visitors advised to exit at Soltau-Ost, from where clear signage leads directly to the entrance.[33] Parking facilities include two large lots accommodating approximately 8,000 cars and 300 buses or motorhomes, with reserved spaces available near the entrance for disabled visitors displaying a blue parking pass.[33] The park operates seasonally from April to early November, with the 2025 season commencing on April 5 and concluding on November 2, subject to specific closing dates such as September 1, 8, 15, and 22.[34][35] Visitor services at Heide Park encompass a range of practical amenities to facilitate a smooth experience. Single-day admission tickets for adults start at €37 when purchased online in advance, with flexible options available up to €54 for 2026 visits, while children under 90 cm enter free with a €0 ticket.[36] Annual passes provide 12 months of unlimited access from the date of purchase, including entry during the 2025 season and extending into 2026, along with benefits such as 10% discounts on food, drinks, and souvenirs at select outlets.[37] Dining options are available across more than 15 outlets, offering diverse choices like burgers at Piraten Burger, pizzas at Pizza Scream, and vegetarian-friendly items such as tarte flambée at Flammkuchen Factory, with allergens information accessible via the park app.[38] For lost items, guests should report to the Service Center near the entrance to complete a loss report form; items found on rides may cause temporary closures for retrieval.[39] Accessibility features at Heide Park comply with European Union standards for persons with disabilities, ensuring broad inclusivity. The park features wheelchair-friendly paths throughout its grounds, with accessible toilets located at key points including the entrance, near Wildwasserbahn, and opposite attractions like Screamie and Flug der Dämonen.[40] Height restrictions apply to rides, with a minimum of 1.20 meters required for most roller coasters—such as Desert Race and Limit—though some family rides like Mountain-Rafting allow access from 1.10 meters with supervision for younger children.[10][41] Sensory guides are provided for sight- and hearing-impaired visitors, permitting access to most attractions with a companion aged 16 or older, while the "Schwer-in-Ordnung-Pass" offers priority queuing for eligible guests (degree of disability B, G, H, or 80%) on up to six rides.[40] Wheelchair users with a valid disabled card receive free entry, and the official park app supports navigation by displaying wait times, interactive maps, and accessible facility locations to aid daily planning.[40][42]Themed Areas
Entrance and Central Hub
The entrance area of Heide Park Resort functions as the primary gateway, located at Heide Park 1 in Soltau, Lower Saxony, where visitors access the park through main ticket gates designed for efficient scanning of online-purchased tickets directly from smartphones, enabling a seamless contactless entry process.[43] Reserved parking spaces for guests with disabilities are situated directly in this entrance zone, minimizing travel distance from vehicles to the gates, while general parking accommodates approximately 8,000 cars across two large lots nearby.[33] The Service Center here serves as a key information hub, offering practical visitor services such as free name ribbons for children, size wristbands to ensure ride safety, and assistance for families.[44] This welcoming zone also includes rest areas and the expansive Heide Park Shop, positioned right at the entrance for convenient access to souvenirs, apparel, and essentials before or after exploring the park.[45] Contactless payment options with cards or smartphones are available throughout the entrance and resort, supporting quick transactions at shops and services.[44] The area accommodates initial family-oriented elements, such as nearby gentle rides and carousels, providing a gentle introduction for younger visitors amid shaded seating and orientation signage. From the entrance, central pathways branch out in a radiating layout, linking to the park's themed zones including Bucht der Piraten, with multilingual signage guiding efficient pedestrian flow across the 85-hectare site.[46] The official Heide Park app enhances navigation with an interactive digital map, real-time waiting times, and show schedules, facilitating smooth movement through the pathways.[47] In 2024, updates to the app introduced improved digital features for contactless planning and entry verification, aligning with broader enhancements for visitor convenience.[47]Bucht der Piraten
