Eifel Park

Eifelpark

Eifelpark is a popular wildlife and leisure park situated in Gondorf, near Bitburg, within Germany's Eifel mountains. Its origins trace back to 1964 when it was established as the first open-air wildlife enclosure in Germany, initially named Hochwildpark Eifel. The park has since evolved to offer a comprehensive visitor experience, combining natural animal habitats with a wide array of entertainment attractions.

History and Development

The park's history is marked by significant developments and expansions. The introduction of brown bears in 1969 led to sponsorship from Berlin for the bear gorge. A notable event occurred in 1975 when Helmut Kohl, then Minister-President of Rhineland-Palatinate, officially opened the new mountain wildlife park. Over the years, various attractions were added, including rides like the Slide Paradise and roller coasters. Management of Eifelpark, which was previously run alongside Kurpfalz Park and Panorama Park, shifted in 2004 to Haan. In early 2009, six Canadian timber wolves were introduced to an enclosure adjacent to the renaturalized bear gorge. Following a period of financial difficulty, the operator filed for bankruptcy in December 2012. The park was acquired by a new owner on October 16, 2013, and reopened on April 5, 2014, with significant renovations and investments in new attractions.

Attractions and Features

Eifelpark is divided into distinct areas catering to both animal observation and recreational activities. The Mountain Wildlife Park (Bergwildpark) is a central feature, housing over 200 animals, including brown bears, Canadian timber wolves, wild boar, red deer, and fallow deer, alongside a lynx station. Complementing the wildlife exhibits are numerous leisure attractions. These include a 1,050-meter long all-weather toboggan run known as the Eifel Coaster, a family roller coaster, a 80-meter spinning drop tower, and a 14-meter family free-fall tower. For younger visitors, there is a petting zoo with mountain goats, an adventure playground, various bumper car rides, water scooters, pony and horse merry-go-rounds, bouncy pillows, and extensive play areas.

Shows and Educational Programs

Beyond its static attractions, Eifelpark offers dynamic shows and educational elements. The woodland theatre and event grounds host a birds of prey free flight show featuring eagles, falcons, and owls. A puppet theatre provides entertainment for younger audiences, and daily animal feeding sessions allow visitors to observe animals during meal times. The park also features a woodland educational path, offering insights into the local environment and wildlife.