History and milestones

Interactive journey through time with the MACK Group

The MACK Group looks back with pride on an extremely successful history. What began in 1780 as a wagon-building workshop in Waldkirch has developed into one of the leading groups of companies in the leisure industry.

Black-and-white photograph of the Panorama Train Station building with a train pulling in and construction work taking place around it.

The opening of Alpine Express, with Roland Mack (left) and Franz Mack (right) in attendance, and guests in the station building.

Franz Mack between two models of the early Eurosat, with the exterior on the left and the interior on the right.

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1780

The founding of MACK Rides

In Waldkirch, Paul Mack lays the foundation for one of the world's leading manufacturers of theme park rides. Originally specialising in carriages and wagons, the company develops over generations into an innovation leader in the leisure industry, as impressively demonstrated decades later by the first attraction with a loop, the blue fire Megacoaster from MACK Rides.

Find out more about MACK Rides

The historic Mack wagon factory, complete with steaming chimney, loaded carriages and horses amidst a mountainous landscape.

The Mack family and employees stand in front of the wagon factory building, with circus wagons in the background.

As well as setting up his workshop, the 25-year-old earns a living as a well digger.

A historic MACK caravan with tilting, decorated windows stands on the grounds of the wagon factory in Waldkirch.

The Mack showman wagon 'Hollecka's Schlaraffenhaus' at the Waldkirch company premises, featuring artistic paintwork.

1787–1870s

From wagon building to showman culture

Johann Mack takes over the family business and expands it to include the manufacture of large carriages and coaches. As demand increased, the company developed lighter but more stable models. In the 1870s, the company entered the market for fairground vehicles used at fairs and festivals throughout Europe.

Learn more about the MACK family

Luxury caravans, basic workers' accommodation, moving vans and even hearses - a Mack vehicle represents the highest quality and reliable craftsmanship.

1921–1950s

Track construction begins

In 1921, the family-owned company built its first rollercoaster, the 'Turmbahn', laying the foundation for its future as a theme park ride manufacturer. In the 1930s, the portfolio was expanded to include carousels, ghost trains and railway rides, which led to international success. In the 1950s, the company focused increasingly on the development of attractions, including mobile whitewater rides and transportable rollercoasters.

A group of people stand in front of a large rollercoaster in a field, against the backdrop of a mountain landscape.

A historic rollercoaster surrounded by residential buildings and green countryside, with a queue of guests.

Classics from Mack: The Musik Express, the SeaStorm Ride and the Wild Mouse continue to delight passengers around the globe to this day.

Roland Mack sits laughing on the locomotive of the Panorama Train, surrounded by important guests.

Former main entrance to Europa-Park with four ticket booths and lettering, surrounded by tall trees.

1975

Opening of Europa-Park

The opening of Europa-Park in Rust by Franz and Roland Mack marks the beginning of a new era for the family-owned company. The park serves as a showcase for MACK Rides' rides and quickly develops into one of Europe's leading theme parks.

Find out more about Europa-Park

Initially, there were 15 attractions on an area of around 16 hectares.

1995

Opening of the first Europa-Park hotel ‘El Andaluz’

Europa-Park expands its accommodation offer with the 4* themed hotel 'El Andaluz'. Designed in the style of a Spanish finca, the hotel marks the beginning of Europa-Park as a short break destination. The combination of theme park and hotel accommodation proves to be a successful model, which is expanded with further themed hotels in the following years.

Find out more about Europa-Park's themed hotels

Ulrich Damrau, Franz Mack and Jürgen Mack in front of the model of the future hotel 'El Andaluz'.

Front view of hotel 'El Andaluz' with Spanish landscaping and décor in the sunshine.

Six 4* (superior) themed hotels and Silver Lake City now make up the Europa-Park Resort.

Passengers on Alpine Express ‘Enzian’, four people wearing VR glasses in front, surrounded by green countryside.

Guests on the Voletarium attraction flying over European landscapes.

From 2002

Innovation in media and attractions

With the founding of MACK Media in 2002, the MACK Group entered the digital entertainment market and began producing films, virtual reality experiences and media-based attractions for Europa-Park and theme parks worldwide. In 2018, on the initiative of Michael Mack, MACK One was founded as a creative think tank that brings together all technological developments.

Find out more about MACK Media

The MACK Group's innovative strength is significantly shaping the next generation of leisure entertainment.

2019

Rulantica – the water world of Europa-Park

The opening of Rulantica water world marks a significant milestone in the history of the MACK Group. With more than 50 attractions and slides, the water park sets new standards and has won international awards - impressive proof of the innovative power and pioneering spirit of the MACK Group.

Find out more about Rulantica

The Svalgurok slide tower at Rulantica on a sunny day, complete with waterfall, splashing water and guests.

Wave pool Surf Fjørd at Rulantica during sunset with waves and guests bathing.

The Nordic theme and multi-layered storytelling make Rulantica unique.

2020

YULLBE – the future of virtual reality

With YULLBE, the MACK Group is revolutionising immersive experiences and setting new standards in virtual reality. The state-of-the-art, free-roaming VR experience allows guests to move freely through digital worlds and enjoy interactive adventures with unprecedented intensity.

Go directly to YULLBE

YULLBE can be discovered not only at the Europa-Park Resort, but also on AIDA ships and at Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, for example.

2022

The Eatrenalin fine dining experience

With Eatrenalin, the MACK Group has launched a globally unique dining experience that combines cuisine, technology and emotion in a revolutionary way. Thanks to innovative Floating Chairs, guests are transported through different themed worlds of indulgence, where spectacular audio-visual displays accompany a unique eight-course menu.

Go directly to Eatrenalin

Futuristic EATRENALIN building at dusk with lettering on the building and surrounded by shrubs.

Guests in the Ocean room at Eatrenalin in Floating Chairs in front of the large LED screen.

Eatrenalin can be experienced at the Europa-Park Resort, while international expansion is being prepared.

The Mack family with a band, Ed Euromaus and an artist in front of the fountain in the German themed area.

2025

50 years of Europa-Park

Europa-Park celebrates its 50th anniversary and looks back on a unique success story - from a visionary idea to one of the largest and most popular theme parks in Europe. Since its opening in 1975, Europa-Park has continued to develop and set new standards in innovation, theming and visitor experience.

Find out more about 50 years of Europa-Park

Today, Europa-Park attracts more than six million visitors from all over the world every year.

The Europa-Park Resort

The opening of Europa-Park in 1975 paved the way for today's Europa-Park Resort.

With over six million visitors in 2024 alone, Europa-Park is by far the largest theme park in Germany and the world's most visited seasonal park. Rulantica water world is open daily to all visitors. Guests can enjoy plenty of water fun in the spacious indoor and outdoor areas.

Europa-Park has long been a renowned conference venue and a popular location for events and television productions, so it's much more than just a classic theme park. Boasting Germany's largest hotel resort and numerous restaurants, it is also a popular destination for short breaks for guests from all over the world.

1975 vs. today
A comparison in figures

1975 Today

over

150

Attractions

over

Attractions

1975 Today

5.800

Beds

Overnight stay

Beds

Overnight stay

1975 Today

over

per day

Live entertainment

over

per day

Live entertainment

1975 Today

over

140

hectares

Area

over

hectares

Area

1975 Today

over

Food & Beverage outlets

over

Food & Beverage outlets

1975 Today

over

5.250

Employees

over

Employees

The Mack family

The history and milestones of the MACK Group