Best Family-Friendly Places to Stay: Europa-Park
Where to Stay with Kids
“It isn’t how much time you spend somewhere that makes it memorable; it’s how you spend the time.”
Europa-Park’s main entrance in Rust, Germany!
You’ve got one shot to make any vacation unforgettable. The kind of trip your kids will talk about for years—where the roller coasters are just the beginning and even the hotel is part of the adventure. If you're dreaming of a theme park getaway that delivers thrills for every family member, you're in the right place!
If you’ve been following along in our series covering Europa-Park and Rulantica, or if you’ve ever heard of these two amazing theme parks, you may be dreaming about your own Europa-Park family adventure. Knowing you want to visit the park is your ultimate goal, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the details of planning your visit.
Where to Stay When Visiting Europa-Park
Where should you stay? Are the perks of an on-site themed hotel worth the extra expense?
We’re answering these questions in this installment of our four-part series on the Europa-Park Resort. This guide is your go-to resource for finding the perfect place to rest your head.
There is no shortage of options for accommodations when visiting Europa-Park and Rulantica. Whether you wish to stay on-site, at one of their themed hotels, or at their more affordable options in Silver Lake City, or stay off-site to experience more of the nearby cities, we’ve got you covered!
From glamping in a Wild West tipi to sipping espresso in a Roman suite or staying nearby in a budget-friendly hotel with amenities like complimentary breakfast and play areas for kids, we have the information to help you make it happen. Let’s make your family trip unforgettable from start to finish!
On-Site Europa-Park Themed Hotels
For a fully immersive experience, Europa-Park offers six 4-star themed hotels. A stay at any of these hotels includes exclusive early access, fun decor, special events, dining, playgrounds, and family-friendly activities. You can even purchase a package that covers your stay and park admission.
All hotels include spectacular attention to detail, which extends from the outside façade to the lobbies, restaurants, and rooms. Each hotel offers luxury suites that accommodate up to 6 people and may include bunk beds. Other amenities provided for guests of all Europa-Park hotels include:
Europa-Park Ticket Guarantee: Even if tickets are “sold out,” as a hotel guest, you are guaranteed a ticket to the park during your stay (purchased separately or as part of your hotel package)
Best price guarantee for park tickets
Access to Europa-Park and Rulantica through gates and turnstiles available exclusively to hotel guests
Early VIP entry to parks (valid entry ticket required)
Shuttle service between Europa-Park, Rulantica, and the Europa-Park hotels
Shopping Service: Collect your in-park purchases at the reception desk of your hotel (purchases must be made before 3 pm)
Free parking
Free WiFi
Access to ALL 6 of Europa-Park hotel’s themed sauna areas and pools. (Please note that sauna areas are reserved for guests 18+.)
Access to all 25 restaurants and bars throughout the various hotels and Silver Lake City
Access to the Boston Red Sox fitness club located at the Hotel Bell Rock or the Krønasår fitness area
Reduced ticket prices for special events during your stay
Special experiences for kids like treasure hunts, painting workshops, and more!
Hotel Krønasår – The Museum-Hotel
Pulling up in front of this hotel might feel like you’ve arrived in a Scandinavian harbor city. The Nordic-styled façade welcomes guests with excellent theming that continues inside the rooms. Once inside, you’ll find a natural history museum that showcases historic artifacts. This hotel is located at the entrance to Rulantica, making it a stellar choice if the water world is your primary destination. You’ll also have a fantastic view of the water show on the lake behind the hotel.
There are 22 themed suites available, including two royal suites, three royal deluxe suites, and 11 Boutique suites. Depending on your selection, rooms and suites can accommodate up to six people.
Click on photo to enlarge and see descriptions.
Hotel Bell Rock – Welcome to New England
This hotel will transport you to 18th-century New England, USA. It’s the resort’s only non-European-themed hotel, and it shines. The colonial style resort takes you on an adventure in the shadow of the seafarers and Pilgrims who boldly made their way to the New World.
The theming continues in Ammolite, the Lighthouse Restaurant that boasts two Michelin stars! Guests can enjoy a buffet at Harborside, dine at Captain’s Finest, or relax in the Spirit of St. Louis bar. Don’t miss the Rhode Island Waterfire—a multimedia on-site water show.
