Top Insider Tips for Family Fun at Rulantica
Europa-Park's Epic Water Park with Kids
“Some of the best memories are made in flip-flops.”
"HT22 Kronasar Vattenrytt See-2" by Europa-Park PR CC BY-SA 4.0.
Looking for the ultimate waterpark adventure in Europe? Just a short walk from the famous Europa-Park, you’ll find its sister sensation: Rulantica. It provides 32,600 square meters of watery wonder, slides that twist and plummet, and a “lazy river” that’s anything but boring!
With over 50 attractions, climate-controlled zones, and immersive Norse mythology woven into every detail, it’s easy to see why Rulantica is the best water park in Germany and is making waves as one of the best year-round, family-friendly water parks in Europe!
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Rulantica with kids—from the best attractions to family-friendly tips to help you squeeze every last drop of fun from your day.
Rulantica: A Nordic Family Adventure That Makes a Splash
Imagine diving into a world of Vikings where sea creatures lurk and Nordic gods and goddesses await and invite you on an adventure. Located just a short distance (about a half-hour walk) from Europa-Park, you’ll find its sister-park: Rulantica. Expect the classics—slides, wave pool, and a lazy river—but with a mythical Nordic twist.
The park officially debuted in November 2019. Since then, the owners have continued to expand by offering more attractions each year. It focuses on creating a unique and immersive guest experience by extending its Nordic themes from the attractions and shows to the restaurants, locker rooms, and even the parking lot.
Think of Rulantica as the waterpark version of Europa-Park, where magical storytelling meets epic design. Rulantica takes the immersive European-themed experience of Europa-Park and plunges you deep into the Nordic mythology of Scandinavia. Picture mermaids, trolls, and icy adventure zones—all wrapped around epic water slides, wave pools, and relaxing rivers.
One of the best things about this water park? You don’t have to wait for summer break to enjoy it! Most of the park is climate-controlled, so it’s perfect year-round, rain or shine, snow or sweltering summer heat. If you do manage to make it there when the weather is nice, there’s a massive outdoor area (Svalgurok) that’s open seasonally, with tons of slides, splash zones, and lounge areas.
INSIDER TIP: When you enter Rulantica, you’ll exchange your park ticket for a “Rula band,” which has built-in RFID technology and must be worn at all times.
Your Rula band facilitates access to everything! It is your key to entry/exit, initial payment within the park, and even locker access. Each band comes with a default credit limit of €150. (If necessary, you have the option to increase, limit, or block the amount of credit on a wristband.) All expenses are booked onto the band and must be paid before leaving the park.
Just keep in mind, if lost, you will be charged a replacement fee.
Rulantica’s Nordic-Themed Areas
So what exactly makes Rulantica different from your average splash zone? Visitors can experience everything from a leisurely swim to some healthy competition and even a spa and VIP experience upgrades. Let’s explore the 14 Nordic-themed areas that make this park truly one-of-a-kind. Those that are open year-round will be listed first, followed by the seasonal themed areas that are open May–October.
Frigg Tempel
This area, named after the Norse goddess Frigg, features an outdoor pool. Don’t let the cold stop you from enjoying a swim; the pool is heated to a comfortable 32°C. Tempel Krog, the swim-up bar, invites swimmers to quench their thirst with a fruity, kid-friendly drink or even a cocktail.
This area is also where you’ll find Tønnevirvel, an interactive water carousel with nine 6-seater boats. It invites guests over 3 years old to engage in a water fight with fellow riders—even onlookers aren’t safe from the water wars!
INSIDER TIP: Tønnevirvel is a popular ride and has recently been enclosed, allowing it to remain open year-round!
Hyggedal
Adults looking for a break from the action can retreat to this park area for some quiet and self-care. Hyggedall is a Nordic wellbeing oasis that’s a relaxation zone for parents and is not really a kid-friendly portion of the park (no kids under 12 are admitted, and many areas are 18+). This designated quiet area features saunas and relaxation areas.
Adults can visit Damp Huset for a steam bath or one of three saunas, followed by a refreshing bucket shower. Paid spa services are also available. You don’t even have to leave the area for food, as you’ll find some great options to satisfy your appetite here, including Hygge Sauna Bar, which is available exclusively for Hyggedal guests.
Lumåfals
This colorful grotto and waterfall area is where guests can enjoy swimming and jumping waves in the park’s large wave pool: Surf Fjørd. This isn’t your typical wave pool; it’s surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites and features a cave with a huge waterfall inside. It’s a beautiful, immersive experience for kids of all ages!
"rulantica wave pool" by simgraffi Public Domain Mark 1.0.
