Germany's Europa Park has reported record visitors in 2019, with 5.7 million people coming through popular theme park's gates.

The numbers cap a big year for Europa Park – one in which it opened its new immersive indoor waterpark Rulantica, as well as Krønasår, an adjacent Scandinavian-themed 4-star hotel with Nordic restaurants and bars.

These investments cost €180m (US$200.7m, £152.8m), which represents the operator's single largest investment.

Last year also saw the reopening of Europa Park's Scandinavian area following a major fire in 2018. The relaunch came with a new family attraction – Snorri Touren – which is a dark ride offering a multimedia exploration of Rulantica by inflatable boat.

Europa Park says that its new additions offer what is increasingly becoming a stand-alone travel destination.

"Rulantica had a great start and gets top marks," said Europa Park owner Roland Mack. "We're extremely pleased with that as the water world is new territory for us. The occupancy of the hotel 'Krønasår', which opened in May, is also exceptionally good at more than 90 per cent."