INSIDER TIP: For a special treat at Hotel Bell Rock, you can book one of six suites in the Lighthouse!
Hotel Colosseo – Bella Italia
This Italian-themed hotel features Roman-Italian-themed furnishings and details. It is located across the street from the three hotels clustered at the back entrance to Europa-Park. Guests can choose one of 18 themed suites, including four inside the Coliseum Arch, or the VIP Presidential Suite Rome.
No need to leave the hotel for Italian fare—Antica Roma offers buffet service, and both Restaurant Medici and Pizzeria La Romantica provide full service. There are even two bars! Families will appreciate the outdoor heated pool (with inside access), a two-story indoor play area, and a stellar view of the multi-media water show on the lake behind the hotel. Campo del Mare, the onsite water playground, invites kids to splash and play during the summer.
INSIDER TIP: The following three hotels are conveniently clustered together, giving guests easy access to the shared amenities of each. While all six Europa-Park hotels offer cross-access to their pools, saunas, restaurants, and more, these three are located on the same site, making it effortless to explore, dine, and relax across them without ever leaving the grounds.
Hotel Santa Isabel – Portuguese Monastery
This hotel, designed like a Portuguese monastery, offers modern luxury and cozy spaces. Enjoy a buffet meal at Sala Santa Isabel or a pint in the Beer Cellar. Kids can play in the water playground, Pueblo del Agua, or swim in the heated outdoor pool.
Hotel El Andaluz – Mediterranean Elegance
Be transported to the Mediterranean coast of Spain with architectural details like terra cotta roofs, colorful ceramic tiles, and Spanish arches. Enjoy full restaurant service at either Don Quichotte or Bodega. Families will appreciate the indoor play area and the heated outdoor pool (May–September).
INSIDER TIP: For a special treat, you can book the ARTHUR-Themed room, which includes VIP entrance to the ARTHUR attraction and a voucher for one OnRide picture!
Hotel Castillo Alcazar – Medieval Castle
Welcome to the Middle Ages! This hotel will transport you through time. Guests can explore the vaults of this medieval Spanish fortress and enjoy exceptional themed furnishings, architectural details, and even suits of armor!
Guests have a heated infinity pool, fitness center, cafe, bar, and two full-service restaurants at their fingertips. Enjoy a buffet meal at Restaurant Castillo or visit the Buena Vista Bar for a cocktail. Children can work out their wiggles in their indoor or outdoor play areas.
On-Site Europa-Park Silver Lake City
In our opinion, the park hotels are pretty pricey compared to other options. If you have the money to spend on these unique options, we are sure they provide a fantastic overnight stay experience for however long you visit (just like any of the Disney properties do).
However, if you're on a budget like us but don’t want to sacrifice the themed experience, you may want to consider a stay at Europa-Park Silver Lake City instead. With an immersive theme that takes you to the American Wild West, this city offers options, including camping, caravaning, and unique stays that perfectly extend the western theme.
Silver Lake City is conveniently located near Europa-Park's main entrance and parking area, setting it apart from the hotel options, which are all situated near the rear of the park. (One exception is Hotel Krønasår, which is located near Rulantica’s main entrance.)
Guests staying at Silver Lake City can enjoy one (or more) of the area’s restaurants. Silver Lake Saloon provides menu items such as burgers, chili, barbecue ribs, salads, and steaks. Cantina Amigo delivers a taste of Texas, Arizona, or Mexico with burgers and burritos. Both options are open daily from 5:30pm–10pm, and the Silver Lake Saloon even offers a Country Brunch (along with some other events) on select dates throughout the year. Craving something for breakfast? You can find light breakfast bites at the Western-Store, including coffee, snacks, and refreshments throughout the day.
INSIDER TIP: Silver Lake City is expanding! This summer, a new buffet restaurant will open! Diner Station is designed to resemble an old railway station in the American West. (Starting in early June, the Country Brunch will be hosted at the Diner Station.) In addition, Wild Horse Bar will also open this summer! Here, you can enjoy the brewery’s own beer, cocktails, and other refreshments.
