Introduction
Water park adventures don’t usually bring Germany to mind, but just 45 miles south of Berlin lies one of the most surprising travel experiences in Europe. Hidden inside a massive former airship hangar, Tropical Islands is a jaw-dropping indoor water park that delivers beach vibes, warm temperatures, and tropical fun all year round—even in the middle of winter.
Worlds Largest Water Park
Tropical Islands is frequently billed as one of the world’s biggest indoor water park facilities — and you can sort of see why. The park is spread across over 710,000 square feet, so it feels less like an attraction and more like an entire tropical world under one roof. This indoor water park is always a nice 79°F, and it’s worth making the trip with more than a million visitors passing through each year for rays, grains of sand, and balmy waters—without the Germans having to leave Germany.
The biggest draw for this water park, however, is its location. The mammoth dome was constructed in the 1990s by the CargoLifter company and is known as the largest freestanding hall in the world. Today, it’s a full-blown tropical getaway.
Things to Do at Tropical Islands Water Park
There’s no end to the number of things to do inside this amazing park. You can visit the attractions whether you are going with family, friends, or on a date – there will be something for everyone!
The few indoor parks at sea, ranging in size from three Olympic swimming pools to an outdoor hot tub — also under enormous glass roofs and soaking up the sun — feature kiddie water playgrounds and ankle-deep splash zones for tots just beginning to paddle. The adrenaline-chaser can rocket down Germany’s highest indoor waterslide; the beach bum will savor sandy beaches.
One of the features of the water park is an indoor rain forest, which bills itself as one of the world’s biggest. With some 50,000 plants, waterfalls, and even flamingos, it lends a lushness and sense of immersion. The landscaping gives way to a lagoon-style pool area with water slides, waterfalls, and a more relaxed beach vibe.
Dining, Relaxation, and Entertainment
But this is more than a swimming hole. A replicated tropical island village designed to look like Balinese, Thai and Malaysian village offers restaurants, cafes and bars with international themes. There’s also shopping for swimwear and souvenirs, a fitness center, an arcade and yes, even hot air balloon rides inside the dome.
For relaxation buffs the spa, which measures nearly 33,000 square feet, has saunas, a selection of wellness treatments and serene lounge areas — all of which makes the water park as much fun for grownups as it is for kids.
Outdoors in the Water Park
The interior is the center of attraction. Tropical Islands also offers an outdoor extension named Amazonia. This outdoor section of the water features a lazy river, surf simulator, whitewater river experience, and tanning areas. It’s open year-round, but winter temperatures in Berlin can dip into the 20s, so summer is the best time to take advantage of these outdoor draws.
Best Places to Stay at Tropical Islands Water Park
Here’s a fun thing about this water park: You don’t have to go home when the day ends. Places to stay. Some accommodations run the gamut from luxury suites inside the dome to a Hawaiian-themed lodge located just outside of it.
Guests will have the option of staying in Waterfall Suites that overlook the lagoon or Sky Suites, which are literally perched over the indoor sea. For something a little different, they also offers themed indoor and outdoor camping packages, such as safari tents or teepees. For groups, book holiday homes around the resort for more privacy.
Final Verdict
Tropical Islands is open around the clock, 365 days a year, with some attractions temporarily closed for cleaning. Day passes begin from about $40 for adults and $35 for kids, with children under the age of three free. Depending on your size and popularity, it may be best to arrive early — or perhaps even spend the night.