When we think of tropical islands, lots of lush, romantic locations come to mind. Hawaii. Tahiti. Bora Bora.
Well, how about Brandenburg, Germany? True, Brandenburg is about an hour west of Berlin. And, more importantly, it’s about three hours south of the Baltic Sea, which anyway isn’t exactly known for its turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. But Brandenburg nonetheless boasts its own tropical island of sorts. That is, if you’re sort of generous in your definition of “island.”
Brandenburg’s Tropical Islands is actually an enormous indoor water park with a decidedly tropical theme. The park is housed in a former airship hangar, which is reportedly the third biggest free-standing hall in the world. The space used to protect aircraft from the elements until the parent company went belly up in 2002. Enterprising business people spotted an opportunity and the hangar was repurposed as an indoor tropical paradise, opening its doors to the public in 2004. And now guests can go belly up…as they float around on inner tubes around the parks numerous aquatic amenities.
Speaking of which, the park features a variety of water attractions, including a 200-meter-long lazy river, a wave pool, a water slide tower, and a children’s pool. The resort also features an indoor tropical rainforest — the park temperature is kept at a balmy 79 degrees Fahrenheit year round — and features over 50,000 plants, a beach with white sand, and a variety of restaurants and bars. And get this: the park is open all day, every day, year round, although the hours for individual attractions can vary.
But Tropical Islands goes beyond your typical water park by including such luxurious amenities as sauna and spa treatments, yoga and meditation classes, and live music and entertainment. There’s a kids’ club and a mini golf course. You can even board a miniature hot air balloon and float about the rest of the patrons up to 15 meters in the air.
Tropical Islands is a popular destination with both locals and tourists alike, and accommodates both day trippers and overnight guests. Tents and cottages on the grounds start at about $70, and daily admission starts at about $40, with special entrance rates for families.
So, how about it? The next time you’re in Germany soaking up the local culture or experiencing the famed German food and beer, why not take a break from the historic sites and the beer halls and soak up a bit of the tropics as well. (Don’t worry. There’s plenty of German beer at the poolside bar.)
Featured Image: Innenansicht im Tropical Islands by Tropical Islands Resort licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
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