Tipi Town
This unique area offers an outdoor overnight experience more like “glamping” than camping. Adventurers can stay in a Log Cabin, a Covered Wagon, a Western House, or a Tipi!
WiFi is included, and electrical sockets and lighting are provided. Unless otherwise stated, guests are advised to bring their own sleeping bag and towels for stays in Silver Lake City.
INSIDER TIP: Just like Europa-Park hotel guests, Silver Lake City guests enjoy the benefit of the best price guarantee for park tickets and guaranteed tickets for Europa-Park!
Log Cabin Rooms can sleep up to 16 guests on comfy mattresses with pillows provided. They also have a lockable cabinet for storing valuables. Restrooms are located in a separate building.
Covered Wagons can sleep up to four people on mattresses with pillows. Bunk-style beds are included. Please note that covered wagons cannot be locked. Restrooms are provided in a separate facility.
Comfort Covered Wagons are a slightly more luxurious option. They can sleep up to four people on double and bunk beds. Mattresses, pillows, sheets, and blankets are provided, but guests will still need to bring their own towels. These wagons include a flat screen TV, a mini fridge, heating, and air conditioning. Restrooms are provided in a separate building.
Western Houses can sleep four to six guests on double and bunk bed combinations. Mattresses, pillows, sheets, blankets, and towels are provided. This slightly more luxurious option includes a private bathroom, heating/air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, a safe, and a small terrace.
Tipi tents and wooden tipis are available from late March through late November. They can sleep up to 12 guests on comfy mattresses with pillows. Please note that tipi tents cannot be locked, and restrooms are provided in a separate facility.
Europa-Park Caravaning
If you prefer to bring your own RV or camper, you can reserve a spot to park and stay on-site. Guests in this area have access to free WiFi as well as shower and bathroom facilities (with hot water). You’ll also find connections for electricity, a freshwater station, and a free disposal station. There’s even a kiosk with fresh daily bread and roll service. Other amenities include sports fields and courts, a swimming lake, and the ability to bring along your pet.
Europa-Park Camping
Want to pitch your own tent? Your campsite comes with free WiFi and access to shower and restroom facilities. You’re welcome to bring your pet along. Similar to the caravaning option, families can enjoy sports courts and fields, a playground, a swimming lake, and even a daily kiosk with bread and roll service.
INSIDER TIP: The expansion fun doesn’t stop at just new restaurants! In 2026, Europa-Park is opening its very own guest house at Silver Lake City. This western-style lodge will have over 100 rooms, allowing guests who want the Wild West experience to enjoy a little more coziness.
Off-Site Europa-Park Options
While the onsite options are impressive, don’t think you are limited to just Europa-Park-affiliated accommodations for your stay. Rust and nearby towns like Ringsheim, Ettenheim, Colmar, and more offer accommodations that will provide the comfort and amenities that match your family’s needs.
If Europa-Park is just part of what’s bringing you to the area and you’re looking to explore the Black Forest or other attractions, an off-site option might be right for you.
To help you locate family-friendly accommodations, we have meticulously compiled a collection of hotels within towns less than a 45-minute drive from Europa-Park.
Each hotel on this list has been carefully selected based on two critical criteria:
The availability of family-friendly accommodations
Consistently high-quality experiences as reflected in review scores of 8 or above.
We have personally stayed in one of these hotels in Rust in October. Our review of that hotel is included below. We have also included the top 3 family-friendly restaurants in each town that meet your culinary needs.
Rust, Germany
Here are our curated hotels → Rust Family-Friendly Accommodations
The Hotel Sunnegässle was our choice and worked out perfectly for our family of five. It’s situated just a 12-minute walk from the park’s entrance. Our two-bedroom suite had a king bed in the master bedroom and three twin beds in the second room—perfect for our three girls.
The hotel's outdoor play area featured swings, bars, a trampoline, a zip line, and a playhouse. Each morning, we enjoyed a complimentary breakfast with meats, cheeses, eggs, fruit, pastries, juice, and coffee—fueling us for a full day of adventure!
