September 25, 2026, 10:03 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Which amusement parks and roller coasters are currently at the top in Europe? The European Star Awards provide one of the industry’s most important answers each year. In 2026, a German amusement park is making headlines: With a spectacular world first, Freizeitpark Plohn climbs to the top of the rankings for the best new roller coasters in Europe.
The European Star Awards were presented in London this year. For the awards, a 42-member international expert jury evaluated amusement parks and attractions in a total of 15 categories. The award has been presented since 2012 by the trade magazine “Kirmes & Park International” and is considered one of the most prestigious honors in the European amusement park industry.
Freizeitpark Plohn Takes First Place for New Roller Coasters
Freizeitpark Plohn secured first place in the new attractions category with the new water roller coaster “Dønnervind.” According to the park, it is the world’s first multi-launch water roller coaster. The train is accelerated multiple times during the ride and races through various water elements. Opened in 1996, Freizeitpark Plohn was the first amusement park in the new federal states of Germany.
The Ten Best New Roller Coasters in Europe
- Dønnervind – Freizeitpark Plohn (Germany)
- 100% Wolf – Plopsaland (Germany)
- Fireline Redwood – Fraispertuis City (France)
- Drakon – Paultons Park (United Kingdom)
- Maui’s Peak – Freizeitpark Thüle (Germany)
- Cornwall Coaster – Hansa-Park (Germany)
- Kyubi Unchained – Parc Spirou (France)
- Valkyrie – Festyland (France)
- Konect – Särkänniemi (Finland)
- Minifigure Speedway – Legoland Billund (Denmark)
With the Cornwall Coaster, Hansa-Park also made it into the top ten new attractions in Europe.
Surprise! Little-Known Amusement Park Named Best in Europe
The 25 Best Amusement Parks in Germany
Europa-Park Defends Title as Best Theme Park in Europe
In the prestigious overall ranking of theme parks, Europa-Park in Rust remains the benchmark. Germany’s largest amusement park defended its top spot ahead of Efteling in the Netherlands and PortAventura Park in Spain.
For the first time, Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen and Disney Adventure World in France made it into the top ten. The Polish amusement park Energylandia, which was ranked first in a Travelcircus ranking, reached tenth place at the European Star Awards.
Europe’s Best Theme Parks 2026
- Europa-Park – Germany
- Efteling – Netherlands
- PortAventura Park – Spain
- Parc Astérix – France
- Liseberg – Sweden
- Tivoli Gardens – Denmark
- Phantasialand – Germany
- Disneyland Park Paris – France
- Disney Adventure World – France
- Energylandia – Poland
German Parks Also Lead in Regional Amusement Parks
In the category of regional theme parks, a German winner is also at the top. Erlebnispark Tripsdrill in Cleebronn defended first place and once again outperformed the European competition.
Nigloland in France and Hansa-Park in Schleswig-Holstein follow in the other podium places.
The Best Regional Theme Parks in Europe
- Erlebnispark Tripsdrill – Germany
- Nigloland – France
- Hansa-Park – Germany
- Djurs Sommerland – Denmark
- Fårup Sommerland – Denmark
- Paultons Park – United Kingdom
- Movieland Park – Italy
- Emerald Park – Ireland
- Plopsaland – Germany
- Toverland – Netherlands
Thus, several top placements at the European Star Awards go to Germany. The success of “Dønnervind” at Freizeitpark Plohn is particularly noteworthy, as no other new roller coaster in Europe was rated higher by the expert jury.