Bucht der Piraten serves as the pirate-themed zone at Heide Park Resort, immersing visitors in a nautical world of seafaring exploits and buccaneer lore through detailed environmental storytelling. The area evokes the atmosphere of a hidden pirate cove with water elements such as lagoons and a submerged shipwreck central to attractions like Mission Meeresgrund, where guests explore the depths of a centuries-old pirate vessel. Costumed characters bring the theme to life, particularly during live presentations, enhancing the sense of adventure in this dedicated section of the park.[48] Key atmospheric features include interactive experiences and entertainment that deepen the pirate immersion without relying on thrill rides. The Piratenarena hosts the show Im Auge des Drachen, a high-energy production following Captain Morgan and his crew on daring escapades, performed in an open-air venue amid the bay's scenic backdrop. This award-winning spectacle, blending action, humor, and pyrotechnics, runs seasonally and is set to return in 2025 as part of the park's opening lineup on April 5. Dining complements the theme at venues like Wirtshaus des Admirals, a buffet-style family restaurant offering hearty meals, salads, and desserts in a rustic admiral's tavern setting, and Piraten Burger, specializing in classic and plant-based burgers. These outlets provide convenient refueling spots tied to the zone's seafaring motif.[49][34][38] The layout of Bucht der Piraten emphasizes accessibility and exploration, with winding boardwalks, bridges spanning water features, and shaded pathways designed for comfortable family traversal, including stroller-friendly routes. This design facilitates seamless movement through the zone's immersive landscapes, connecting directly to the adjacent Abenteuerhotel—also known as Hotel Port Royal—which extends the pirate theme via dedicated rooms with nautical décor and multimedia effects for overnight guests. Pirate-themed rides like Krake are integrated into the area, contributing to the overall sense of peril and excitement on the high seas.[50]Transsilvanien
Transsilvanien is a gothic, horror-inspired themed zone at Heide Park Resort, characterized by immersive environmental storytelling that evokes a sense of dread and mystery through Dracula-inspired castle ruins, foggy forests, and pervasive vampire motifs. The area employs strategic nighttime lighting to amplify its eerie atmosphere, transforming pathways into shadowy realms after dark. Key elements of the zone include haunted pathways lined with mist and spectral effects, opportunities for character meet-and-greets featuring Dracula figures and other undead inhabitants, and themed shops stocked with gothic merchandise such as vampire-themed apparel and memorabilia. The area seamlessly integrates the entrance to the 2024 dark ride Dämonen Gruft, a demon-infused crypt experience that bolsters the overall supernatural narrative.[51] The layout emphasizes exploration with elevated walkways offering panoramic views of the ruined landscape and hidden alcoves concealing surprises for visitors. Accessibility is considered in dim lighting sections, where handrails and wider paths accommodate varying needs, while ambient audio cues—such as distant howls and creaking gates—heighten immersion without relying solely on visual elements. This design fosters a narrative journey through a forsaken Transylvanian realm, distinct in its focus on active horror fantasy. The zone houses thrill rides like Flug der Dämonen, a wing coaster that complements the dark ambiance.[52]Land der Vergessenen
Land der Vergessenen immerses visitors in a mystical atmosphere evoking ancient temples, overgrown jungles, and remnants of forgotten civilizations.[53] The area draws on exploratory themes of lost worlds, with eco-friendly landscaping that integrates natural vegetation and sustainable design elements to blend seamlessly with the surrounding Lüneburg Heath environment.[54] This theming fosters an adventurous discovery vibe distinct from the park's other zones, emphasizing historical mystery over gothic horror or futuristic elements.[55] Key features include interactive puzzle trails that encourage family exploration, displays of faux artifacts highlighting archaeological concepts, and subtle ambient soundscapes of rustling foliage and distant echoes to enhance the sense of intrigue.[54] These elements provide educational insights into ancient cultures without overt instruction, complemented by shaded picnic spots amid the greenery for relaxed downtime.[55] The zone integrates the wooden roller coaster Colossos as a central landmark, its structure evoking colossal ruins within the forgotten landscape.[56] The layout consists of winding paths meandering through dense foliage, picturesque bridges spanning gentle streams, and elevated viewing platforms offering glimpses of hidden "ruins" and the broader park vista.[54] This design prioritizes accessibility and immersion, making Land der Vergessenen a haven for families seeking a blend of adventure and tranquility.[55]Exploria
