Tropical Islands
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| Tropical Islands | |
|---|---|
| Location | Krausnick, Germany  |
| Phone numbers | 604-463-6287 |
Tropical Islands Resort is an artificial tropical resort in Krausnick, Germany. It is said to have the world's largest tropical indoor pool which can accommodate up to 8,000 visitors a day. It is also the world's largest indoor waterpark at 66,000 m² (710,000 sq feet).
The resort is located in Briesen/Brand, part of Halbe in Dahme-Spreewald, Brandenburg, Germany, about 60 km (36 miles) south-southeast of Berlin, off the Staakow exit of the A13 Autobahn. It is inside a disused hangar 360 metres long, 210 metres wide and 107 metres high. At 5.5 million m³ (194 million ft³), it stands as one of the largest buildings on Earth by volume, and is the world's largest single hall without supporting pillars inside. The hangar cost €78 million and was originally commissioned by Cargolifter AG as an airship hangar named Aerium, but the airship it was intended to house – the CL160 – was never built.
The Malaysian Tanjong company bought the hangar and the surrounding real estate for €17.5 million and turned it into a resort with a man-made tropical habitat. It opened on December 19, 2004. The resort has an exotic environment with rain forest, beach, artificial sun, palm trees, orchids, and birdsong. The air is kept at a warm 25 °C (77 °F). Tropical Islands is open around the clock, every day of the year.
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[edit] Rainforest
The complex contains a large artificial rainforest. The rainforest contains over 30,000 cubic metres of soil with over 500 species of plants. It has over 29,000 trees and plants and creepers covering the remaining space. There are no animals in order to avoid potential soiling of the water in the bathing area. Sounds of natural rain forests are broadcast throughout from speakers disguised as rocks or other natural features. The Tropical Village within the rain forest consists of food and beverage outlets. [1]
[edit] Ballooning
Helium balloons with room for two people offer rides within the dome at a time up to 60 metres above the ground.
[edit] Other attractions
Other attractions found inside the Tropical Islands complex are a large beach, a Balinese lagoon and a camping ground, where visitors can stay for the night inside the climate-controlled dome.
[edit] Interesting facts
- At the south end of the complex, it is actually possible to get a sun tan as the roofing of that section is transparent and allows U-V rays to pass through.
- Due to the enormous amount of open space, the vegetation will be allowed to grow without restriction in the hope of creating a true indoor rain forest canopy.
- Overnight camping inside the dome is available for a fee of $30; that includes a tent, bed, and sheets.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ Tropical Islands > Visitors
- ^ Scott Vogel (March 15, 2009). "In Germany, a Fantasy Island". Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/13/AR2009031301241.html.
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Tropical Islands |
- Tropical Islands Resort English Homepage
- Tropical Islands Dome in the Structurae database
- Article on Tropical Islands
