Europa-Park in Germany has reopened its Geisterschloss (Ghost Castle) attraction following a complete redesign and renovation.
First opened in 1982, the Ghost Castle ride is now called ‘Castello dei Medici’ and features new theming.
Ann-Kathrin Mack, partner at Europa-Park, said: “Many of us, including myself, loved the Ghost Castle when we were young and we want future generations to be able to experience this joy too.
“The new theming ensures that the ride is exciting but not too scary, but it can still be a little test of courage – just like it has been in the past.’’
On the updated attraction, visitors are taken through the castle in small gondolas, with ghostly voices and eerie figures materialising around them.
The four-minute dark ride includes familiar and new scenes, as well as a character based on Lorenzo de’ Medici, a 15th-century Florentine statesman. It also features special effects, projections and illustrations.
During the experience, guests will witness as Lorenzo finds an old stone tablet with strange symbols and text written in an unknown Latin language.
This text “promises eternal life to anyone who follows its instructions”, Europa-Park said in a press release. “Lorenzo dedicates his entire life to pursuing this plan,” it added.
The trend for eerie experiences
Amid a trend for spooky attractions, Efteling has also updated its Spookslot haunted house and is opening the new Danse Macabre on 31 October.
Europa-Park was founded in 1975 by Roland Mack and his father Franz. The family-owned park showcases many innovative rides designed and built by Mack Rides.
Europa-Park’s 14th coaster, Voltron Nevera, opened in the new Croatia-themed area earlier this year. It is the longest multi-launch coaster in Europe.
Images courtesy of Europa-Park
