History

Bobbejaanland history

16 milestones tracing the story of Bobbejaanland.

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16Events
1959Start
2026Latest
  1. 1959Foundation
    2 sources

    Bobbejaan Schoepen acquires the Abroek estate

    After years of touring, the entertainer buys a marshy estate of around thirty hectares in Lichtaart. He imagines a permanent home for live shows that will become Bobbejaanland.

  2. December 31, 1961Opening
    Bobbejaanland officially opens
    2 sources

    Bobbejaanland officially opens

    Bobbejaan and Josée Schoepen open the estate around a theatre, swimming lake and beach. Live musical performances are initially the heart of the visit.

    Article
  3. 1969Expansion
    2 sources

    The first mechanical rides appear

    A small monorail and horse carousel broaden the estate beyond shows and the beach. The additions prepare its gradual transformation into an amusement park.

  4. 1974Redevelopment
    2 sources

    The estate turns decisively towards amusement rides

    From the mid-1970s, Bobbejaanland adds more rides and develops its western identity. The entertainment venue gradually becomes a full amusement park.

  5. 1979Attraction opening
    1 source

    Looping Star begins a new thrill era

    The Schwarzkopf roller coaster becomes one of the park’s defining silhouettes and symbolises Bobbejaanland’s growing ambition among Belgian and neighbouring parks.

  6. 1987Attraction opening
    1 source

    Air Race joins the roller-coaster line-up

    Vekoma’s suspended roller coaster opens above the lake. It will be extensively transformed in 2006 into Dreamcatcher, which remains in operation.

  7. 1989Investment
    2 sources

    Revolution and Big Bang mark a major investment wave

    Bobbejaanland opens several ambitious experiences. Revolution becomes a distinctive indoor attraction and will retain the world’s longest roller-coaster train.

  8. 1991Attraction opening
    2 sources

    Indiana River opens inside an indoor jungle

    Intamin’s water ride quickly becomes a park classic through its three drops and jungle setting. Its ride system will later be retained for the transformation into Terra Magma.

  9. 1996Area opening
    1 source

    Kinderland opens its large indoor world

    The park opens a large indoor area for children, built around clowns, carousels and free play. Kinderland permanently strengthens the family offering.

  10. 2000Expansion
    1 source

    El Rio and Bob Express refresh the new millennium

    A Mexican-styled rapid river and a Mack family roller coaster join the park. Both become lasting landmarks in its western and waterside areas.

  11. April 2004Investment
    3 sources

    Three major new rides open after a large investment

    Oki Doki, Sledge Hammer and Typhoon join Bobbejaanland at the start of the season. The programme of around twelve million euros is one of the Schoepen family’s final major projects.

  12. May 2004Sale
    2 sources

    The Schoepen family sells Bobbejaanland to Parques Reunidos

    After more than forty years of family operation, the park joins the Spanish group Parques Reunidos. Its name is retained and several family members remain involved during the transition.

  13. May 17, 2010Founder milestone
    2 sources

    Bobbejaan Schoepen dies

    The founder dies in Turnhout one day after his 85th birthday. His musical, western and family-oriented world remains central to the identity of the park bearing his name.

  14. June 24, 2019Area opening
    1 source

    Land of Legends and Fury open to visitors

    The new area links Fury, Typhoon, Sledge Hammer and Naiads Waters around the four elements. Fury becomes the park’s most visible new investment and the fastest coaster in Benelux at opening.

  15. May 14, 2023Redevelopment
    1 source

    Indiana River is reborn as Terra Magma

    After more than thirty years, the water ride is fully rethemed around a volcano. Its three drops remain while the building and surroundings join the Mystery Bay world.

  16. 2026Preservation or heritage
    1 source

    The park celebrates 65 years and opens a History Gallery

    Bobbejaanland devotes its anniversary season to its heritage through entertainment, nostalgic merchandise, former Revolution soundtracks and a small museum displaying models, photographs and historic objects.

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