City Summary: Rust is a small town in the southwestern German state of Baden-Württemberg, primarily known as the home of Europa-Park, Germany's largest theme park and the second most popular theme park in Europe after Disneyland Paris.
Despite its small population (around 4,500), the town has developed substantial tourism infrastructure with numerous hotels, guest houses, and restaurants catering to millions of annual park visitors.
The town center retains some traditional German charm with its historic town hall and church, though most visitors focus on the theme park area. Accommodation options range from themed hotels operated by Europa-Park to family-run pensions, with peak season bringing premium prices due to high demand.
Top 3 Family-Friendly Restaurants:
Ammolite - The Lighthouse Restaurant – Though a Michelin-starred establishment, they welcome families with older children and offer special tasting menus for young diners. It is located within Europa-Park's Bell Rock hotel and combines fine dining with family accessibility.
Restaurant Erdmannshöhle – A traditional German restaurant offering hearty regional cuisine with a dedicated children's menu. Their spacious dining area and friendly staff make it particularly welcoming for families with children of all ages.
Zum Löwen – A charming restaurant serving local Baden specialties in a rustic setting. They're known for their child-friendly atmosphere, reasonable prices, and menu options that appeal to younger palates while still satisfying adults.
Ringsheim, Germany
Here are our curated hotels → Ringsheim Family-Friendly Accommodations
Distance to Rust, Germany: Ringsheim is approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from Rust, Germany. By car, the journey typically takes about 8-10 minutes via the L103 and L104 roads.
City Summary: Ringsheim is a small, tranquil town in southwestern Germany's Rhine Valley. Its primary appeal for visitors is its proximity to Europa-Park (in neighboring Rust), making it a practical and often more affordable accommodation alternative to staying in Rust.
The town offers a quiet, authentic German village atmosphere with traditional architecture, surrounded by picturesque countryside and vineyards. Though modest, Ringsheim provides essential amenities for visitors, including several hotels, guest houses, and restaurants catering to Europa-Park tourists.
If you’re exploring Germany or this part of Europe by train, Ringsheim would provide an excellent base for your family. The Ringsheim/Europa-Park railway station is located in the city center.
Top 3 Family-Friendly Restaurants:
Gasthof Adler – A traditional German restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere for families, serving hearty Baden regional cuisine. They offer a children's menu and spacious seating areas that accommodate families comfortably.
Restaurant Altdorf – Known for its friendly service and diverse menu that appeals to adults and children. They serve German classics and international dishes in generous portions at reasonable prices.
Landgasthof Löwen – A charming country inn with a garden terrace where children can play while adults enjoy their meals. Their menu features locally-sourced ingredients, traditional Black Forest specialties, and simplified options for younger diners.
Ettenheim, Germany
Here are our curated hotels → Ettenheim Family-Friendly Accommodations
Distance to Rust, Germany: Ettenheim is approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) from Rust, Germany. By car, the journey typically takes about 12-15 minutes via the L103 road.
City Summary: Ettenheim is a picturesque small town in the Rhine Valley at the foothills of the Black Forest. Known for its well-preserved historic center with beautiful baroque architecture and half-timbered houses, this charming town offers visitors a genuine glimpse of traditional German culture.
The pedestrian-friendly old town features colorful buildings with decorative facades, lovely town squares, and the impressive St. Bartholomew's Church. For visitors seeking accommodation near Europa-Park without staying in the more touristy Rust, Ettenheim provides a peaceful alternative with several quality hotels and guest houses at more reasonable prices, while still being just a short drive from the theme park.
Top 3 Family-Friendly Restaurants:
Hotel-Restaurant Rebstock – A traditional establishment serving regional Baden cuisine with a dedicated children's menu. Their courtyard garden provides space for children to move around during warmer months, and the restaurant is known for its friendly, accommodating service toward families.
Gasthaus zum Storchen – This historic inn offers hearty German food in a relaxed atmosphere with special portions for children. The restaurant features traditional dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients and has a rustic charm that appeals to both locals and visitors.
