With just over 2,000,000 visitors a year, Phantasialand is the second most visited theme park in Germany, just after Europa Park.
Where is Phantasialand located?
Phantasialand is located 20 km southwest of Cologne and only 25 minutes by car from Cologne/Bonn Airport, which is easily reachable from Italy with Ryanair.
When is it open?
The park is open around 300 days a year, from early April to mid-January. During the summer season, it opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 7:00 PM.
I recommend visiting the park’s official website to check the hours and, more importantly, the current health requirements for entry.
How Much Does Phantasialand Cost?
Phantasialand uses dynamic pricing that varies by season.
In low season, the full-day ticket costs:
- €45 for adults
- €40 for reduced (ages 4–11 and 60+)
In high season, the full-day ticket costs:
- €57 for adults
- €47 for reduced (ages 4–11 and 60+)
Parking costs €6 and is paid at the automated machines when leaving.
Currently, reservations are required for entry, so I highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance via the official website.
Inside the park, two types of skip-the-line passes are available:
- QUICK PASS – €10
- QUICK PASS PLUS – €20
During my two visits, I never purchased them—the park is dense with attractions but not huge, so if you follow my theme park survival tips, you’ll save money.
How Is It Divided?
Phantasialand is divided into 6 themed areas, officially introduced in 2009, each represented by a dragon mascot you’ll see in photo spots and ride decor. There are also 3 highly themed hotels.
- Berlin: Located at the center of the park, themed with early 1900s nostalgic Berlin style. Includes the main street, Kaiserplatz, and the new Rookburgh area. Lucky Dragon: Drago. Home to the Hotel Charles Lindbergh.
- Fantasy: Home to Wuze Town, ruled by Queen Winja who challenges guests with whimsical rides, and Baumbergen by the park’s lake. Lucky Dragon: Phenie.
- Mystery: Medieval and mystic-themed, featuring the Nordic village of Klugheim and basalt mountains. Lucky Dragon: Schneck.
- China Town: Inspired by Imperial China with gardens and oriental architecture. Lucky Dragon: Wang. Includes the Hotel Ling Bao.
- Mexico: Inspired by Mexican landscapes, Mayan and Aztec culture, and the Wild West (merged from the former Silver City). Lucky Dragon: Quetzal.
- Deep in Africa: Features mud architecture and savannah-style vegetation. Lucky Dragon: Kroka. Includes the Hotel Matamba.
What Are the Best Attractions at Phantasialand?
Before listing the best rides, a quick note:
Despite being in the open German countryside, the park doesn’t have much land. It’s common for Phantasialand to let whole sections decay before completely revamping them into themed masterpieces—as seen with the Mystery area and recently, Rookburgh.
You’ll find questionable rides like Geister Rikscha (the world’s longest ghost train, but very outdated), and masterpieces like Rookburgh’s latest coaster.
F.L.Y.
Located in Rookburgh, F.L.Y. is a launched flying coaster with an unusual and slightly uncomfortable riding position.
It twists through a steampunk world with tight turns, immersive decor, and even passes through the hotel built into the area.
Taron
Another Phantasialand masterpiece! Located in the Mystery area, this dual-launched coaster hits 117 km/h. When it debuted in 2016, it was the fastest of its kind in the world!
Chiapas
Chiapas holds a world record with its 76 km/h top speed and 53° drop angle. Expect great music and a few surprises along the way!
Black Mamba
A cousin of Katun at Mirabilandia, Black Mamba is an imposing coaster so well blended into the African theming that it almost disappears. The station and near-miss turns are stunning!
Tips & Conclusion
Be sure to follow my core theme park tips, but here are a few extra tips:
- Arrive early—before official opening time. Once inside, head straight to Rookburgh, located halfway down the main street on the left.
- After exploring Rookburgh, go straight to the opposite end of the park to ride the top attractions.
- Eat lunch early! While there are plenty of food spots, there’s no large full-service restaurant with lots of seating. When hunger hits, stop and eat right away.
If you’re in Cologne or northern Germany, Phantasialand is a must-visit. It might not have much for younger or less adventurous guests, but if you love thrills and immersive theming, this is the park for you.
