A New Era for European Theme Parks
Europe’s theme park landscape has undergone a significant transformation with the opening of Hossoland, an impressive new attraction that stands as a strong contender to Disneyland Paris. Originally scheduled to open on May 31, the park finally welcomed visitors after a four-week delay. Nestled on Poland’s northern coast, Hossoland is centered around a striking lighthouse and offers a magical journey through the enchanting folklore and legends of the Baltic region.
Visitors can explore four distinct realms within Hossoland: the Dragon Valley of the Mines, the Land of the Vikings, the Kingdom of Baltambrya, and Mermaid City. These immersive areas promise a unique blend of adventure, fantasy, and cultural storytelling. The park’s development was first announced in 2017, and since then, anticipation has been building for its grand opening.
A Vast and Thrilling Experience
Spanning an impressive 400,000 square metres, Hossoland will eventually feature 50 thrilling rides when fully operational. Currently, it has 24 attractions, including The GhostRider, a steel coaster that reaches a height of 53 metres and speeds at an electrifying 72 mph. This ride is just one of the many exciting experiences that the park offers.
In a recent interview with Planet Attractions, Karen Hovsepyan, vice president of the Hosso Group, highlighted the strategic location of Hossoland. She noted that the park not only stands out as a major attraction in Poland but also serves as a key destination for residents of nearby Berlin, potentially boosting regional tourism significantly.
A Culinary and Future-Focused Destination
Hossoland caters to all tastes with 20 food and beverage outlets offering a variety of options. The Hosso Group has ambitious plans for future expansion, envisioning a waterpark and additional themed areas following the park’s launch. However, some critics have raised concerns about the current scope of the park. While Hossoland is Poland’s largest theme park, it currently has only four rollercoasters, which some feel are too gentle for more adventurous visitors.
One critic expressed their disappointment, stating, “But do you plan something more hardcore for adults? Me and my 15-year-old son are waiting impatiently.” Others have pointed out that the ticket prices may be a bit high, with adult entry costing £34 and children’s tickets priced at £30.
A Family-Friendly Attraction
On its first day of operation, a light rain greeted visitors, including a family from Silesia. Marlena, the mother, shared her positive experience, noting that the park was perfect for families and younger kids. She praised the seaside feel of the park, highlighting the presence of Vikings, mermaids, water features, and boats.
For UK-based theme park enthusiasts eager to visit Hossoland, the closest airport is Szczecin. Direct flights are available from Liverpool and London via Ryanair, making the park approximately a one-hour drive from the airport or a three-hour trip from Berlin.
Competing with the Best
Hossoland is not the only new entrant aiming to challenge the dominance of Disneyland Paris by 2025. Another upcoming attraction, Bommelwerald, is set to open later this year. Inspired by the Dutch comic series featuring Tom Poes and Oliver B. Bommel, Bommelwerald will offer 18 attractions spread across 9,000 square metres. It includes a miniature flume ride and a climbing tower, with a castle-themed entrance leading into imaginative zones such as the Dark Tree Forest and an inventors’ area.
Located in Rust, southwestern Germany, between Freiburg and Strasbourg, France, Europa Park remains the largest theme park in Europe. It is also the second most visited resort in Europe, trailing only behind Disneyland Paris. As Hossoland and other new attractions continue to develop, the European theme park scene is set for an exciting evolution.
