August 6, 2025, 8:12 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Germany is home to numerous popular amusement parks. Notably, Europa-Park in Rust has received countless awards over the years. It’s all the more surprising that another German park took the top spot at the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards for the best amusement and water parks. Find all the details at TRAVELBOOK.
Heide Park Resort Tops Travellers’ Choice Awards
The Travellers’ Choice Awards are accolades from the user platform Tripadvisor. They are based on genuine reviews and experiences from the community, highlighting offerings that have performed exceptionally well. Various categories are evaluated: from travel destinations (this year’s ranking is led by London, TRAVELBOOK reported) to hotels and restaurants, and leisure activities. Tripadvisor has now published the current ranking of the most popular amusement and water parks in Europe–with Heide Park Resort at number one.
Undoubtedly, the theme park located in northern Germany is popular among locals. In a TRAVELBOOK survey, Heide Park ranked second years ago. It is now well-known beyond regional borders, as shown by nearly 4,500 international reviews on Tripadvisor–many of which are positive. One user, for instance, praised the short wait times at attractions, made even more pleasant by friendly staff, after a visit with her family of four. Many users are also satisfied with the food offerings and the cleanliness of the facility.
All German Rankings
In the top ten for all of Europe, German amusement and water parks are represented only once, but prominently, and in the entire ranking (with 24 spots) three times. Fort Fun Abenteuerland in Bestwig (ranked 22) is considered a hidden gem for younger children based on reviews. Visitors praise its manageable size and overall relaxed atmosphere. However, note that the park closes relatively early, with hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The famous Legoland in Günzburg (ranked 24) rounds out the list.
Interestingly, one German park is notably absent from the list: Europa-Park in Rust. It is assumed that it is still frequently visited, especially since two popular attractions recently reopened after months of closure.
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Second and Third Best Amusement and Water Parks in Europe
In second place is a theme park in France. It stands out from the other rankings: According to the Tripadvisor description, you shouldn’t expect roller coasters or similar thrilling attractions there. The park in question is Puy du Fou, an amusement park in the Vendée region, about a three-hour drive from Paris. Visitors can embark on a journey through time with four historical villages–from Roman times to the Middle Ages. It’s recommended to stay overnight within the park, for example, in a themed hotel designed as a palace of Louis XIV.
The third place in the ranking goes to the Web Adventure Park in York, England. According to Tripadvisor, it offers fun for the whole family, regardless of the weather. This is ensured by a large indoor play area. Of course, the park also features a variety of outdoor attractions, including animal enclosures. Additionally, a mini amusement park with seasonal fairground attractions, open during school holidays and weekends, is highlighted, with access included in the admission price.
Below is the current Tripadvisor ranking of the best amusement and water parks in Europe. The United Kingdom, especially England, is particularly well-represented. See for yourself!
The Best Amusement and Water Parks in Europe at a Glance
- 1. Heide Park Resort, Soltau (Germany)
- 2. Puy du Fou, Les Epesses (France)
- 3. The Web Adventure Park, York (England)
- 4. Paultons Park, Romsey (England)
- 5. Drayton Manor Resort, Drayton Bassett (England)
- 6. Legoland Billund, Billund (Denmark)
- 7. The Milky Way Adventure Park, Bideford (England)
- 8. Walt Disney Studios, Chessy (France)
- 9. Djurs Sommerland, Nimtofte (Denmark)
- 10. Bellewaerde, Ypres (Belgium)
- 11. Clacton Pier, Clacton-on-Sea (England)
- 12. Aquafollie, Caorle (Italy)
- 13. Aqua Dome, Tralee (Ireland)
- 14. Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark, Geroskipou (Cyprus)
- 15. Walibi Holland, Biddinghuizen (Netherlands)
- 16. Avonturenpark Hellendoorn, Hellendoorn (Netherlands)
- 17. Aqualand Corfu, Corfu (Greece)
- 18. Fraispertuis, Jeanménil (France)
- 19. Prater, Vienna (Austria)
- 20. Nigloland, Dolancourt (France)
- 21. Le PAL, Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre (France)
- 22. Fort Fun Abenteuerland, Bestwig (Germany)
- 23. Katmandu Park, Mallorca (Spain)
- 24. Legoland, Günzburg (Germany)