Europe’s New Theme Park Opens, but Guests Complain About Rides and Prices

Hossoland: A Fairytale-Themed Adventure Park Opens After Delays

After months of anticipation and a month-long delay, Hossoland, a fairytale-themed adventure land, has finally opened its gates. Located in the village of Brojce on Poland’s northern coast, the park was originally scheduled to open on May 31st but faced last-minute setbacks that cost it four crucial weeks of the summer season. Now, with its doors officially open, the park is welcoming thrill-seekers and families alike.

Spanning 400,000 square meters, Hossoland features 50 rides and attractions spread across four themed lands. The park is centered around a lighthouse and draws inspiration from local Baltic legends and fairytales. While some have praised the park for its unique concept, others have questioned whether it is ambitious enough to compete with established theme parks like Energylandia, which boasts 18 rollercoasters compared to Hossoland’s four.

One critic remarked, “This is supposed to be competition for Energylandia? 4 rollercoasters?” Another parent expressed concern about the park’s appeal to older visitors, stating, “Me and my 15-year-old son are waiting impatiently.” The GhostRider steel coaster, which was expected to be a standout attraction, is not currently part of the park’s lineup. Originally planned to reach 53 meters in height and travel at speeds of 72 mph, the ride has been delayed, raising questions about the park’s future plans.

Ticket prices have also sparked debate among visitors. Adult tickets cost £34, while children’s tickets are £30, with toddlers paying just 20 pence. Some tourists found the pricing high, while others defended the park, noting that new rides are still under construction and that the park appears to be targeting younger audiences.

Social media platforms have seen an influx of excitement from theme park enthusiasts. Many visitors shared their positive experiences, with one user writing on the park’s official Instagram page, “I was there today I’ll say yes… MEGA! I liked the most on the roller coaster in the dragon zone.” Another added, “Really one of the most beautiful entrances. Not getting over it. Bravo.”

The four themed areas at Hossoland include the Dragon Valley of the Mines, the Land of the Vikings, the Kingdom of Baltambrya, and Mermaid City. Karen Hovsepyan, vice president of the park’s operator Hosso Group, previously stated that Hossoland would be the only amusement park of such a large scale on the Polish coast. She emphasized that the park aims to become a recognizable symbol and a frequently visited destination in the region. It is hoped that the park will attract one million tourists per year.

For international visitors, the closest airport to Hossoland is Szczecin, with direct flights available from Liverpool and London via Ryanair. The park is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport, and it is also within a three-hour drive of Berlin.

A New Chapter for a Former Theme Park

In a separate development, a former theme park site is set to undergo a transformation after being left abandoned for 15 years. The former Camelot Theme Park in Charnock Richard, Lancashire, is being considered for conversion into 350 homes. A planning application has been submitted by Story Homes, proposing that 50% of the housing be affordable for local residents.

Camelot, which closed in 2012 after nearly 30 years of operation, was once a popular tourist attraction in the north west of England. The park featured a range of attractions, including the Excalibur 2 ride and live jousting events. Inspired by the legend of King Arthur, the park was eventually boarded up due to declining visitor numbers attributed to bad weather. Over 150 staff members lost their jobs as a result of the closure.

Despite its decline, the park remains a significant part of local history. The Knightmare roller coaster, a notable attraction, remained standing even after the park closed and was only dismantled in 2020. Other famous rides included the Dragon Flyer, Caterpillar Capers, The Galleon, and Pendragon’s Plunge.

As Hossoland begins its journey as a new entertainment destination, the story of Camelot serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of theme parks and the potential for repurposing abandoned spaces.