Exploria serves as an adventure and discovery-themed zone within Heide Park Resort, characterized by jungle expeditions, explorer camps, and wildlife motifs that immerse visitors in an exploratory environment. This area incorporates interactive nature exhibits designed to blend education with entertainment, encouraging guests to engage with themes of exploration and the natural world.[57] Key elements in Exploria include non-ride climbing walls for physical challenges, discovery stations highlighting local flora and fauna to promote environmental awareness, and themed eateries offering international cuisine amid the adventurous setting. The zone underscores sustainability initiatives, such as solar-powered features integrated into its infrastructure to support eco-friendly operations.[46] The layout features winding trail networks that evoke safari experiences, allowing visitors to navigate through lush, themed landscapes, alongside rest areas equipped with binoculars for birdwatching activities. This design ties directly into the park's original wildlife roots, evolving from the Heidenhof Wildlife Park established in 1978.[58] Family rides like Desert Race complement the area's focus on active discovery without overshadowing its educational core.[57]Attractions
Roller Coasters
Heide Park Resort is home to nine operating roller coasters, offering a diverse range of experiences from gentle family rides to high-thrill inversions and launches, collectively spanning approximately 6,100 meters of track and accommodating thousands of riders daily during peak seasons.[17] The park promotes six attractions as its "Big 7" rollercoasters (although one, Scream, is a gyro drop tower rather than a roller coaster): Colossos, Big Loop, Krake, Flug der Dämonen, Desert Race, and Scream.[10] These attractions are integral to the park's reputation as one of Europe's leading thrill destinations, with combined annual rider capacities exceeding 2 million based on operational data from recent years.[59] The coasters undergo seasonal maintenance and refurbishments to ensure safety, with no major changes announced for the 2025 season.[60] Colossos - Kampf der Giganten, opened in 2001 and manufactured by Intamin, stands as the park's flagship wooden roller coaster, reaching a height of 50 meters and delivering speeds up to 110 km/h over its 1,344-meter track.[61] Themed to an epic battle in the Land der Vergessenen area, it was Europe's tallest wooden coaster at launch and received the Golden Ticket Award for Best Wooden Coaster in 2002 and 2003. Following structural wear, it underwent a major refurbishment in 2018, enhancing its smoothness while maintaining its airtime-filled layout; the ride has an exemplary safety record with no significant incidents reported. Flug der Dämonen, Bolliger & Mabillard's 2014 wing coaster addition, features a 40-meter lift hill leading to a 41-meter near-vertical drop at 100 km/h, incorporating four inversions along its 772-meter track in the Transilvanien zone.[62] Riders straddle the rails for an immersive "flying demon" experience tied to the area's gothic theming, earning praise for its smooth operation and has maintained a strong safety profile since opening. It represents the park's push into modern coaster technology, with routine inspections ensuring reliability. Krake, a 2011 Bolliger & Mabillard dive coaster, plunges riders from a 41-meter height in an 87-degree angled drop reaching 103 km/h, featuring four inversions including an underwater tunnel on its 476-meter layout in the Bucht der Piraten section.[63] Themed around a mythical sea monster, it provides intense freefall sensations and has won acclaim for its theming integration, with no major safety issues over its operational history. Maintenance includes annual overhauls to the holding brake system for optimal performance. Desert Race, Intamin's 2008 accelerator coaster, launches trains from 0 to 100 km/h in under 2.5 seconds up a 34-meter top hat, traversing 650 meters without inversions in the desert-adventure themed Bucht der Piraten area.