The iconic Parc Merveilleux in Luxembourg is celebrating 70 years. Since opening in 1956, the Luxembourg staple has seen generations of families pass through its gates. To celebrate seven decades, the Bettembourg park has announced a massive expansion plan, with ground set to break on the expansion in fall 2027.
Far from a modest expansion, the investment is expected to be substantial. According to the park, more than 60 million euros have been allocated to the first phase, which would largely be financed by the German leisure‑park operating company THEO LIRPA Rides GMBH & Co KG. The park’s team told RTL that they had originally wanted to wait until next year for the official announcement, as the park will officially celebrate its anniversary in 2027, but decided against it.
“Initial discussions with a German operator, who runs amusement parks across Europe, have indeed been ongoing for some time, in collaboration with the municipality of Bettembourg,” a spokesperson for the park told RTL, adding that the works are scheduled to start around October–November 2027, indicating that the park is likely to close at least partially from fall onward.
“For us, Parc Merveilleux was always a real hidden gem. It has a long tradition, a strong emotional connection within the population, and at the same time enormous untapped potential.” For Kuske, spokesperson for the development company, it’s clear that Luxembourg’s location offers a great mix of nature, entertainment, and accessibility while being at the heart of Europe.
Discussing the small size of Bettembourg, Kuske says it’s actually an advantage: “Here we can create something truly unique without having to interfere with existing large structures.”
He confirmed that around €60 million would be required in the first phase, for a new division of the park which will be split into themed areas with new attractions, a hotel, additional restaurants, and a “completely new parking and traffic infrastructure”. While they’re aware of the project’s scale compared to the size of Bettembourg, the company is convinced that it will be a worthwhile investment.
Kuske, who stressed that discussions around the expansion are still ongoing, explained that for them, “this is clearly a long‑term commitment.” He emphasised that the goal is not only to modernize the existing structures, but to develop Parc Merveilleux into “one of Europe’s leading family and adventure parks.”
According to Kuske, construction is currently planned to begin in late 2027. Work may be carried out in phases so the park can remain partially open to visitors, a solution that also suits the municipality. The operator notes that the animals and their enclosures will, of course, continue to be cared for throughout the works, and added that they will have a free pass on all the rides once they are ready.
The park will remain an animal park, though some animals may be moved further away from large rides and noise to reduce stress. The park’s iconic mascot, the giant, will also stay and official sources even hint that a “giant lady” might join him soon – has the big man finally found his match?
For now, the earliest completion date for the entire project is 2030. Projects of this scale typically stay on schedule – especially in Luxembourg – when partial closures allow work to progress more quickly.
When asked what visitors can look forward to, the plans already seem quite concrete. They range from a new hotel and restaurants to a large roller coaster, a water ride, a 3D simulator, and new enclosures “built to the latest standards.” The works will also include an overhaul of the existing infrastructure, from paths to supply systems, and a new parking area. “In short: Parc Merveilleux will be completely reimagined.”
The park operator explained that dialogue with the Bettembourg municipality is ongoing, adding that this cooperation is very important to the German company. A project of this scale would not be feasible otherwise and would not fit the company’s philosophy. Whether the park will keep the name Parc Merveilleux and who will ultimately operate it is still undecided, negotiations are still at an early stage. Another idea being discussed is offering every Luxembourg resident a free first entry to the new park, but this is also not yet confirmed.
The park, which only opened for the season a few days ago, may be seen in its current form for the last time.