Pizzeria Da Claudio – A casual Italian restaurant offering pizza, pasta, and other Italian favorites that typically appeal to children. Their reasonable prices, quick service, and relaxed atmosphere make it an excellent choice for families seeking a break from traditional German cuisine.
Offenburg, Germany
Here are our curated hotels → Offenburg Family-Friendly Accommodations
Distance to Rust, Germany: Offenburg is approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Rust, Germany. By car, the journey typically takes about 20-25 minutes via the A5 autobahn.
City Summary: Offenburg is a vibrant mid-sized city situated at the western edge of the Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg. As the gateway to the Black Forest, it combines urban amenities with easy access to natural beauty. The city features a picturesque old town with half-timbered buildings, the impressive neo-Gothic St. Ursula's Church, and lovely market squares.
Offenburg is also known for its wine culture and is located in the Ortenau wine region. For visitors seeking accommodation, the city offers various options from boutique hotels in the historic center to modern establishments on the outskirts, providing a convenient base for exploring the Black Forest and nearby attractions like Europa-Park.
Top 3 Family-Friendly Restaurants:
Gasthof Blume – A traditional German restaurant with a dedicated children's play corner and special children's menu. They serve authentic Black Forest cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere with generous portions.
Restaurant Mühlenhof – Set in a converted historic mill, this restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a small playground. Their menu features regional specialties and international dishes, with special options for children.
Schlossberg Restaurant – Located on a hill overlooking the city, this restaurant offers panoramic views, a spacious garden area where children can play, and a diverse menu that includes child-friendly options and local specialties made with regional ingredients.
Freiburg, Germany
Here are our curated hotels → Freiburg Family-Friendly Accommodations
Distance to Rust, Germany: Freiburg is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Rust, Germany. By car, the journey typically takes about 30-35 minutes via the A5 autobahn.
City Summary: Freiburg im Breisgau is a charming university city in the southwest corner of Germany's Black Forest region. Known for its medieval architecture, vibrant old town with distinctive "Bächle" (small water channels), and strong environmental focus, Freiburg offers visitors a perfect blend of historic charm and modern sustainability.
The city's mild climate makes it one of Germany's sunniest spots. With its pedestrian-friendly center, proximity to nature, and excellent public transportation, Freiburg makes an ideal base for exploring urban attractions and the surrounding Black Forest landscapes.
Top 3 Family-Friendly Restaurants:
Gasthof zum Raben – A traditional German restaurant with a dedicated children's menu, play area, and family-friendly atmosphere. Their specialty is Black Forest cuisine, which is prepared from local ingredients.
Greiffenegg Schlössle – Set in a historic castle with panoramic views of the city, this restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, child-friendly options, and reasonable prices for the quality.
Kartoffelhaus – As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in potato dishes. Its casual atmosphere and creative menu that appeals to children and adults make it a reliable choice for families seeking comfortable dining.
Wolfgantzen, France
Here is the accommodation we stayed in when we visited Colmar and drove to Europa-Park for a short stay. We comfortably spent over two weeks in this beautiful home and highly recommend it! The owner is wonderfully friendly and responsive. → Wolfgantzen Family-Friendly Accommodation
Distance to Rust: Approximately 25 km (15.5 miles) from Rust or a 30-minute drive time. Drive east from Wolfgantzen, cross the Rhine via the D468/L104 bridge, then continue on L104 and K5349 to Rust. Alternative route: Cross at Breisach Bridge (slightly longer but sometimes less congested)
Requires crossing the France-Germany border via the Rhine River
City Summary: Wolfgantzen is a small, charming Alsatian village in northeastern France. With fewer than 1,000 residents, it offers a peaceful rural setting away from tourist crowds while remaining conveniently close to Europa-Park. The village is surrounded by vineyards and agricultural land, providing an authentic glimpse into French countryside living.
While accommodations are limited within Wolfgantzen itself, it serves as a quiet base for exploring the Alsace wine region and making day trips to Europa-Park. The village has minimal tourist infrastructure but is close to larger towns like Colmar (15 km) that offer more amenities.
Top 3 Family-Friendly Restaurants:
La Ferme de Wolfgantzen – A farm-to-table restaurant serving traditional Alsatian cuisine with a children's menu and an outdoor seating area where kids can see some farm animals. Known for flammekueche (Alsatian pizza).
