A thrill-seeking theme park with Europe’s longest dive coaster and highest free-fall ride has been named as the ‘best in the world’, and it’s just hours from the UK
The thrilling theme park has been open for more than 100 years(Image: Getty Images)
The ‘world’s best theme park’, which has been open for more than 100 years, is just two hours from the UK.
There are hundreds of theme parks across the globe offering a fun-packed day out for the whole family, whether that’s from white-knuckle rides for adrenaline junkies or child-friendly attractions based on some of the most iconic TV characters. There’s always something for everyone, and it’s a sure way to keep the kids entertained.
Impressively, there are theme parks that have been in operation for a century, with multiple generations experiencing the immersive world of rides, coasters and themed adventures. While many might have their preferred amusement park, the Liseberg in Gothenburg, Sweden, was named as the ‘world’s top theme park’ by Blooloop, a network for visitor attractions.
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The Swedish theme park first opened in May 1923 and has been in operation ever since, welcoming around three million visitors every year. Liseberg has 40 rides and attractions, ranging from roller coasters such as the wooden Balder, which speeds around at a max of 90km/h, to the boomerang ride Luna, which travels forward and backwards over a 225-metre-long track.
Yet, Valkyria is perhaps one of the park’s most thrilling roller coasters, with a heart-stopping vertical drop of 50 metres – making it Europe’s longest dive coaster. If that wasn’t enough, the ride plunges vertically into an underground tunnel at a speed of 105km/h, before a variety of loops, turns and twists.
Another standout ride at Liseberg is AtmosFear, Europe’s highest free-fall ride, reaching 146 metres and a speed of 110km/h. AtmosFear first opened in 2011 and has remained a favourite at the theme park for daredevils.
In celebration of the park’s 100th anniversary in 2023, they welcomed the Luna coaster and the Grand Curiosa Hotel. Last year, they also confirmed that a new family attraction, Stormvåg (Storm Wave), will open this summer.
Another incredible attraction at Liseberg, set to open this year or next, is the £95 million (€110) Oceana waterpark. It’s set to boast 19 water slides, a 244-metre river, water go-karts, 6,000 square metres of indoor pools, and 4,000 square metres of outdoor water features.
Liseberg is located on a hillside in the heart of Gothenburg, Sweden, and, given its striking location, escalators are dotted throughout the park to help visitors navigate the steep terrain. It’s Scandinavia’s largest amusement park, with admission from £7.60 (SEK 95) or admission and a ride pass from around £29 (SEK 365).
Flights from the UK to Gothenburg are just under two hours, and start from as little as £13 one-way. The theme park is conveniently located around 20 minutes from the Gothenburg airport, so you could be taking on the thrilling rides in just a few hours after departing from the UK.
What’s more, Liseberg has an on-site hotel called Grand Curiosa Hotel, or there’s alternative accommodation nearby, such as cabins or bed & breakfast rooms at Lisebergsbyn. The centre of Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, is just 10 minutes from the park by public transport, making it an ideal getaway for those wanting to explore somewhere new and visit one of the world’s best theme parks.
For more information, you can visit the Liseberg theme park website.
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