I WAKE up to what sounds like thunder shaking the walls of my hotel room.
As I open a porthole-style window, a rollercoaster roars past, just yards from my face.
Not your average wake-up call.
But nothing about this place is average – I’m in Rookburgh, a gritty, smoke-filled steampunk world inside Phantasialand, which is one of Germany‘s most impressive theme parks.
This place, in Bruhl near Cologne, is famous for its attention to detail, next-level rides and the kind of immersive lands that make you feel like you’ve stumbled into another world.
And that doesn’t stop at the rides – even the accommodation is part of the show.
I’m staying in the Charles Lindbergh Hotel, a retro-futuristic airship terminal.
Wrapped around the hotel like a giant steel snake is F.L.Y. – the world’s only launched flying rollercoaster.
What really makes it unique is the way in which you board.
You are strapped in while the track is on its side, almost like a sideways train.
Then, as you roll out of the station, the seats slowly rotate and the track shifts above you, flipping you into a face-down ‘flying’ position.
There’s no slow climb, just a powerful launch that catapults you face-first through tunnels, over rooftops and past steamy vents and water features that feel just inches away from your feet.
As you step out of Rookburgh, you’re greeted by the park’s entrance zone, named Berlin and it couldn’t feel more different, with quaint streets, fancy facades and a classic carousel.
You’ll find ice-cream parlours, food carts and flower-lined walkways, with plenty of seating if you need a breather.
Once you’re feeling ready for some more adrenaline-inducing rides, head over to the adjoining Mexico zone.
Mariachi music drifts through the air and the main attraction here is Chiapas – a log flume that is themed on a lost Mayan world.
It looks like a family ride but don’t be fooled.
There’s a 53-degree drop, which is one of the steepest of its kind in the world and then there’s a mix of tunnels, waterfalls, twists and turns so you never know what’s coming next.
Next door is the Talocan ride, which is even more intense.
It’s a Top Spin ride set in a Mayan temple, with fire blasts and water bursts all around you.
Just a short walk from the Mexico zone is the land of Klugheim, a village carved from rock.
It’s dark and moody, and home to what is considered to be one of the world’s best rollercoasters, called Taron.
With two powerful launches, it throws me straight into high-speed twists and tight turns, hugging the ground and darting along at speeds of up to 73mph.
Just around the corner from the jagged rocks of Klugheim is the Mystery zone – a medieval fantasy world with stone towers and crumbling castle walls designed around a forest theme.
The main draw here is Mystery Castle, an indoor drop-ride built into an ancient fortress.
It’s dark inside, with flickering lights and echoing sounds.
Once I’m strapped in, I’m launched upward with serious force and then suddenly dropped without warning.
It’s intense and over quickly, but terrifying while it lasts.
I jump on the neighbouring River Quest ride next, which features wild rapids with a twist.
Instead of you slowly bobbing around, an elevator platform takes your raft high up into a tower before plunging you downwards into dizzying drops gushing with water.
I dry off while exploring the nearby Wuze Town, which is part of the mystical Fantasy area and filled with rides for all ages.
The standout attractions here are Winja’s Fear and Winja’s Force, which are two spinning coasters running side by side but with different layouts.
They twist, turn, tilt and spin at random with sections of the track that suddenly drop mid-ride.
Before leaving the park, swing by Deep in Africa, which has a jungle theme set to a drumming soundtrack with dusty terrains and exotic plants.
This area is home to Hotel Matamba.
Built more for families, this lodge has tribal decor and views over Black Mamba – an inverted coaster hidden among foliage that hugs the scenery so tightly it feels as if you might hit it.
If you’re after a more upmarket stay, consider Hotel Ling Bao – an impressive Chinese temple-styled hotel with sit-down restaurants serving authentic noodle dishes.
It borders the gorgeous China Town, my favourite area of the park.
With red temples, koi ponds and hanging lanterns, it offers a lovely, calming break away from the crowds.
Because of the amazing theming throughout Phantasialand, you don’t just travel around the world, you travel through time.
One minute I’m flying around a steampunk airfield, the next I’m spinning through a medieval fantasy world or diving into a jungle temple.
In just one day, it felt like I’d done six holidays‘ worth of exploring and all without ever leaving the park.
Ryanair has direct flights from the UK to Cologne from £19.99 one-way.
Trains run regularly to Bruhl, with a shuttle bus to the park or a taxi takes under 30 minutes from Cologne Bonn Airport.
One-day tickets start from £27 for adults, £26 for kids aged four to 11 and free for children under four.
On-site hotels include Charles Lindbergh (short-stay cabins), Matamba (family-friendly), and Ling Bao (high-end).
Rooms start from €150 (£130) per night and packages include park entry.
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