Germany's Awesome Water Park Is One Of The Largest In The World

Escaping to a paradise with warm water, exciting waterslides, and tropical drinks is always a popular getaway option for families — especially in the colder winter months. While visions of gorgeous Caribbean destinations with pristine beaches and snorkeling or even a trek on a cruise ship might spring to mind, there is another option that's much more convenient to Europeans. Enter: Tropical Islands. Located an hour's ride from Berlin, Germany, Tropical Islands is considered one of the largest water parks in the world.

Covering more than 16 acres and open 24 hours a day, visitors can take a dip in a warm pool or hop on a slide any time they want — as long as they have overnight accommodations booked at the on-site resort. Thankfully, a variety of rooms, suites, lodges, cabins, and camping locations are all available at the park, which has made the water-themed resort a popular destination since it first opened its doors in 2004.

Getting a taste of the tropics is certainly an unexpected experience when visiting Germany, but Tropical Islands makes it possible year-round. The park is built inside a former aircraft hangar that used to house airships, and the interior of the huge dome now keeps a set temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit no matter the season — allowing for themed areas of water recreation that offer a warm and fun escape any time of the year.

Tropical Islands Resort doesn't look like any other water park in the world. That's because it sits within one of the world's largest free-standing buildings: a former airship hangar. When construction finished in 1999, the huge hangar was intended to house two massive CargoLifter airships parked side-by-side. Unfortunately, the project became insolvent by 2002, leaving the structure unused. However, the massive building didn't sit empty for long. 

In 2003 plans for Europe's largest indoor water park began to form. Soon after, Tropical Islands was born. Today, themed areas invite visitors to explore a watery oasis. While the resort's lagoon comes with a waterfall and a grotto, a South Seas attraction offers enough water to fill three Olympic-sized swimming pools. For those looking for a more relaxed stay, there's also a 650-foot-long sandy beach to enjoy.

And, of course, there are plenty of attractions for thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline rush. For starters, Tropical Islands is home to Germany's tallest water slide, which stands at nearly 90 feet high. Nearby, multiple other slides provide adventure for every age, boasting an impressive total of 980 feet of waterslide track to plunge through. Rick Steves calls Berlin a must-see capital when visiting Germany, and Tropical Islands is an exceptional add-on — especially if you're traveling with younger family members.

While its tropical décor, multiple waterslides, and expansive beach and swimming areas tend to get much of the attention, there are dozens of other activities to explore at Tropical Islands. For starters, although it's not sold as an adults-only, all-inclusive resort for a romantic getaway in Europe, seven areas within the resort are dedicated to health, beauty, and wellness — including a fitness room, massage parlor, and sauna.

Outside of the health spas, guests can enjoy a shopping district where they can pick out souvenirs, grab a tropical outfit, or sit down for a meal at one of several restaurants. There's even a tropical rainforest with plant and animal species thriving in their faux environments, as well as a 22-hole mini golf course for those rare times when the family needs a break from the water. The Ohana Town game room is another popular destination, offering arcade games, billiards, and more to keep the whole family occupied.

General admission to the park covers most of the water attractions, but additional perks often require an extra fee. For full pricing and details, visit the official Tropical Islands website, which also offers seasonal discounts. As for getting to the park, the closest international airport is the Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which connects to the country's rail and bus system.