Bayern-Park history

The idea of a wildlife park takes shape at Fellbach

Elfriede and Alfons Hochholzer decide to turn the family farm into a wildlife park after its deer enclosures attract growing interest.

Construction of the future wildlife park begins

Following the approval process, the first animal enclosures and food facilities begin to take shape on the family grounds.

Vilstaler Wildpark opens

The wildlife park officially opens with mainly native animals and Bavarian food, laying the foundations for the future Bayern-Park.

The wildlife park begins its transformation

Work on the first mechanical rides marks the gradual transition from wildlife park to amusement park.

Bayern-Park opens

Vilstaler Wildpark becomes Bayern-Park

The site is officially converted into an amusement park under the Bayern-Park name, with Parkrundfahrt, Sommerrodelbahn, Schweinchenbahn, Schieneneisenbahn and Elektrocarts among its first rides.

A new generation of rides arrives

Raddampfer, Drachenbahn, Schaukelschiff and Froschbahn strengthen the park’s amusement identity and broaden its family offer.

A new section expands the park

Wildwasserbahn, Schwanenkarussell, Hubseilturm, Wellenflieger and a beer garden open in a new part of the grounds.

The Baroque church and parking reshape the grounds

Barockkirche Patrona Bavariae opens as parking capacity grows from 1,000 to 2,000 spaces, reflecting the park’s increasing scale.

The grounds expand to 400,000 m²

A 150,000 m² expansion brings Bayern-Park to 400,000 m² and adds rides, play areas, services and numerous new animal enclosures.

Wildwasser-Rafting becomes a new headline ride

The opening of the long rafting course strengthens the water-ride offer and contributes to a notable rise in attendance.

Burg Fellbach introduces a major indoor offer

Burg Fellbach opens with compact rides, active play and interactive installations, transforming the former Bumper Boote area.

The mascot receives the name Franz-Xaver

The park’s lion officially becomes Franz-Xaver, an identity later woven into the entrance, entertainment and several rides.

Freischütz marks Bayern-Park’s 20th anniversary

The launch coaster opens for the twentieth anniversary and draws coaster clubs and international media to the family-run park.

Parking capacity reaches 4,000 spaces

Bayern-Park doubles its parking capacity again while deepening the theming around Freischütz.

The bird-of-prey flight show joins the programme

A large arena begins hosting a bird-of-prey show, adding a lasting performance element to the park’s mix of rides and animals.

The world of Thalonien opens

Thaolon and Steinwirbel form a new fantasy area devoted to the Thalonians, while Königsflug replaces the former Wellenflieger.

Duell der Adler celebrates the 25th anniversary

The interactive ride, whose passengers control their own rotations, becomes the park’s twenty-fifth-anniversary attraction.

Pirateninsel transforms a former family area

Wasserspielwelt Pirateninsel and Sandspielplatz Sahara open after Blütenrondell, Kleinkinderdorf and Kletterberg Zugspitz are removed.

Three new experiences strengthen the rural area

Stadlgaudi 4D, Hoftierrennen and Bulldogfahrt open in a year that also brings the removal of Wirbelnde Pilze.

Voltrum reshapes the park skyline

The 109-metre freefall tower becomes Bayern-Park’s new vertical landmark and one of its most intense experiences.

Sommerrodelbahn reaches the end of its run

One of the founding rides from 1991 closes after more than thirty years, freeing the site later used for FirleFranz.

A new main entrance welcomes visitors

Eight modern ticket desks, a broad forecourt, information screens, Backstüberl and a stage completely renew the arrival experience.

FirleFranz opens on the former toboggan site

The open-ended family coaster introduces forward and backward running and becomes one of the major additions around the renewed entrance.