If you’re a fan of the iconic 1985 comedy film, European Vacation, you may have wondered where exactly the German scene was filmed. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the filming location and some interesting facts about it.
The German Scene in European Vacation
In European Vacation, the Griswold family travels across Europe and has many misadventures along the way. One of the most memorable scenes is when they arrive in Germany and visit a fictional town called “Rust.” This is where they experience a traditional German festival complete with beer, bratwursts, and lederhosen.
The Filming Location
Contrary to popular belief, the German scene in European Vacation was not actually filmed in Germany. Instead, it was filmed at a theme park called “Walibi Holland” located in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands. The park was originally called “Flevohof” and was used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows in the 1980s.
Interesting Facts About Walibi Holland
- Walibi Holland opened in 1971 as a petting zoo before expanding into an amusement park.
- The park has over 40 attractions including roller coasters, water rides, and thrill rides.
- One of the most popular rides is “Goliath,” a steel roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 106 km/h (66 mph) and has a drop of 46 meters (151 feet).
- Walibi Holland is known for its Halloween Fright Nights event where the entire park is transformed into a haunted attraction.
The Rust Scene Set Design
The set design for Rust in European Vacation was created specifically for the movie. The production team built a replica of a German town square complete with a clock tower, beer tents, and carnival games. The set was so elaborate that it took over three months to build and required over 4,000 extras for filming.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. The German scene in European Vacation was actually filmed in the Netherlands at Walibi Holland.
Despite not being filmed in Germany, the set design and attention to detail made it an unforgettable scene in the movie. If you’re ever in the Netherlands, be sure to check out Walibi Holland and experience the thrill of some of their famous rides.