Au Bœuf Rouge – Located just outside Wolfgantzen in Algolsheim, this family-run restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere with a dedicated children's menu and coloring activities. Specializes in regional meat dishes and child-friendly portions.
L'Auberge du Moulin – Found in nearby Herrlisheim, this riverside restaurant features a beautiful garden terrace and serves classic French dishes with a simplified menu for children. Popular for Sunday family lunches.
Note: Due to Wolfgantzen's small size, these restaurants are either in the village or within a 10-minute drive, as the immediate dining options are limited.
Colmar, France
Here are our curated hotels → Colmar Family-Friendly Accommodations
Distance to Rust, Germany: Colmar, France is approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Rust, Germany. By car, the journey typically takes about 35-40 minutes via the A35/E25 motorway.
Requires crossing the France-Germany border via the Rhine River
City Summary: Colmar is an enchanting medieval city in the Alsace region of northeastern France, often described as a fairytale town brought to life. Known for its exceptional Gothic and Renaissance architecture preservation, the city features a maze of cobblestone streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses. It’s the capital of the Alsace wine region. It’s perhaps most famous for its fabulous Christmas markets, but it’s worth at least one full day, no matter what time of year you visit.
The picturesque "Little Venice" district's canals, flower-adorned bridges, and waterside restaurants create a magical atmosphere. Colmar offers numerous boutique hotels and charming accommodations in historic buildings, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its unique Alsatian character that blends French and German influences. The compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, with major attractions within walking distance of the center.
Top 3 Family-Friendly Restaurants:
Restaurant La Soi – Centrally located near Little Venice, offers traditional Alsatian cuisine with a children's menu. The friendly staff, reasonable prices, and outdoor seating area make it particularly suitable for families.
Wistub de la Petite Venise – A charming traditional Alsatian restaurant with a warm, rustic atmosphere. They welcome children with special menu options and smaller portions of local specialties, allowing families to experience authentic regional cuisine.
Restaurant JYS – A modern restaurant with a diverse menu that appeals to adults and children. They offer high chairs, coloring activities for kids, and a varied children's menu with healthy options beyond the typical chicken nuggets, making parents and children equally happy.
The Europa-Park Apps are Your Best Friends
In our other two posts focusing on Europa-Park and Rulantica, we only mentioned one Europa-Park App… Well, there are actually two different apps that are related to Europa-Park.
The first is the Europa-Park App (the one we’ve discussed before), and the second is the Europa-Park Hotels App. Together, these resources provide the best tools and resources to make your Europa-Park stay (and play) the best possible experience!
The Europa-Park App is your tool for everything related to the Europa-Park and Rulantica theme parks. You’ll want to download this app as soon as you start planning your visit. From purchasing your tickets to monitoring showtimes, queue line wait times, and navigating your way around the park, this app will become your new best friend!
The Europa-Park Hotels App gives you more control over your stay. You can book your reservations, make dinner reservations, book spa visits, purchase event tickets, check up-to-the-minute shuttle departures between various hotels and parks on the resort, and even use your phone as a digital room key!
Think of the Europa-Park App as a general guide to everything Europa-Park, providing maps, ride information, and restaurant hours. On the other hand, the Europa-Park Hotels App is your key to making a stay at any of the Europa-Park properties the absolute best that it can be! In addition, both apps provide a daily news feed that will keep you updated on park hours, show schedules, best tips for the day, and more.
Not staying at a Europa-Park-affiliated property? Then you probably don’t need the Europa-Park Hotels App.
INSIDER TIP: Make sure your GPS is enabled to help navigate the parks, hotel properties, and Silver Lake City. With lots of twists and turns, it’s easy to get lost!
Book Your Europa-Park Stay Now!
No matter where you choose to stay, what matters most is creating memories that stick with your family for a lifetime. Whether you’re cozying up in a themed suite, roasting marshmallows under the stars in Silver Lake City, or enjoying local hospitality in Rust (or any other nearby cities), there’s something special for every family and every budget.
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