Belantis

Leipzig, Germany

“This could’ve been a wonderful park, but maintenance is lacking”

Belantis opened in 2003, which makes it one of the youngest theme parks in Germany. And although the park is nowhere near as popular as Phantasialand or Europa-Park, the original plans were nothing less than spectacular. The park is themed to ancient civilizations and it features some wonderful details. The best example can be seen by using Google Earth: on Facebook, someone pointed out that a top view of Belantis corresponds to a map of Europe and North Africa. You’ll even notice that the themed areas have actually been placed in the correct region. Quite amazing, right?

ROLLER COASTERS

The park’s biggest eye-catcher is Huracan, a Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter. If you know me and my coaster taste, you may already presume that I didn’t like it. And indeed… I didn’t. Huracan contains Gerstlauer’s typical roughness, the restraints are uncomfortable and the layout fails to impress. Gerstlauer Infinity Coasters are quite okay, but these Euro-Fighters are just horrible.

Belantis has a total of four roller coasters and they’re all built by Gerstlauer. Luckily, the park’s two main family coasters are a lot more enjoyable than Huracan. Drachenritt is a fantastic Bobsled Coaster that winds trough a medieval castle and Cobra des Amun Ra is a perfectly smooth experience. The latter also boasts a well-themed station building with a surprising walk-through. Nice.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Belantis is home to Fluch des Pharao, a flume ride which has intrigued me since the day it was built. The ride’s main drop is integrated in a huge Egyptian pyramid and it’s definitely the most iconic structure in the park. Unfortunately, the actual ride didn’t impress me as much as I hoped it would. There’s just one drop and the dark ride section is very very very limited. The pyramid’s nothing less than huge, so I really expected this attraction to be themed in a more elaborate way. Nevertheless, it’s a good water ride with a surprisingly steep drop.

WORTH A VISIT?

That’s a difficult one. On the one hand, I’m very happy that I’ve ridden that legendary pyramid flume ride and three brand-new credits are always good for my coaster counter. On the other hand, Belantis failed to impress in many ways. Theming is limited, most rides are rather standard and the park’s landscaping department seems to have shut down several years ago. This could have been a beautiful park, but they often seem to opt for the cheapest solutions.

PHOTO GALLERY

Is Fluch des Pharao the most recognisable flume ride in Europe? What would be the ideal expansion for Belantis? Another Gerstlauer roller coaster? Share your opinion in the comments section at the bottom of this page.