The terrifying time of vampires and ghouls doesn't stop at Europa-Park. Over 180,000 pumpkins in different shades of orange, as well as 15,000 chrysanthemums, 6,000 corn plants and 3,000 bales of straw transform the 15 European themed areas into an eerily beautiful setting.
During the daily 'Halloween Parade' at 5.30pm, sinister figures fill the streets and squares of Europa-Park. Those who do not pay attention may find themselves frightened to the bones. At the end of the parade on the Luxembourg Square, the song 'Tonite it's Halloween’ produced by MackMusic conjures up dark forces and ghosts from the underworld.
What is Traumatica
For those unaware of Traumatica, it is a scare event located at Europa Park in Rust, Germany. The event is based around a post apocalyptic world that features five different factions, each of which being the theme for one of the events five scare mazes.
Ticket for the event can be purchased online at https://traumatica.com/en/, or purchased on the day. (Note, on the day prices have an additional €2 cost). Normal tickets cost €34, and Saturdays cost €35. These tickets allow you access into the horror nights areas and into all the attraction (excluding the Vampire Club which is an additional charge).
The event is now in its third year, with each year adding more to the overall story of the world of Traumatica. Although the event is brilliant on its own, if you take time to learn the overall story you will understand more and pick up on smaller details you may not have otherwise.
The world is under the rule of frightening creatures, but Dragoş Shadowborn considers some of them unworthy. These poor creatures transformed into hideous, hunched beings that live deep beneath the earth´s surface and vegetate in the incubation.
The Ghouls
The Ghouls have worked their way up from the pitch-black darkness of their caves, overcoming the dependence on their creators. Their thirst for human blood is as strong as ever. Now they are guided by their queen Tara, who gives them unimaginable strength, specifically for hunting. They have started to breed − and that can mean nothing good. The ghouls suddenly have powers that the rest of the Traumatica world does not seem to compete with.
We've just came out of Ghouls: Incubation. An improvement on last year's but still very hit and miss with scares. The maze is very claustrophobic as you make your way through the tight spaces of the underground tunnels and is very pretty to look at with heavy smoke and ambient lighting throughout.
The Fallen
Since the demise of humanity, The Fallen serve evil. They are among the few survivors of the apocalypse, but they have not survived unscathed. Their minds have suffered, they feed on vermin and rats in the dark. Many of them have already fallen victim to the other groups or fled the streets of Traumatica. Even The Fallen are too afraid to enter their own home. Those who have the courage, should be very quiet − Shhhhh. The Fallen is an incredibly themed attraction with a great use of animatronics, puppetry and energetic live actors. We all got some great scares in there!
Resistance
Operation: Invasion. has begun: The Rotters attack the bunker and try to take it. The Resistance are without a leader and are trying everything so as not to perish. Overall a great quality maze. The new animatronics add an extra level of fear to this already rather frightening maze.
Scare Zones
At Traumatica there are three scare zones located around the event. These zones are called 'Hunting Grounds', 'No Man's Land' and 'Frontline' respectively, each providing an additional level of detail and realism to the fictional world.
Shadows
In the legends, they bear many names − for example, demons or bloodsuckers. Human tongues cannot pronounce their name and call them Shadows. They were able to ward off the attack from the Fallen and are angry, very angry. In Shadowborn − Redemption, they are defending themselves. Anyone who dares to enter the house is a potential victim of their cruel torture methods. Shadows is a great fun maze that utilises a lot of great effects. The maze is rather intense and escalates extremely quickly as you delve into the depths of the club.
The Pack
Make a valuable substance that Myra Moon Mistress needs for her Moonshine − the so-called Moondust. This allows the ferocious troop to turn into werewolves, regardless of the moonlight. The bickering, noisy and stinking bikers are hell on wheels and, with their huge stature and hairy bodies, they strike a threatening picture. Rioting and vandalism are on the agenda for these uncouth types. Once they have picked up their victim ́s scent, they will not abandon their hunt. Visitors need to be quick if they want to escape the gigantic claws of the nasty creatures. The Pack was as good as last year. However now the werewolves have their serum to "turn" at any moment they are wilder than ever!
The Traumatica Show: Portal
The Traumatica Show: Portal is the events ice show located within the Greece area of Europa Park. The show takes place several times throughout the night and features a large ensemble of performers and often some rather raunchy scenes.
To ensure the safety of the performers, the show prohibits photography and videography during the show so we will let you know our thoughts once the show ends.
The Traumatica show had lots of great performers and stunts however very little in the way of story or much connection to Traumatica. We as a team preferred last years show, but overall a very impressive performance!
Myra's Tale
New for this year is a new show called 'Myra's Tale'. The 15 minute show goes into detail about Mrya Moon Mistress' role within the world of Traumatica, as well as more information about the illusive, self proclaimed goddess of Traumatica. The show features many special effects and takes place several times throughout the night.
Vampire Club
For guests +18 years of age, why not visit the Vampire Club? This club is like no other, and we highly recommend visiting! Once the main park closes, the ride building for Poseidon, the parks water coaster, is transformed into The Vampire Club.
The Vampire Club runs on selected nights once Traumatica closes its doors, typically friday and saturdays. Access into the club starts from 11pm and cost €5pp to enter, other tickets are available if you want a VIP entry or seating. These can be found on the Traumatica Website at https://traumatica.com/en/