Tripsdrill Theme Park

Erlebnispark Tripsdrill in Cleebronn, between Stuttgart and Heilbronn in southwest Germany, is widely described as the country's oldest amusement park. Instead of movie sets, it recreates a Swabian village of around 1880, complete with half-timbered houses, vineyards and a playful sense of humor. With about 100 attractions and an adjoining wildlife park, it is one of the best family day trips in Baden-Württemberg.

History

The park dates back to June 30, 1929, when innkeeper Eugen Fischer built a mill tower with a slide, the "Altweibermühle". Local legend held that old women were ground young again in such a mill, and that tongue-in-cheek idea still runs through the park. A wildlife park followed in 1972. Today Tripsdrill covers about 77 hectares (190 acres) and draws roughly 880,000 visitors a year.

Things to do at Tripsdrill

• Karacho (2013): a launched coaster with four inversions.
• Mammut (2008): a wooden coaster almost 100 feet tall that reaches 56 mph.
• Hals-über-Kopf (2020): a suspended coaster by Vekoma.
• Waschzuber-Rafting: river rafting in giant washtubs.
• Wildparadies: the wildlife park, open 365 days a year and included in your ticket, with wolves, a petting zoo and a bird show.

The Natur-Resort next door lets you sleep in tree houses or shepherd's wagons.

Tickets and opening hours

The 2026 season runs daily from March 28 to November 8. In October 2026 the park opens 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekends; during the new "Lichtergaudi" light festival from October 24 to November 1 it stays open 10 a.m.–8 p.m. with illuminations and a drone show.

Prices vary by date (as of October 2026): online tickets start at €41.50 for adults and €38.50 for children aged 4–11 and seniors, while walk-up prices are €54 and €50. Children under 4 enter free. Parking is free.

On four evenings – October 9, 10, 16 and 17, 2026 – the "Schaurige Altweibernächte" Halloween event adds four haunted mazes (recommended for ages 12 and up) and night rides; it needs a separate ticket.

How to get to Tripsdrill

By car, Tripsdrill is about an hour north of Stuttgart Airport; enter "Erlebnispark-Tripsdrill-Straße 1, 74389 Cleebronn". More than 4,000 free parking spaces are available. By public transport, take a regional train from Stuttgart to Bietigheim-Bissingen and change to bus 567 (weekdays) or 572 (weekends and holidays), which stops at the park. Trains and buses within the region are covered by the Deutschlandticket.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially with children or if you prefer character and landscape over mega-coasters. Nearby, the Michaelsberg hill offers views over the Zabergäu wine country, and Heilbronn makes a good base for a longer stay.