A gargantuan indoor-outdoor combination water park – the size of five football fields – has opened in Germany's Black Forest.
Located in the town of Rust, near the Germany-France border, is Rulantica: a Nordic-themed water park headed by the same people who own nearby Europa-Park (Germany's largest theme park). Just like its massive theme park neighbour, Rulantica is packed with adventures for people of all ages, though rather the wet and wild variety.
The €180 million complex opened at the end of November and will welcome guests year-round thanks to its permanent 32C (89F) indoor temperatures and all-weather facilities. Inside there are 25 attractions. Seventeen of those are water slides, each more elaborate and dare-devilish than the last. Dugdrob and Vildfål are possibly the most thrilling; sending riders on almost-vertical, free-fall drop through neon-lit chutes. Another adrenaline-inducing ride is Vinter Ryt, a steep-wall slide that sends up to four people down a vertical wall in one tube.
Attractions are set across Scandinavian-themed landscapes and sceneries that depict ancient Norse legends. Trolls, mermaids and water sprites guard an area with gentler slides and pools aimed at younger children. Amid all the colourful displays are spaces to relax for those who'd rather settle in with a book instead of a splash. Deckchairs, loungers and private booths with sofas (available at an extra cost) are spread out across the indoor area. While outside there are sun loungers and a heated swimming pool. Visitors can even swim to the Skogbar bar and enjoy a cocktail without having to get out of the 30c (86F) water.
Guests can check in to the newly-opened, four-star Krønasår hotel if they want to make a vacation out of the experience. There are also five more hotels available near Europa-Park. Tickets can be booked online and entry costs €38.50 (£32.90) for visitors aged 12 and over. Day tickets for people with disabilities and children aged from four to 11 cost €35.50 (£30.30), while it's free entry for under-fours.
Rulantica is open year-round (apart from Christmas Eve) from 10am until 10pm, though hotel guests can access the park from 9am. Basel Europa Airport is located an hour south, while the airport at Stuttgart is two hours away.
