Saxony's Amusement Parks: More Visitors, but Not Everywhere

Plenty of sunshine, little rain, and numerous new attractions: Most of Saxony’s amusement parks reported positive results for the summer season. Visitor numbers rose noticeably with the opening of the new rides, according to a survey by the German Press Agency. Only one park fell short of its own expectations.

Sonnenland Amusement Park in Lichtenau near Chemnitz

During the six-week summer break alone, the park recorded 24 percent more visitors than in either of the previous two years. “We’re very pleased with this and have achieved our goal of attracting more visitors with major new investments like the Adventure Pyramid and the Skywalk,” said a spokeswoman.

At the amusement park, guests could climb a 60-meter-high Adventure Pyramid. This year, the “Skywalk” was added, leading from the observation deck to the adjacent slide tower. The investments were estimated at about 2.5 million euros.

Compared to last summer, which was rather rainy, the weather cooperated this time around. There were a few hotter days, the spokeswoman explained. “But there are always a few of those in the summer, and our investments in attractions to help visitors cool off have helped us create a great experience for that as well.”

The park is also hoping for a great fall. On October 31, a “spook-free” Halloween featuring pumpkin carving and illuminated attractions in the early evening will draw visitors to a magically lit park. On November 13, the fourth winter season kicks off with a journey through Europe. Visitors can discover illuminated sculptures themed around Europe, marvel at laser shows, and experience winter attractions as well as the animals in the wildlife park and the indoor play area.

Karl’s Adventure Village in Döbeln

The operators of Karl’s Adventure Village in Döbeln were also extremely satisfied. “Since the opening of the family roller coaster ‘Bettys Beerchen Boomerang’ in early July, visitor numbers have risen rapidly,” said founder and managing director Robert Dahl when asked. So far, more than 1.1 million guests have been welcomed.

The roller coaster is designed for children, parents, and grandparents. Instead of extreme speeds, the focus is on having fun during the ride. Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer also rode in one of the strawberry baskets during the opening of the new attraction.

In addition, according to reports, the Karls Bande Hotel is growing in popularity and contributing to the rise in visitor numbers. At this themed hotel, visitors are immersed in a world inspired by the animated films and radio plays of “Karls Bande.”

On October 17 and 18, the adventure village will once again transform into a spookily beautiful horror scene from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Guests can look forward to fire shows and acrobatics. In addition, fairy-tale witches, wizards, and zombies will be swarming through the corn maze in the park.

Plohn Amusement Park in the Vogtland region

At Plohn Amusement Park in the Vogtland region, visitor numbers initially fell short of expectations. “Many guests apparently waited at first to see the reactions and hear initial experiences with the new attraction, the new water roller coaster ‘Dønnervind,’” said a spokeswoman. Looking ahead to the summer break in July and August, however, the park is very satisfied. “Our expectations were fully met during this period.”

The anniversary nights on Saturdays during the Saxon school breaks, as well as the back-to-school party with extended hours until 10:00 p.m., were also very well received by guests.

Although the weather was at times very warm to hot, the park did not observe a heat-related decline in visitor numbers. “Our location in a nature reserve with numerous shaded areas offers our guests plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors and escape the direct sun, even on hot days.”

During the fall break, the Plohn Ghost Days—a popular destination for families every year—draw visitors. The Halloween parties held on four Saturdays in October are also in particularly high demand.

Belantis Leipzig Amusement Park

Only at the Belantis amusement park near Leipzig did visitor numbers fall short of expectations, remaining at the previous year’s level. “"Especially with the opening of the new themed world 'Idefix’ Adventure Land,' we would have liked to see an increase in visitor numbers," said a spokeswoman.

One reason, she explained, was the weather. The summer was marked by many excessively hot days with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees or by rainy days. “Unfortunately, ideal amusement park weather—25 degrees and sunshine—was very rare.”

This fall, Halloween runs from October 21 to November 1, Wednesdays through Sundays. For the first time, there will be different levels of spookiness: From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the “Spooky Days” invite little monsters ages four and up—and anyone who prefers a “spookily beautiful” experience over a truly scary one—to enjoy a family-friendly Halloween atmosphere. Three Halloween mazes promise wonder instead of terror—including a completely new maze.

From 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., things get spookier: Horror Nights opens five horror mazes for guests ages 12 and up, or 16 and up, respectively. New additions this year include “Spurs of Evil” and another maze whose name remains a secret. The program is rounded out by spooky figures lining the paths, as well as special spooky elements and shows, most notably at the Alter Markt.