Bobbejaanland

Bobbejaanland, affectionately nicknamed "the land of crazy fun," is one of the best-known amusement parks in Belgium. Located in Lichtaart, in the Campine region, this park offers a day full of thrills and entertainment for the whole family. With a unique history linked to its founder and a constant evolution of its attractions, Bobbejaanland has forged its own identity. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, looking for water games, or searching for entertainment suitable for younger children, the park offers a variety of experiences in a pleasant setting, ideal for a day trip or more in the region.

From Musical Stage to Amusement Park: The History of Bobbejaanland

The history of Bobbejaanland is intimately linked to that of its founder, the famous Belgian singer and guitarist Bobbejaan Schoepen. After years of international tours, Schoepen was looking for a place to settle down and perform. In 1959, he acquired a vast marshy estate in Lichtaart, in the Campine. Against all odds, he had a lake built there, a performance hall constructed, and opened the site to the public on December 31, 1961. In its early days, Bobbejaanland was primarily an entertainment center focused on variety shows, with secondary attractions such as trains and carousels. It was during the 1970s and 1980s that the park began to develop further by integrating larger and more diversified attractions, gradually evolving into a full-fledged amusement park. Iconic attractions from this period, such as the Indiana River (now Terra Magma), left their mark on the park. Bobbejaanland remained the property of the Schoepen family until 2004, when it was sold to the Spanish group Parques Reunidos. Under this new management, the park continued to invest in major new attractions, reinforcing its status as a thrill park while maintaining its family-friendly offerings.

Varied Attractions and Accommodation Nearby

Bobbejaanland now offers over 40 attractions for all ages, spread across different themed zones. Thrill-seekers will find their happiness with several roller coasters, including the spectacular "Fury," a triple launch coaster, the "Typhoon" known for its vertical drop and inversions, or "Revolution," a unique indoor roller coaster. The park also has popular water attractions, ideal for cooling off on hot days, such as "El Rio," a rapid river in buoys, and the "Wild Water Slide," a log flume ride. "Terra Magma," a renovated scenic ride, offers an immersive indoor adventure.

For families and younger visitors, Bobbejaanland offers a wide selection of gentler rides, carousels, playgrounds, and a vast indoor area called "Kinderland," a paradise of games and attractions sheltered from the weather. The park also regularly presents shows and animations to entertain visitors throughout the day.

Although Bobbejaanland does not have an integrated hotel complex on the park's site, it is located in a tourist region that offers various accommodation options nearby. Visitors wishing to extend their stay can find hotels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, or campsites in the vicinity of Lichtaart and Kasterlee, or in other localities in the Campine. The park's proximity to these different accommodation possibilities allows visitors to enjoy the park for one or more days and also explore the surrounding region, thus offering a "resort" experience in the sense of combining an amusement park and a stay in the region.

Exploring the Campine: The Location of Bobbejaanland

Bobbejaanland is ideally located in Lichtaart, a section of the municipality of Kasterlee, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. The park benefits from a pleasant natural setting, being located in a wooded area of the Little Nete valley, a river that crosses the Campine. This location makes it easily accessible from different regions of Belgium and neighboring Netherlands. The Campine is a region known for its landscapes of forests, heaths, and sand, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

The village of Kasterlee itself is renowned for its green setting and is a popular starting point for exploring the Campine. Other towns such as Herentals or Turnhout are not very far away and offer amenities, restaurants, and local attractions. The location of Bobbejaanland allows visitors to combine the intense pleasure of the amusement park with the discovery of the tranquil nature and charms of the Belgian Campine.