Bayern-Park

Description

Bayern-Park in Reisbach, Bavaria, has its origins in 1985, when the Hochholzer family opened the site as the Vilstaler Wildpark, a wildlife park focused largely on native Central European animals. In August 1991 the grounds were converted into a full leisure park under the Bayern-Park name, with the original surface area of 25 hectares later expanded by a further 15 hectares in 2004, bringing the total to approximately 40 hectares. Today the park is run by the third generation of the founding family and attracts over 450,000 visitors per season. The portfolio has grown steadily over the decades to encompass 6 roller coasters, 67 attractions, and 1 water slide. Landmark additions trace a clear line of escalation: the Wildwasser-Rafting installation opened in 2007 as the longest rafting ride of its type in Germany, followed in 2011 by Freischütz, a launch coaster that drew international attention from enthusiast groups and press. Voltrum, a free-fall tower reaching 109 m at its tip with a drop height of 93 m, opened in 2020 and is described as the tallest such structure in southern Germany. The most recent coaster, FirleFranz, debuted in 2023 alongside a redesigned main entrance featuring eight ticket booths, a new forecourt, and a dedicated show stage; FirleFranz operates in both forward and reverse directions and is accessible to children from 90 cm in height. Beyond rides, the park retains a wildlife component with animal enclosures and a birds-of-prey arena. The 2023 European Star Award ranked FirleFranz fifth among Europe's best new coasters, while earlier editions of the same award placed Voltrum second in the Europe's Best New Rides category for 2020.