[64] Known for its hydraulic launch and weightlessness on the return spike, it set early standards for launched family thrills and features a clean safety record. The ride receives regular propulsion system checks during off-seasons. Big Loop, a 1983 Schwarzkopf double-looping coaster (relocated from Circus World in 1982), climbs 30 meters for drops at 80 km/h with two loops and two corkscrews over 700 meters, located near the park's central thrill hub. As one of Europe's early looping rides, it offers classic inversions with pirate theming and has operated safely for over four decades with periodic track reinforcements. No awards noted, but it remains a staple for moderate thrill-seekers. Toxic Garden, Vekoma's 1999 suspended looping coaster (formerly Limit, rethemed in 2023), dives from 33 meters at 80 km/h through five inversions on a 689-meter track, themed to a hazardous aerobatic flight in a dedicated thrill zone.[65][66] Its hanging trains deliver intense lateral forces, and post-retheming upgrades improved ride quality; it holds a strong safety record with enhanced restraints. The 2023 refurbishment included track replacements for longevity, with no 2025 alterations planned. Bobbahn, Mack Rides' 1994 bobsled coaster, simulates a luge run with flexible cars navigating 990 meters of banked turns at 55 km/h from a 26-meter height, no inversions, in a forested setting evoking alpine racing. Its multi-car trains enhance group fun, and it is the longest Mack bobsled coaster track; safety is bolstered by individual car braking systems, with no incidents on record. Seasonal wood treatments prevent track degradation. Grottenblitz, a 1985 Mack powered coaster, gently winds 260 meters through cave theming at 30 km/h from 8 meters high, designed as a family starter ride without inversions in the Exploria area. It provides a low-key introduction to coasters, with motorized chain lift ensuring consistent pacing; the ride's simple design contributes to its flawless safety history. Maintenance focuses on motor reliability during winter closures. Indy-Blitz, Zierer's 2008 Force model, is a compact steel family coaster reaching 45 km/h over 240 meters with a 12-meter height and no inversions, themed to an Indiana Jones expedition in Exploria. Ideal for younger riders, it features quick pacing and has earned positive feedback for accessibility, maintaining excellent safety standards. Annual inspections keep its portable elements in top condition.Water Rides
Heide Park features three primary water-based attractions that provide varying levels of thrill through immersion in simulated natural waterways, emphasizing splash effects and thematic storytelling. These rides integrate environmental elements like cascading water and rapids to enhance the visitor experience, with operations influenced by weather conditions to ensure safety.[67] Wildwasserbahn, a classic log flume ride introduced in 1980 by Mack Rides, offers a family-oriented journey through rugged mountain scenery. Guests board hollowed-out log boats for a 440-meter course featuring a 12-meter lift hill and subsequent drops that propel them through canyon rapids and foaming waters, generating substantial splashes for a cooling effect. Theming evokes an adventurous trek along a wild river, complete with rocky outcrops and turbulent sections that simulate natural whitewater navigation. With a duration of approximately 4 minutes and 20 seconds, it accommodates riders from age 4 without height restrictions, though children under 8 require adult supervision.[68] Mountain Rafting, an Intamin river rapids ride debuting in 1992, stands as one of Germany's largest installations of its kind, spanning a 580-meter channel powered by environmentally friendly pumps circulating 5.2 million liters of water. Participants navigate inflatable rafts through whirlpools, waterfalls, and high-speed currents in a Wild West-inspired setting, where the ride's mechanics create unpredictable spins and drenchings from overhead sprays and wave collisions. The 6-minute experience, suitable for those aged 5 and taller (minimum 110 cm, with under-8s or those under 130 cm needing accompaniment), emphasizes group interaction amid the thematic frontier adventure. Each boat holds up to 6 passengers, fostering shared excitement during the watery turbulence.[69] The dive coaster Krake includes a notable water interaction with a splashdown into an underwater tunnel following its 41-meter plunge, enhancing the mythical sea monster theme in the Bucht der Piraten area.[12] All water rides at Heide Park are subject to weather-dependent operations, with potential closures during rain, freezing conditions, or high winds to mitigate slipping hazards from wet surfaces; visitors are advised to check forecasts and ride availability in advance. Ponchos are recommended and available for purchase on-site to manage splash exposure, particularly on Mountain Rafting and Wildwasserbahn, ensuring comfort across the park's seasonal schedule from late March to early November.[67][39]Thrill and Family Rides
