With over 6,000 public pools and 2,300 saunas, Germany has no lack of summer swimming activity. Most towns will have a “freibad,” or outdoor swimming pool, with millions of people across the country going to their local one each summer. Some parks go beyond simple swimming pools or spas and have fully equipped water wonderlands for children and adults alike to enjoy. If you are searching for a fun summer activity to do with family and friends, these four fantastic “Wasserpark” or “Erlebnisbad” are worth a look. 

A Need For Speed: Rulantica 

Rulantica simply rules. As part of the Europa Park World, a Europe-themed amusement park in Rust, Germany, there is something to do for every type of water-lover. Home to the largest speed slide in Europe and two Nordic-themed free-fall waterslides, action and adrenaline lovers will have their fair share of fun. 

Not all attractions are so intense, however. The unique water carousel, obstacle course, and multi-person slide are perfect for families looking to share the day together. Toddlers and young children are not left out at Rulantica, with a splash pad, water castle, and small slides galore. There is a VR snorkeling experience for those 10 years and older. For adults looking to have a relaxing getaway, saunas, pools with swim-up bars, massages, and more may be of interest. 

By car, Rulantica is a 2.5 hour drive from Kaiserslautern, Stuttgart, and Wiesbaden.

Saunas and Steam and Slides, Oh My! Badeparadies Schwarzwald

Looking to relax and embrace a lazy summer? Or perhaps hoping to feel the thrill of adventure and excitement? Badeparadies Schwarzwald, located in Titisee-Neustadt, offers two different areas depending on what you are looking to get out of your water park experience.

For those 16 and older, let yourself sink into serenity in the wellness spa, with 12 themed saunas of differing temperatures, a solarium, and six vital pools, including a mineral pool and a Dead Sea salt floatation pool.  The family-friendly part of Badeparadies Schwarzwald boasts up to 23 slides and a huge wave pool for all to enjoy. Visitors aged 13 and older can dare to try the world’s biggest slide half-pipe or the 10-meter free fall. 

By car, Badeparadies Schwarzwald is just over 3 hours from Kaiserslautern, 2 hours from Stuttgart, and 3.5 hours from Wiesbaden. 

Pool by Day, Lights by Night: Aqualand

With warm, naturally salted waters, Cologne-based Aqualand is one of the best water parks for fun in the sun. And the good times don’t stop when the sun sets: for a perfect end to the day, catch the stunning nighttime Laser Light Show only offered during the summertime. 

The Light Show is not the only thing Aqualand has to boast. There is a thrilling white water slide and an exhilarating racer slide – may the fastest win! For those feeling up to the challenge, a trapdoor-induced free fall will terrify and delight even the boldest adventurer. Among the many fabulous slides, two children’s areas make for the perfect play place. 

For adults, saunas ranging from 115ºF to 215ºF are a great way to work up a sweat and flush any toxins out of your body. With rock, salt stone, hay, and birch, you will have plenty of sauna variations to choose from. An Ottoman Haman, cold pools, hot tubs, and a foaming steam bath put the perfect finishing touches on a relaxing day at the spa. 

By car, Aqualand is approximately 3 hours from Kaiserslautern, 5 hours from Stuttgart, and just over 2 hours from Wiesbaden.

Splash into a Virtual Universe: Therme Erding

Welcome to the largest slide park in Europe! Water park lovers can find a wide range of slides for all ages and adventure appetites for adventure. Enjoy the ride on Therme Erding’s tube slide, the longest in the world at 400 yards. Soar through the roof on one tube slide and rush through the sunny outdoors on another one. Feel the thrill whooshing down a metal slide with a 60º incline. Virtual reality technology brings certain slides to new levels of amazement.

A thermal healing wave pool puts an enjoyable and therapeutic spin on the traditional pool. Therme Erding offers the Fountain of Youth, said to help with joint pain, arthritis, sports injuries, and more. Relaxing sulphur baths are also available for anyone searching for a gentle healing bath.

By car, Therme Erding is 5 hours from Kaiserslautern, just under 3 hours from Stuttgart, and just under 5 hours from Wiesbaden.

Featured image by Ksenija Toyechkina / Shutterstock.com