Europa Park

Another obligatory visit if you are in either Strasbourg (France) or Freiburg im Bresigau (Germany) and you like theme parks is Europa Park!

This theme park is considered to be one of the best in Europe, although I don't know if that is technically true or not, but after going myself I can definitely corroborate my opinion. Europa Park is situated in the town of Rust, Germany, between the cities of Strasbourg and Freiburg im Bresigau.

The theme park is divided into areas that represent different European countries, and in each area, there are different attractions and activities to enjoy. You can also find typical food eaten in the respective countries, in addition to traditional national decorations. The park serves the best French and German desserts, Swiss chocolate, Spanish paella...

For example, in the area depicting Spain, it was all very much in the style of flamenco, which made it seem like you were in Andalusia. There is a photo cut out board with pictures of Don Quijote and Sancho Panza that you can put your face through, leaving you with a funny photo as a memory of your time here. If this doesn't tickle your fancy, you can take one with a horse, where you climb up and put your head through the hole of the man in the suit of armour.

Besides all that, the rides at this theme park are the best that I have ever ridden. There are four huge, excellent roller coasters: one of them, the best one in my opinion, allows you to queue separately if you only want to sit at the front of the passenger car, which was awesome.

I fondly remember the pirate area, as you can walk across a moving bridge, but you have to be careful if you don't want to fall into the water.

Like all theme parks, there is a huge amount of souvenirs available for you to buy. In my opinion, the coolest ones were the hats that you could turn into different characters, like the Viking with the plaits hanging down.

If you can, go during the Halloween period, as the seasonal decor is incredible: the detailing is next-level, with Halloween-style figures, backdrops and characters in every nook and cranny of the park. They also decorate the park for other holidays and celebrations throughout the year. Although I went there during Halloween, I couldn't enjoy the water rides because it was already too cold, so I guess that each season has its advantages and disadvantages. The park is also open at Christmas and, although I am sure that the decorations are absolutely divine, I could not deal with the cold December weather to visit, despite being a huge fan of the rides.

Ticket prices range between 44€ and 50€ (depending on the time of year), and you can get there by car, by bus or by train. An even better and more convenient option, however, would be to go there as part of an organised group excursion.

This was the first trip I did during my Erasmus exchange in Strasbourg and I would recommend it without a shadow of a doubt. I love theme parks and going on all of the rides because I live for the adrenaline rush that a good roller coaster gives you. However, for those of you don't like them, it is still a fun visit, as you can socialise with others (it's here where two of my best friendships started), as well as seeing "Europe" and its traditions. If I have the chance, I will go back there as many times as physically possible.

To get there by car, the best route is as follows: take the N4 until Strassburger Str. /B28/E52; then, join the A5 towards the K5349 in Ringsheim, taking exit 57B-Rust; finally, follow the K5349 until you reach Europa-Park-Straße Rust. The journey lasts around 40 minutes, but it is worth it for the views you will have of the little German villages and towns that you pass by.