Tropical Islands Resort is one of Europe’s most distinctive holiday destinations. Rather than sitting on a coastline, this tropical escape operates inside a former airship hangar in eastern Germany, offering warm lagoons, sandy beaches, rainforest landscapes, water slides, wellness areas and overnight accommodation under one enormous roof. The resort maintains a tropical climate all year round, allowing visitors to enjoy summer conditions even in the middle of winter.
Since opening in 2004, Tropical Islands Resort has grown far beyond a traditional water park. Today, it functions as a full destination resort, attracting families, couples and international travellers looking for a weather-proof tropical break without long-haul travel.
Location, History and Scale
Tropical Islands Resort is located in Krausnick-Gross Wasserburg, in the German state of Brandenburg, approximately 60 kilometres south of Berlin. Its location near Berlin Brandenburg Airport and Germany’s rail network makes it easy to reach for both domestic and international visitors.
The resort occupies a massive hangar originally built for CargoLifter AG, a German company that planned to manufacture heavy-lift airships. After CargoLifter collapsed financially in the early 2000s, the hangar was repurposed into a leisure complex. Tropical Islands Resort officially opened in December 2004, becoming one of Europe’s most ambitious examples of industrial reuse.
The hangar itself is among the largest free-standing halls ever constructed, measuring roughly 360 metres long, 210 metres wide and 107 metres high, with no internal support columns. This vast interior allows the resort to house beaches, pools, rainforest vegetation and accommodation in a single enclosed space.
Indoor Climate and Year-Round Operation
One of the resort’s defining features is its permanently maintained tropical environment. Indoor air temperatures are kept between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius, while water temperatures remain close to 28 degrees. Humidity, airflow and lighting are carefully controlled to replicate tropical conditions.
This climate control allows Tropical Islands Resort to operate 365 days a year, making it particularly popular during European winter months when outdoor water parks are closed.
What You Can Do at Tropical Islands Resort
At the heart of the resort is Tropical World, centred around a large indoor lagoon and a 200-metre sandy beach. The lagoon’s gently sloping shoreline suits families, while palm trees, loungers and shaded seating create a relaxed beach atmosphere.
Beyond the lagoon lies what is widely recognised as the world’s largest indoor rainforest. Tens of thousands of tropical plants from Asia, Africa and South America are sustained through controlled humidity and irrigation. Elevated walkways, waterfalls and winding paths allow visitors to explore at a slower pace.
Water attractions are a major draw. A large slide tower offers a mix of family-friendly slides and longer, faster rides, some extending beyond 200 metres. Lazy rivers, whirlpools and splash zones provide options for all ages, while dedicated children’s areas such as the Tropino Club and Jungle Splash keep younger visitors entertained.
For those seeking relaxation, the sauna and spa area features multiple themed saunas, steam rooms and quiet relaxation zones. This area is especially popular with adults and couples.
During warmer months, the AMAZONIA outdoor area opens, adding outdoor pools, river rides, sunbathing lawns and relaxation spaces. This extension increases capacity while preserving the indoor areas as an all-weather option.
Other on-site facilities include a fitness centre, minigolf, shopping promenade, seasonal events and more than ten restaurants and bars.
Ticket Prices and Types
Ticket prices vary by season and demand. Buying online is significantly cheaper than purchasing at the gate.
Day Tickets (Online Prices)
Day Ticket – Pure Tropics
Access to Tropical World and the outdoor AMAZONIA area:
- Adults: €34.90 – €59.90
- Teenagers (13–17): €29.90 – €46.90
- Children (4–12): €29.90 – €43.90
- Children up to 3 years: Free
Day Ticket – Tropics & Sauna
Includes Sauna and Spa access:
- Adults: €39.90 – €63.90
- Teenagers: €35.90 – €52.90
- Children: €32.90 – €49.90
Evening Ticket (6:00 pm – 11:30 pm)
- Adults: from €29.90
- Teenagers: from €24.90
- Children: from €22.90
Family Ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children)
- From approximately €129.90 when booked online
A popular perk is free entry on your birthday with valid identification.
Food and Drink Options
Tropical Islands Resort has numerous restaurants, bars and food outlets serving international and Asian cuisine, street food, desserts, vegetarian dishes and gluten-free options. Breakfast buffets are available at selected venues.
For visitors wanting predictable meal costs, the resort offers the “Easy Way” food package. This includes buffet meals at the Sawadee Restaurant, unlimited soft drinks with a refill cup, and a reserved lounger on the Easy Way sun deck. Entry tickets are not included and must be purchased separately or covered by overnight accommodation.