Heide Park Resort features a diverse array of thrill rides designed to deliver adrenaline-pumping experiences for older visitors and teenagers, primarily concentrated in the Transsilvanien themed area. The park's flagship thrill attraction, Scream, is a 103-meter-tall gyro drop tower manufactured by Intamin, where riders ascend slowly before experiencing a 71-meter freefall at speeds up to 98 km/h, lasting 77 seconds in total.[70] This ride, introduced in 2003, imposes a minimum height requirement of 130 cm and is restricted to those aged 10 and older, with a maximum height of 195 cm to ensure safety.[70] Complementing Scream is Screamie, a smaller freefall tower tailored for younger thrill-seekers, standing at 12.6 meters and reaching speeds of 3.5 m/s; it accommodates riders from 100 cm tall and aged 3 and up, though children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult.[71] For more immersive thrills, the park offers dark rides and motion-based attractions that blend storytelling with physical sensations. Dämonen Gruft, unveiled in 2024, is an interactive dark ride set in eerie catacombs, where groups of four ride in rotating vehicles for approximately 3.5 minutes, encountering special effects including scents, temperature changes, and demonic pursuits; it requires riders to be at least 8 years old with adult supervision or 12 to ride unaccompanied.[72] Located beneath the Flug der Dämonen coaster in Transsilvanien, this attraction emphasizes psychological tension over extreme physical forces.[73] Additionally, Ghostbusters 5D serves as a motion simulator dark ride in the Exploria area, simulating ghost-hunting adventures with 5D effects; it is suitable for those 120 cm tall and aged 6 or older.[57] Breakdance, a spinning thrill ride in Land der Vergessenen, rotates riders at up to 28 rpm in counter-rotating arms, catering to participants 120 cm tall and aged 6 and up.[57] Family rides at Heide Park provide gentle, accessible entertainment suitable for all ages, with many options distributed across zones like Exploria and the entrance area to accommodate varying group dynamics. In the Peppa Pig Land section of Exploria, Peppa's Balloon Ride, introduced in 2020, allows families to ascend in hot air balloon gondolas up to 2 meters in height for a 3-minute scenic journey, with no minimum height but requiring children under 8 to be accompanied by an adult.[74][75] Classic carousel experiences include the Dampfkarussell in Exploria, a steam-powered merry-go-round offering a whimsical ride with no height or age restrictions, and the Nostalgiekarussell at the entrance, evoking vintage charm similarly unrestricted. Other family-oriented attractions emphasize exploration and mild motion, such as the Drachengrotte dark ride in the How to Train Your Dragon – The Island area, where visitors embark on a forbidden grotto journey with no restrictions, and the Monorail in Exploria, providing a relaxed overhead tour of the park also without height limits.[57] The Oldtimer-Rundkurs at the entrance enables children to drive miniature cars on a guided track, unrestricted for young participants. Overall, the park maintains over 20 such rides, with dedicated kid-friendly zones in Exploria, and enforces safety protocols including pre-ride harness inspections and height measurements to ensure rider security across all attractions.Shows and Live Entertainment
