I tried the European theme park that’s ‘best for rollercoasters’ – with huge waterpark and new sweet-themed land

THE lift-hill chain clanks to a stop and an eerie silence follows. I’m at the crest of a daunting 253ft drop and tight-lipped with suspense.

I’m at Europe’s best theme park for roller coasters – and it’s one you’ve probably never heard of.

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Reaching heights that send me hurtling to the ground in a weightless free-fall, you’d think I was riding one of America’s colossal coasters, but no.

I’m on a ride called Hyperion in a seemingly quiet part of Poland.

This isn’t a country most people associate with great roller coasters, but anyone who’s stepped foot in Energylandia – a theme park just one hour outside of Krakow – knows otherwise.

From the moment I arrived, it was clear I was in for a hair-raising time.
Hyperion intimidates with 1,500m of track that snakes around the car park, where carriages rush by careering riders at speeds of 88mph.

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This isn’t Energylandia’s only spine-tingling treat either.

Standing almost as tall at the opposite end of the park is Zadra.

This part-wood, part-steel coaster, known as a “hybrid” due to the two types of materials used, is the tallest of its kind in the world.

With a 206ft, 90-degree drop and three inversions, it’s no wonder online community CoasterForce has ranked Zadra the third best coaster in the world.

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It is so intense riders are even made to wear goggles when riding the front row.

If being flung around a track at break-neck speeds isn’t your jam, or if you want to give your now jelly-like legs a rest, there’s plenty of less intense experiences to enjoy.

In fact, most of the park’s rides are aimed at families.

Take the all-new Sweet Valley area, for instance.

Whimsically themed, it looks straight out of a child’s dream.

Decked out in vibrant pastels that make the area look like an ice cream trolley, it has everything from merry-go-rounds to mini and family rollercoasters, like the new Choco Chip Creek train.

For those looking to cool off in the hotter months, there are ample water rides to soak you through.

Although, if you really want to cool off, Energylandia’s waterpark (only open in high season) is where to head with plenty of sun loungers, water slides and a lazy river.

During my weekday visit in mid-spring, I breezed through most queues and the operations were super- efficient in comparison to some UK parks.

But of course, it’s not all about the rides, and once you have had your stomach churned, you can satisfy it at one of the many restaurants.

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Given the exchange rate, prices are very reasonable.

With just about everything you’d want from a theme park, without the overpriced refreshments and British weather, Energylandia might be a place you’ve not heard of, but it should definitely be high on your to-go list.