Europe: Re-Opening of Parks and Attractions in Scandinavia & Poland
Särkänniemi, FIN
Like everywhere else in Europe, the Scandinavian countries show extraordinary particularity in their rules and regulations. In Denmark, thanks to a significant improvement in the occurrence of infection and the introduction of a digital ”Corona Pass”, the situation probably looks the best right now. New regulations for reopenings have been in place since April 21; for example, up to 500 spectators are allowed to access capacity-restricted, segregated areas in soccer stadiums. Museums, libraries and art galleries have also reopened in the meantime. However, all activities require the presentation of the Corona Pass, which either proves that one has tested negative in the past 72 hours, has been vaccinated, or has been infected with the Corona virus during the past two to twelve weeks. Restaurants, stores, museums and other facilities have reopened. Some theme parks, including LEGOLAND® Billund, have also been open since late March or early April.
Norway’s government also recently unveiled a phased plan for a return to normality. Whether domestic tourism, which is included in stage two of the plan, can resume business activities from mid-May is to be decided soon, taking into account the latest infection figures.
Finland is also looking to lead the way out of the Corona restrictions with a multi-stage plan. Amusement parks are scheduled to reopen starting in May – Särkänniemi in Tampere opens May 22, Linnanmäki in Helsinki not before June 4.
No relaxations in sight in Sweden: After an easing of current regulations was originally promised in this part of Scandinavia for May 3, restrictions – as announced on April 22 – have instead now been further extended due to rising infection rates in the country. Accordingly, amusement parks in Sweden will also remain closed.
For Polish amusement parks, water parks as well as animal parks there is no prospect of an early opening so far. After high infection numbers at the beginning of April, schools (only first to third grade) as well as hairdressing salons reopened in many parts of the country this week. Leisure and cultural facilities such as museums, cinemas and theaters remain closed. At the same time, numerous attractions in Polish parks are waiting for their premiere operation with guests. In Energylandia, the new “Aqualantis” themed area including the new coaster highlight “Abyssus” (Vekoma) is ready to be experienced by visitors (for more details about this development do not miss our upcoming EAP issue 3/2021, which will be published on May 3). The same goes for Majaland Kownaty, which will open its “Super Wings” themed area this summer.
Read also our summaries France & Southern Europe, UK & Benelux and the DACH region. (eap)