Nordiskturn
This is one of the largest portions of the park. The Viking-themed area features both slides and relaxation areas. A 30-meter-high tower is built atop a sparkling gemstone mine and houses Europe’s largest speed slide: Vikingløp! Guests 10 years of age and older can race friends, family, or strangers on one of eight racing slides. Each rider climbs onto a mat to make the fast journey down the slide, hoping to beat fellow riders to the bottom.
If a fast-paced race has helped you work up an appetite, you’ll also find 2 places to grab a bite to eat in this portion of the park. Viking Kaffi offers coffee and pastries, while Viking Snåck serves up snacks like salads and hot dogs, and even has its own self-serve Coca-Cola drink station.
INSIDER TIP: If a quiet time-out is what you need and you don’t feel like heading back to your accommodations, you can find several retreats in this area of the park. Each will cost you, however, with prices ranging from €50–€700+ per day!
Rangnakor
Rangnakor is an elevated "village" that offers guests everything from slides to cabanas and even snacks. This Viking village, built upon stilts, offers fantastic views of the entire water park and houses several of Rulantica’s most thrilling water slides.
On Munin and Hugin, you can board a two-person tube and race down the parallel slides. Or, if you want more of a thrill, try one of Rangnakor’s two drop slides: Vildfål or Dugdrob. Think trap doors, free-falls, and spine-tingling screams. (One of our favorite things is listening to Ellie screaming at the top of her lungs on a drop slide!)
INSIDER TIP: When you ride Hugin and Munin, keep an eye out for your racing partners as the wall between the two slides provides occasional peeks so you can keep track of who’s winning!
Skog Lagune
Skog Lagune is a tranquil lagoon with a cozy atmosphere. It’s perfect for relaxation. You can unwind under picturesque pine trees, surrounded by boulders, or relax in the pool’s bubble beds. The pool is open year-round, and you can even grab a drink without leaving the water at Skogbar.
This is also the area where you can find Snorri Snorkeling VR. It’s a unique VR coaster and diving experience that requires an additional paid ticket. The 4D attraction will take your swim to a whole new level by adding virtual reality goggles that will take you on an adventure all the way down to the seabed. (Guests must be at least 10 years old, over 125cm, and able to swim comfortably and put on their own VR diving goggles.)
Skip Strand
Do you have younger kids who aren’t quite ready for the big slides or wave pool? Don’t let that stop you from visiting Rulantica! This pirate-themed adventure pool with climbing structures and even an obstacle course was built with younger kids in mind.
The featured attraction is a stranded pirate ship with three slides: Oversnabb, Oversnurra, and Overstor. These slides are perfect for younger kids (or less daring riders). Families can even enjoy Hoppablad, a water obstacle course that will have you laughing while you compete against each other.
Snorri’s Saga
Snorri’s Saga is the lazy river experience you likely expect at any water park. It’s a year-round attraction, perfect for floating together as a family while soaking in the atmosphere. Guests take a gentle tube ride through all of Rulantica, including an underwater cave! (Kids under eight years old must be supervised by an adult.)
"Rulantica v.2" by simgraffi Public Domain Mark 1.0.
Trølldal
A fantasy water playground for younger guests with climbing structures, shallow pools, and slides. In this land of trolls, the park’s youngest visitors can get their fill of fun. Younger swimmers can explore shallow pools, smaller slides, and water sprayers in this charming land of mythical forest creatures.
This area is recommended for kids 3–12 years of age and will have them so captivated that they won’t want to leave. Kids under 12 and between 95-150cm tall can enjoy Kullerbuller, Scharbernakker, and Tommelplums, a trio of gentle slides that are perfect for beginners!
Vildstrøm
Set off to discover a vast wild world and glide through landscapes you've never seen before. This wild river is NOT your average lazy loop. It’s fast, fun, and has surprise turns that will have you laughing together the entire way.
Located on the park's perimeter, Vildstrøm is an outdoor, heated river with two different routes. Children under the age of 8 must wear a life vest and be accompanied by an adult.
INSIDER TIP: Don’t stop at just one go around! Ride Vildstrøm’s rapids at least twice to explore both of its routes.
Vinterhal
Venture into the Ice Palace guarded by the sea snake, Svalgur. This area is great for families with kids who are 10 and up and want to get a little more adventurous. Kids who are under 10, but meet the minimum height requirement, can ride with a parent and adventure together.
A great place to start in this area is Svalgur Rytt. It sets riders out on a four-person tube “boat.” You’ll be swallowed by the giant sea serpent before being spit out again. Tva Fall places riders in a two-seat tube to venture through a fast-moving figure eight with tight curves.
If your kids are 10+ and competent swimmers, they can venture to a couple of rides on their own. Stormvind is a funnel slide that starts slow and picks up speed in a rapid descent through a circular drum before shooting riders out. Isbrekker is a “jump slide” that ends with the rider being catapulted into the air before landing in the water below!
