Gian Steinbusch
This small amusement park may still be an insider tip, but it’s definitely a worthwhile destination for families, set amidst beautiful natural surroundings. In this post, I’ll show you what the park has to offer.
Where Vicky & Friends Conquer the Ardennes
Nestled in the Belgian Ardennes lies the charming amusement park Plopsa Coo, which will soon be known as Plopsaland Ardennes. It’s located right next to the Coo Waterfalls in the municipality of Stavelot, not far from the famous Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps racetrack. It’s just about an hour’s drive from the German border.
Plopsa Coo is part of the Belgian Plopsa Group, which also operates other amusement parks across Europe. The group is well known for incorporating popular characters from TV series such as Vicky, Maya the Bee, the Smurfs, and many others.
Plopsa Coo: Then & Now
The roots of Plopsa Coo go back to the 15th century, when the first waterfall at Coo was artificially created. From the 18th century onward, the natural spectacle increasingly attracted tourists.
In 1955, the first attraction was introduced: a chairlift that took visitors up a 220-meter-high hill. Over time, this evolved into a small amusement park, which was known as Télécoo from 1976 onward.
After facing difficult years, Studio 100 – the company behind Plopsa – took over the park in 2005 to establish their popular characters in the Walloon region. Since 2007, the park has been officially named Plopsa Coo and has undergone gradual modernization and expansion.
Today, Plopsa Coo offers over 20 rides and attractions for the whole family. Here are the highlights.
Attractions for the Little Ones
Since Plopsa Coo is primarily aimed at children, it naturally offers a wide variety of child-friendly carousels and other attractions. In addition, several playgrounds and interactive shows featuring popular TV characters invite kids to join in and explore.
Adventures for the Whole Family
For slightly older kids and roller coaster fans, Plopsa Coo also has a diverse range. There are two roller coasters, for instance. One is a spinning coaster named “Vicky – The Ride,” where depending on the weight distribution, the ride can become quite a wild spin. The other is a more hidden coaster that takes you into the world of the Smurfs.
To cool off on warm days, you can enjoy the dancing fountains, the Dino Splash slide complex with three slides, and the adjacent log flume ride Maya Splash.
Other standout attractions include a go-kart track, a summer toboggan run, and the iconic chairlift that takes visitors from the valley up to around 700 meters in elevation – and, of course, back down again.
New Additions in the 2025 Season
This year, a brand-new Maya the Bee themed area is being constructed at Plopsa Coo – lovingly designed and entirely family-oriented. Four new attractions await you there: a family-friendly free-fall tower, an interactive carousel, the “Swinging Tree,” and a so-called Wild Swing (pictured on the left).
A Wild Swing attraction of this type was also recently opened at Fort Fun Abenteuerland – we covered it in a previous post.
Top 5 Highlights at Plopsa Coo
1) Chairlift
One of Plopsa Coo’s signature attractions is undoubtedly the chairlift, first established in 1955. It carries visitors from the valley up to about 700 meters above sea level and back again. During the ride, you’ll enjoy a phenomenal view over the amusement park and the surrounding nature. Definitely a must-do during your visit.
2) Mega Mindy Flyer
This Star Flyer offers an alternative to the chairlift, giving you a fantastic view of the park and the surrounding Ardennes from over 60 meters high – with an added adrenaline factor. If you’re afraid of heights, it’s better to stick with the chairlift.
3) Le Schtroumpfeur
The older of the two roller coasters at Plopsa Coo is Le Schtroumpfeur. It’s a terrain coaster, meaning the track follows the natural topography. Even though its age is starting to show, it’s still a fun ride suitable for the whole family.
This roller coaster opened in 1989 and received a lovely Smurfs-themed makeover in 2023, during which the queue area, station, and trains were redesigned.
4) Vicky – The Ride
Without a doubt, the wildest ride at Plopsa Coo is the spinning coaster “Vicky – The Ride.” The ride features spinning gondolas designed like Viking boats and is the park’s roller coaster highlight.
5) Toboggan
Things get a bit more adventurous on the park’s summer toboggan run. A lift pulls the sleds backward up the hill – once at the top, you race down a 600-meter track winding through nature back into the valley. This ride is nearly 40 years old but is still a lot of fun!
Food & Dining
It’s generally worth bringing your own food. The park offers a covered picnic area and numerous picnic benches.
Of course, there are also various snack stands where you can get classics like fries, sausages, pizza, ice cream, and more. Right next to the waterfalls is the self-service restaurant La Cascade. Here you’ll find spaghetti bolognese, burgers, tomato soup, and traditional Belgian dishes like Liège-style meatballs or Flemish beef stew.
The food tastes okay, but don’t expect a culinary revelation – this isn’t gourmet dining. Prices range from 10 to 20 euros per dish.
Practical Information
Tickets & Opening Hours
Ticket prices for Plopsa Coo are standard for a park of this size. Admission for adults and children over 1 meter tall costs between 23 and 32 euros, depending on the day of visit. Children under 1 meter pay a flat rate of 16 euros.*
The park is generally open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.*
* All information without guarantee – prices and hours may vary. Please check the park’s official website for up-to-date information before your visit.
Getting There & Parking
By Car
The easiest way to get to Plopsa Coo Ardennes is by car. The park is located at Coo 4, 4970 Stavelot, Belgium. For navigation, it’s recommended to enter Route de la Hârotte in Stavelot, as this is where the entrance to the parking area is located.
A parking ticket costs €12.50 (as of April 2025) and is valid for one vehicle for one day. Tickets can be purchased online, at ticket machines on-site, at the counters, or in the visitor reception area.
By Train
It’s also possible to reach the park by train: Coo Station is just a few minutes’ walk from the park entrance – ideal for those who prefer to travel by public transportation.
Photos: Glenn Gonderinger
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