Typical Easy Way prices:
- Adults: €79 – €89
- Children (7–14): €59 – €65
- Children (0–6): €30 – €35
Many visitors report that food and drinks inside the resort can be expensive, and outside food is not permitted, so budgeting ahead is advised.
Accommodation Options and Prices
Staying overnight allows guests to enter early, stay late and enjoy the resort when it is quieter.
Accommodation options include:
- Comfort and Premium Rooms inside the dome
- OHANA Lodges and Premium Lodges
- Safari and Premium Tents inside Tropical World
- Woodland and Holiday Homes outside the dome (with shuttle access)
- Camping plots for tents and caravans
Nightly prices vary widely depending on season and room type. Standard rooms inside the dome typically range from around €80 to €250 or more per night. Booking platforms often show prices from roughly £100 to £140 per night for two adults, depending on availability.
Breakfast is often included, though this depends on the accommodation category. Some room types include Sauna and Spa access, while tent accommodation may not. Most stays require a minimum of one night, with some options requiring two nights. Overnight guests can generally use the park until 11:30 pm on departure day.
Opening Hours and Visitor Tips
Tropical Islands Resort is open all year round, closing only briefly for essential maintenance. Typical opening hours are around 8:00 am to 11:30 pm, with extended access for overnight guests.
Children under 14 must be accompanied by a guardian at all times. Booking tickets online in advance is strongly recommended to secure lower prices.
How to Get There
From Berlin, the resort is about a one-hour drive via the A13 motorway. Trains run to Brand Tropical Islands station, where shuttle buses connect directly to the resort. Its proximity to Berlin Brandenburg Airport makes it easy to include in a Berlin travel itinerary.
Ownership and Investment Background
Tropical Islands Resort is owned by Parques Reunidos, a Spanish leisure and entertainment group operating attractions across Europe and the Americas. The resort was acquired for approximately €226 million, making it one of the company’s largest single-site investments.
Previously, the resort was owned by Tanjong PLC, a Malaysian investment group that oversaw its early development. Parques Reunidos is backed by major investment firms, including EQT and Elliott Management, which influence long-term funding and development strategy.
Realistic Cost Expectations
Travel reports suggest that a full day visit for a family, including tickets, food and selected extras, often costs between €200 and €360 or more. Overnight stays with breakfast and park access generally start from around €150 to €250 per night and increase during peak periods.
Conclusion
Tropical Islands Resort stands out as one of Europe’s most unique indoor holiday destinations. With a permanent tropical climate, extensive attractions, flexible ticket options and on-site accommodation, it works equally well as a day trip or a multi-night stay.
From families seeking water-based fun to couples looking for a winter escape, the resort continues to attract visitors year-round. Its success shows how scale, engineering and sustained investment have transformed an abandoned industrial structure into a major tourism landmark.
FAQs
What defines a tropical island resort?
A tropical island resort is defined by warm year-round temperatures, water lagoons or beaches, palm-style landscapes, leisure activities, and on-site accommodation designed for relaxation and holiday experiences.
Who is the owner of Tropical Island Berlin?
Tropical Islands Resort near Berlin is owned by Parques Reunidos, a Spanish leisure and entertainment group that operates theme parks and attractions across Europe and the Americas.
What is the closest tropical island resort to the UK?
For UK travellers, Tropical Islands Resort in Germany is one of the closest tropical-style resorts, reachable by a short flight to Berlin followed by ground transport, without long-haul travel.
What is Europe’s largest tropical resort?
Tropical Islands Resort is widely regarded as Europe’s largest tropical resort, offering indoor beaches, lagoons, rainforest areas, water attractions, and accommodation under one roof.
What is the largest indoor waterpark in Europe?
Tropical Islands Resort is commonly cited as the largest indoor water park in Europe, thanks to its vast indoor lagoon, multiple pools, extensive water slides, and year-round operation.
When did Tropical Islands Resort open?
Tropical Islands Resort officially opened to the public in December 2004, following the redevelopment of a former airship hangar in Brandenburg, Germany.
What is the biggest indoor water park in the world?
Tropical Islands Resort is often described as the largest indoor water park in the world due to its overall size, indoor beach, rainforest, and water attractions housed within one structure.
What do Tropical Islands have?
Tropical Islands features indoor sandy beaches, a warm lagoon, the world’s largest indoor rainforest, water slides, lazy rivers, sauna and spa areas, outdoor AMAZONIA pools, restaurants, and on-site accommodation.