Dynstrønd
If sunbathing and sandcastle building are on your agenda, this seasonal area is the place to be. Open from May through September, it provides a great beach experience. It’s also where Rulantica’s newest attraction is set to debut early this summer. (More on that below.) For those who like entertainment, the open-air stage is located in this area and hosts musical surprises throughout the year.
Ever dreamed of sailing your own yacht? Rulantica offers a fun VIP experience that can be found in this area of the park. Three impressive Rulantica VIP yachts—Stenrokk, Rangnak, and Svensson—provide guests with a glamorous experience for an extra fee. With amenities like comfy seating, air-conditioning, a minibar, and a private outdoor shower, you won’t want to leave! (Honestly, it’s not something that we would really consider due to its price tag, but if you have the funds, why not indulge?)
INSIDER TIP: This area of the park is expanding! Svømmepøl is currently under construction, and the park’s Facebook page is sharing regular photo updates of the progress.
The new large pool area will feature geysers, a mystical cave, and a swim-up bar. It’s set to open early this summer!
Snorri Strand
Looking for a beach experience that’s extra kid-friendly during your stay? Check out Snorri Strand, a seasonal area with a small beach and a children’s play area with a soft floor. Adults will appreciate the sun sails provided for shade, while little ones enjoy splashing areas and mini water slides. Nearby, Snorri’s Rutscheplads provides three fun slides for kids up to 12 years old and between 95-150cm tall.
Svalgurok
The sea serpent, Svalgurok, looms in this area of the park, which is named after the snake itself. This massive playground is the park’s main outdoor attraction and offers many places for families to play and slide.
It is full of splash towers, tipping buckets, and slides of all sizes. Open May–October, this is the place to be in the summer months! Here are each of the different slides you’ll find in this area:
Falrok – Colorful 360-degree slide for riders over the age of 8.
Isrok – Completely closed, gentle side for younger riders (age 4+).
Istapprok – Closed tube slide for beginners (age 4+).
Skiprok – Tube slide built for beginners (4+).
Slalomrok – Similar to a bobsled track for riders 8+.
Spiralrok – Fast, triple spiral, closed tube slide for riders 8+.
Stormrok – Funnel slide that starts at the highest point of the tower, heads straight into a funnel at high speed, and spins in the tunnel before being emptied out (12+).
Vragrok – Short slide perfect for younger riders (4+).
Vågorrok – Dueling double wave slide where kids 8+ can race each other.
INSIDER TIP: Bring your own towels! It is only possible for Europa-Park Resort hotel guests to rent towels at Rulantica (which can be done for the duration of the stay). If you are staying off resort and don’t bring your own, you will have to purchase some at one of the Rulantica shops.
Shows & Events at Rulantica
If you need a break from the water, several shows offer just that. However, we caution that the shows definitely cater to younger kids, so they may not be of interest to families with tweens and teens.
There are always new events (included with the cost of your ticket) that will be fun for the whole family, including Easter activities, Halloween fun, Christmas merriment, and more!
Rulantica Adventure
This family show runs twice daily for about 20 minutes in Skip Strand. It is interactive and invites guests to pass playful tests. With lots of singing and dancing, it could be a great way to tire out your little one before nap time!
Snorri & the Sunken World
Also located in Snorri Strand, this show runs 3 times daily for about 15 minutes. It is a marionette puppet show that can be found on the stage. These puppets on strings will be taken through several scenes by the talented international puppeteers.
Rulantica Vibes
On select nights through January 31, 2026, you can experience the Rulantica Vibes event, which begins at 7:00pm. Hosted in the Frigg Tempel heated outdoor pool, you can indulge in a refreshing drink from the Tempel Krog swim-up bar while enjoying the DJ music. It is the perfect way to wind down after a long day of water adventures!
Where to Stay When Visiting Rulantica
Europa-Park Resort offers six 4-star themed hotels and a few other affiliated camping and caravaning options in Silver Lake City. If Rulantica is your primary destination, you may want to choose Krønasår, the closest on-site hotel to the water park. We’re covering all of the accommodation options in a separate post.
Fair warning: While we’re sure each option offers a fantastic overnight stay experience, prices can be a bit steep (at least in our opinion). That’s why we’re not stopping at just Europa-Park-affiliated options; we’re also covering non-affiliated accommodations in Rust, Germany, and neighboring cities that still offer easy access to Europa-Park and Rulantica!
What to Eat at Rulantica with Kids
While Rulantica may not have the same number of food and drink options as Europa-Park, there are still plenty of options throughout the waterpark! Currently, there are 13 options available, two of which are located in the seasonal portions of the park.
Kelpie Café
This café, located in the lobby, is open from 8:30am–10:30pm. It serves specialty coffees and sweet treats that can help you start your day first thing in the morning or keep you and your younger kids going throughout your long park day.