Heide Park Resort features a variety of scheduled live performances and interactive entertainment options designed to complement its thrill-based attractions, with daily shows typically running multiple times during peak season from late spring through early autumn. These include stunt-driven adventures, comedic magic acts, and artistic revues, often performed in dedicated venues like the Piratenarena, which hosts high-energy productions for audiences of all ages. Show schedules are accessible via the park's official app, with up to four performances per day in high season, allowing visitors to plan around the roughly 20- to 30-minute durations.[49] The flagship daily show, "Im Auge des Drachen" (In the Eye of the Dragon), is an award-winning pirate stunt spectacle set in the Bucht der Piraten themed area, where audiences follow Captain Morgan and his crew through swashbuckling adventures involving sword fights, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, and magical elements blended with slapstick humor and theatrical storytelling. Performed in the open-air Piratenarena, this ensemble production emphasizes world-class artistry and has been a staple since its introduction, with a confirmed return for the 2025 season starting April 5.[76][34][77] Complementing the action-oriented pirate show, "Time - Eine artistische Revue durch die Zeit" offers a more reflective artistic review, tracing themes through history with dance, music, and visual effects in a family-friendly format that evokes emotional responses and encourages contemplation. This production highlights professional performers in a structured theatrical setting, running as part of the regular entertainment lineup.[78][79] For lighter-hearted interaction, the "Smile... It's Magic" comedy magic show features the bumbling yet endearing magician Magic Eugen in an interactive presentation filled with illusions, audience participation, and humorous mishaps, ensuring broad appeal without taking itself too seriously. Staged in the Piratenarena, it lasts about 20 minutes and focuses on entertainment through failed tricks turned into laughs, suitable for young and old sorcerer's apprentices alike.[49][80][81] Beyond stage shows, Heide Park incorporates roaming street performers and character interactions to enhance the immersive atmosphere, including occasional parades with costumed figures from areas like Peppa Pig Land during family-oriented periods. Magic acts and musicians occasionally appear in themed zones such as Transilvanien, providing spontaneous entertainment that ties into the park's narrative environments without fixed schedules. These elements, including meet-and-greets, contribute to the overall daily programming, fostering a lively park experience.[49][82]Defunct Attractions
Heide Park Resort has removed or relocated numerous attractions since its opening in 1978 to accommodate safety upgrades, theming enhancements, and new developments, with over 20 documented closures contributing to the park's evolution.[59] These changes often reflect shifts toward more modern thrill experiences, such as replacing older water rides with inverted coasters.[83] Notable removed rides include the Condor, a HUSS Condor ride that operated from 1989 to 2008 and was relocated to Skyline Park in Germany due to operational decisions. The Wildwasserbahn II log flume, manufactured by Schwarzkopf and opened in 1990, closed on August 31, 2011, to clear space for the Flug der Dämonen wing coaster and its associated dark ride, Dämonen Gruft.[83] Similarly, the Rainbow enterprise ride, installed in 1992, was scrapped in 2008 amid maintenance and theming updates.[59] Relocations have affected family-oriented areas, particularly in the 2010s, with several kiddie and boat rides moved to other European parks. For instance, the Koggenfahrt sea storm ride, opened in 1982, was relocated to DaftöLand in Sweden in 2017 after 35 years of operation.[59] The Märchenfahrt boat ride, a 1991 Mack Rides installation, was transferred to Schwaben Park in 2015 as part of broader area redevelopments.[59] Early track rides like the Monza-Piste, a 1978 opening attraction, were scrapped in 2011 following safety assessments.[59] The following table summarizes key defunct attractions, including operating periods and fates:| Attraction Name | Type | Opened | Closed | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condor | Condor | 1989 | 2008 | Relocated to Skyline Park |
| Wildwasserbahn II | Log Flume | 1990 | 2011 | Scrapped for new coaster |
| Koggenfahrt | Sea Storm | 1982 | 2017 | Relocated to DaftöLand |
| Märchenfahrt | Boat Ride | 1991 | 2015 | Relocated to Schwaben Park |
| Aqua Spin | Top Spin | 1992 | 2017 | Stored, for sale |
| Rainbow | Enterprise | 1992 | 2008 | Scrapped |
| Monza-Piste | Track Ride | 1978 | 2011 | Scrapped |
| Kinderlok Old 99 | Track Ride | 1985 | 2009 | Scrapped |
| Hully Gully | Trabant/Satellite | 1984 | 2009 | Relocated to Niagara |
| Santa Maria | Pirate Ship | 1983 | 2009 | Relocated to Legoland Windsor |