Rasti-Land, a charming amusement park in Salzhemmendorf, Lower Saxony, has delighted families since 1973. This 16-hectare wonderland offers a perfect blend of thrills and family-friendly attractions, making it an ideal destination for parents with children up to 14 years old. Located in the picturesque Weserbergland Nature Park, Rasti-Land boasts over 50 exciting attractions, from roller coasters to water rides, all set against the backdrop of lush German countryside.
Just a short drive from Hanover, the park is easily accessible and provides a unique experience that sets it apart from larger theme parks. With its rich history, family-owned charm, and commitment to continuous improvement, Rasti-Land has become a beloved fixture in the German amusement park landscape. Visitors can expect a day filled with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories in this hidden gem of Lower Saxony.
Highlights
- Over 50 family-friendly attractions suitable for all ages
- Unique self-designed and built rides, including a log flume
- Beautiful location in the Weserbergland Nature Park
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/DasRastiLand
Contents
Here is Why Your Kids Will Find it Interesting
Rasti-Land is a paradise for children, offering a perfect mix of excitement and age-appropriate fun. The park caters specifically to kids from toddlers to early teens, with attractions designed to spark imagination and adventure. Rasti-Land is worth visiting with kids because it provides a safe, manageable environment in which to explore freely and try new experiences. From gentle rides for the little ones to more thrilling attractions for older children, the park ensures that every child finds something to love, creating lasting memories of family fun.
Family-friendly features
- Dedicated areas for toddlers and young children with age-appropriate rides
- Picnic areas and affordable dining options throughout the park
- Stroller-friendly pathways and rest areas for families
History and Development
Rasti-Land's story began in July 1973 when it opened as a small Western-themed park in an old gravel pit. Architect and civil engineer Ludwig Ratzke and his son Steffen founded the park with just four attractions spread across 120,000 square meters. The name "Rasti-Land" was inspired by the Rasti building block toy system, highlighting the park's focus on creativity and fun.
Over the years, Rasti-Land has grown significantly, expanding its attractions and themes while maintaining its family-owned charm. The Ratzke family has continuously invested in new rides and improvements, with significant additions like the "Im Reich des T-Rex" rafting ride in 2002, representing the park's most significant single investment at €2.85 million.
By 2006, the park was attracting up to 300,000 visitors annually, a testament to its growing popularity and appeal. Today, following his father's passing in 2022, Steffen Ratzke is managing Rasti-Land solely. Rasti-Land continues to evolve, offering new attractions like the "Verrücktwärts" roller coaster while maintaining its commitment to family-friendly entertainment.
Park Overview
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/DasRastiLand
Rasti-Land spans an impressive 160,000 square meters, cleverly utilizing the hilly terrain of the former gravel pit to create a unique landscape for its attractions. The park is divided into several themed areas, each offering a distinct atmosphere and range of rides. From the nostalgic charm of the Historical Fairground to the prehistoric thrills of the Dino World, every corner of Rasti-Land promises a new adventure.
Rasti, the park's lovable rabbit mascot, greets visitors, adding a whimsy and warmth to the experience. Guests will find a mix of thrilling rides, gentle attractions for younger children, and interactive play areas that encourage exploration and imagination. The clever integration of rides into the natural landscape creates a seamless and immersive experience, making Rasti-Land feel like a world apart from everyday life.
Top Attractions
Rasti-Land boasts an impressive array of attractions that cater to thrill-seekers and families alike. The park's roller coasters are a major draw, with the "Achterbahn," a Vekoma Junior Coaster, offering a perfect introduction to coaster thrills. The newest addition, "Verrücktwärts," an SBF Visa Family Boomerang Coaster, provides a unique backwards riding experience that's sure to delight.
Water enthusiasts will love the park's aquatic offerings. The "Wildwasserbahn" log flume delivers refreshing splashes, while "Im Reich des T-Rex" takes rafting to prehistoric heights. For a more interactive water experience, "Wasserschlacht" offers a round boat splash battle where families can engage in friendly water warfare.
Dark rides and family attractions add a touch of magic and storytelling to the park. The "Abenteuerfahrt durch die Piratenstadt" takes guests on a swashbuckling journey through a pirate town, while "Märchenfahrt" offers an enchanting trip through fairy tale scenes.
Thrill-seekers shouldn't miss the "Blizzard," a bobkart track that combines the excitement of a roller coaster with the control of go-karts. For a more traditional flat ride experience, the "Koggenfahrt" provides classic fairground fun with a nautical twist.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/DasRastiLand
Unique Features
What sets Rasti-Land apart is its commitment to creating unique, custom-built attractions. Many of the park's rides, including the popular log flume, were designed and constructed in-house, giving them a character and charm you won't find anywhere else. This DIY approach extends to the park's terrain integration, where rides are cleverly built into the hilly landscape, creating natural elevation changes that enhance the thrill factor.
One standout feature is the Reifenrutschpiste, or tire slide track. This innovative attraction allows visitors to slide down a winding track on specially designed tires, combining the simple joy of sledding with the excitement of a controlled descent. Attractions like these showcase Rasti-Land's creativity and dedication to providing unique experiences for its guests.
Best Time to Visit
For the best experience at Rasti-Land, plan your visit during weekdays in late spring or early fall. These periods offer milder weather and smaller crowds, allowing families to enjoy more rides with shorter wait times. The park is typically less busy in the morning, so arriving early is recommended. Rasti-Land is open from April to October, with extended hours during the summer months and school holidays.
Recommended Duration: A full day (6-8 hours) is ideal for exploring all Rasti-Land offers.
Our Resume
Rasti-Land offers a unique blend of family-friendly fun, thrilling attractions, and natural beauty that sets it apart from larger theme parks. Its manageable size, custom-built rides, and focus on catering to families with children up to 14 make it an ideal destination for adventure. With its rich history, continuous improvements, and commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment, Rasti-Land remains a beloved attraction in Lower Saxony, promising unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages.