Langnese Happiness Stations
Nothing screams “happy children” like cold ice cream on a hot summer day! Thankfully, Rulantica has two Langnese Happiness Stations. These ice cream stations offer freshly mixed soft ice cream and a variety of toppings to choose from. You can find one near Snekkjas in Rangnakor and another in the Strand Kök food court.
Lumålunda
This Italian-Mediterranean restaurant is located next to Surf Fjørd in the Lumåfals-themed area. Guests can help themselves to pizzas, pastas, or salads while also enjoying views of the wave pool surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites!
Snekkjas
Located in the Rangnakor area, Snekkjas offers a quick option for those who don’t want to miss out on too much play time. It is your stop for burgers, nuggets, and fries. You can even grab yourself a Curry Wurst or a salad before indulging in some sweet treats!
Viking Kaffi
This coffee bar is located on the first floor of Nordiskturn and serves coffee, treats, and cold drinks. It may be small, but it more than satisfies during a long day at the waterpark!
Viking Snåck
This tasty snack shop is also at Nordiskturn, but located on the ground floor. Here, you can soothe your hunger with a salad, lumberjack bread, a hot dog, or a selection of vegan dishes.
Snorri’s Piknikbud
This seasonal option is located in the Snorri Strand area and offers pastries and other sweet treats. If you find yourself dragging throughout the day, you can also find coffee at Snorri’s Piknikbud.
INSIDER TIP: Grab yourself an Aperol Spritz, kick back, and relax in the shade while still keeping an eye on your little ones as they play in the nearby children’s area.
Strand Kök
This outdoor food court in Svalgurok is open seasonally and has a few different options.
Mastånd – This grill hut offers the most substantial food in Strand Kök. You can purchase a bratwurst or a pizza slice without leaving the sun’s warmth.
Dallmayr Coffee Bar – Just need a quick pick-me-up? Grab a coffee and a crêpe! Want a refreshing beer or cider? You can find those here, too!
Langnese Happiness Station – This station, one of two in Rulantica, serves ice cream with a choice of toppings.
Bars
Rulantica also has a selection of bars throughout the park. From swim-up bars like Skogbar and Tempel Krog to the high-perched Skål Bar, there are several places to find hot or cold beverages for all ages.
Guests at the Hyggedal area, which is for adults only, even have exclusive access to the Hygge Sauna Bar, where you can grab more than just a refreshing drink. There is also panoraama - the Rulantica bar,where you can enjoy a cocktail with stunning views of Rulantica (no park ticket required).
INSIDER TIP: Remember, the legal drinking age in Germany differs from that of the U.S. While the country has specific laws that allow children as young as 14 to indulge in beer and wine, Rulantica limits alcohol consumption of any kind to guests 18 years of age or older.
The Europa-Park App is Your Best Friend
Be sure to download the Europa-Park App to access the Rulantica map and ride information as soon as you start planning your visit! From purchasing your tickets to monitoring show times, the app will become your new best friend!
INSIDER TIP: Make sure your GPS is enabled to help navigate the park. With lots of twists and turns, it’s easy to get lost.
Also on the app, you’ll find a daily news feed that will keep you updated on park hours, show schedules, and more. Planning to visit Europa-Park as well? No worries, the app covers both parks as well as their 6 different park hotels and Silver Lake City! With so many special events and festivals during Europa-Park’s 50th Anniversary Year, you won’t want to miss a thing, and this is your best bet for keeping it all straight.
Click on photo to enlarge and see descriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own towels to Rulantica?
Yes. You will need to bring your own towels to the water park. However, if you are a Europa Park hotel guest, you can rent towels for the number of days you plan to be in the park.
Can strollers be taken into Rulantica?
No. Strollers are not allowed in the water park for safety reasons. There is a limited number of lockers suitable for pushchairs.
Can I bring food or drink into Rulantica?
You cannot bring food into the water world. However, drinks may be taken into the park if they are not in glass bottles. Drinks must be stowed in lockers.
Experience a Water Wonderland at Rulantica!
If you’re already visiting Europa-Park, adding a day at Rulantica turns your trip into a full-blown vacation. The theming is top-notch, the attractions are fun for all ages, and the year-round indoor and heated areas guarantee your fun no matter the time of year. It is definitely worth setting aside at least one full day to splash and play at Rulantica!
Whether you’re diving into Vikingløp for a high-speed race or floating peacefully along Snorri’s Saga with your toddler in tow, Rulantica delivers year-round magic for families and is continually growing, offering even more exciting experiences for visitors. If you’re visiting Europa-Park, don’t miss the chance to double the fun with this immersive water wonderland!
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our full guide to Europa-Park and look for the last two posts in our Europa-Park series, which cover how to get to the parks and where to stay (both on-site and nearby).
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