New planning documents have provided the clearest look yet at Europa-Park’s replacement for the iconic Euro-Mir roller coaster.
The German theme park has submitted a building application for the project, revealing that the future space-themed area will be considerably larger than the current attraction. The plans include five themed towers, a new attraction, retail and dining facilities, as well as a new family roller coaster being developed in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA).
The proposal will be reviewed by the Rust municipal council later this month. If approved, construction could begin following the closure of Euro-Mir at the end of the 2026 season.
More than a roller coaster replacement
Europa-Park announced earlier this year that 2026 would be the final operating season for Euro-Mir, one of the park’s most recognisable attractions.
Opened in 1997, the Mack Rides spinning coaster became famous for its distinctive mirrored towers, rotating trains and soundtrack. For nearly three decades, the attraction has been a prominent feature of the park’s skyline and one of the defining landmarks of the Russian-themed area.
The newly submitted plans suggest that the replacement project will extend far beyond the construction of a new roller coaster.
According to the documents, the existing tower configuration will be replaced by five towers. These structures will house various functions including a restaurant, retail space and at least one additional attraction. The development will also include a new station building, maintenance facilities, exhibition space, an elevator and a first-aid location.
One of the new towers is planned to exceed the height of Euro-Mir’s tallest tower by approximately nine metres, creating a new visual landmark within the park.
A new ESA partnership
The replacement attraction is being developed in cooperation with the European Space Agency, continuing Europa-Park’s growing relationship with scientific and educational partners.
While the park has not yet revealed the coaster’s layout, technical specifications or manufacturer, it has confirmed that the attraction will be aimed at families and will feature a space exploration theme.
The involvement of ESA suggests the experience could place greater emphasis on realistic space travel and scientific discovery than the fictional Soviet-era setting currently used by Euro-Mir.
The project also reflects Europa-Park’s broader strategy of replacing older attractions with larger, more immersive themed environments rather than simply installing new rides.
The end of a park icon
Few attractions have shaped Europa-Park’s skyline as significantly as Euro-Mir.
When it opened in the late 1990s, the attraction represented one of the park’s most ambitious investments. Its mirrored towers became visible from throughout the resort and helped establish Europa-Park’s reputation for large-scale themed attractions.
The ride was also one of the earliest major spinning coasters in Europe and remains among the most recognisable creations of Mack Rides, the park’s sister company.
Its closure therefore marks the end of an era for Europa-Park. However, the newly released plans indicate that the operator is not simply replacing a roller coaster but redeveloping an entire section of the park.
What comes next?
The Rust municipal council is expected to review the building application on July 20.
If approved, Europa-Park will be able to move forward with one of the largest attraction projects currently planned in Europe. Although many details remain unknown, the planning documents reveal that the future development will be considerably more extensive than previously understood.
With five towers, multiple supporting facilities and an additional attraction alongside the new coaster, the project appears set to transform one of the most recognisable areas of Europa-Park.
For now, visitors still have one final season to experience Euro-Mir before construction begins on its successor. If the plans are approved, the attraction’s replacement is expected to open in 2028.
ThemeParkNews.org posts daily news and updates about theme parks worldwide. Follow us on Facebook.
Share this article:
