Europa-Park has reopened its classic log flume Tiroler Wildwasserbahn and roller coaster Alpenexpress Enzian after a fire struck the Austrian area of the park on 19 June last year. The indoor section which both went through, the ‘Zauberwelt der Diamanten’, was completely destroyed in the process. It was quickly decided to rebuild the attractions, although without the dark ride section. The official opening for the renewed rides is planned for 14 May, but on 25 April, they could be experiences already during a soft-opening.
The Tiroler Wildwasserbahn is a Mack Log Flume that opened in 1978 as a fully outdoor ride. This changed when in 1984 the Alpenexpress Enzian (originally Grottenblitz) was opened, together with a large indoor section named the Eisriesenwelt (World of Ice Giants). Both rides would pass through this hall, in which guests could view prehistoric animals in a cave setting.
The indoor section was transformed in 1998 by British sculptor Ged Carter into the ‘Zauberwelt der Diamanten’ (Magical World of Diamonds). The Zauberwelt featured multiple scenes of dwarf-like creatures digging for diamonds. At the same time, the section was made accessible by foot through the construction of paths and bridges, turning it into a walkthrough as well.
On 19 June 2023, the Zauberwelt was completely destroyed by a fire. Both the Alpenexpress and Tiroler Wildwasserbahn were badly damaged as well. As the rides were fan favourites, Europa-Park decided to rebuild them, keeping as much of the originals intact as possible. The roller coaster had to be completely replaced, although its design was largely kept unchanged, leading to the recent opening of the new Alpenexpress Enzian. The damaged sections of log flume could be repaired and the rest remains unchanged.
The park decided not the rebuild the Zauberwelt der Diamanten however. Instead, the indoor section was replaced by a mountainous landscape, taking inspiration from the Alps, a region (partially) found in Austria. This disqualifies the new version of the Tiroler Wildwasserbahn for an entry in Dark Ride Datasase.
Europa-Park made sure the originals will be remembered. Two coaches of the old Alpenpress train are part of the new decor. A memorial for the Zauberwelt der Diamanten made out of stone can also be found, depicting one of the dwarfs and his trusty pickaxe. Another reference is found in the new walkthrough, the Yomi Adventure Trail. It is a course through the mountains and ends with an indoor section depicting a village and a shop selling gemstones, just like there used to be at the Zauberwelt.
Europa-Park has one final surprise in store for fans of the old Zauberwelt, as a VR experience for the Alpenexpress is currently in production. ‘Fina & die Yomis – Zauberwelt der Diamanten VR’ promises to bring back the charm of the Zauberwelt, combined with a few surprises, and is expected to be available sometime in the summer.
