Merry-glow-round: Theme park built in a nuclear reactor promises a fun-fuelled day



These extraordinary images show what could be the world's most bizarre theme park - built around an abandoned nuclear power station.



Wunderland near Kalkar, Germany, cleverly combines a never-been-used multi-million-pound reactor with classic fair rides, including a merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, carousel and log flume.



A swing ride has even been fitted inside the old cooling tower, while a 130ft-high climbing wall features on the outside.



Don't mention the core: The theme park, in Kalkar in Germany, uses the 80 hectares of an nuclear reactor for hotel rooms, rides, restaurants and bars. The reactor was never used

Fallout risk: Swings and gravity rides have been constructed high up within the reactor's 130ft cooling tower, and the outside of the tower is used as an impressive climbing wall

Sights and heights: One of the many Ferris wheels give a unique view of the surrounding countryside, while visitors wait in line inside the cooling tower as the swing ride spins high above their heads



When it was originally built in 1972 the construction - dubbed the SNR-300 - was destined to be the world's most technologically advanced nuclear power plant and Germany's first fast breeder nuclear reactor.

But 12 years and more than £3 million later, the project was eventually cancelled after a series of public protests and nuclear disasters elsewhere, including Chernobyl.



Dutch businessman, Hennie van der Most, bought the entire complex for an undisclosed amount in 1995.



Train reaction: More than 40 rides, including the park's roller coaster, have been added since 2002. The reactor complex was sold off in 1995 and accommodation was built on the site the following year

Popular attraction: A spokeswoman at the park said it received around 600,000 visitors a year, and employed about 550 people during the high season

Aerial view: Despite 12 years of design and construction, and more than £3 million, the reactor was cancelled after a series of public protests and nuclear disasters elsewhere, including Chernobyl

By 1996 there were a few hotel rooms on the site, which gradually expanded to several hundred - as well as bars and restaurants.

Since 2002, the park has seen the addition of more than 40 rides and a museum as well as a miniature golf course and tennis courts.



A spokeswoman at the park said they received some 600,000 visitors a year and employed about 550 people during the high season.



She said: 'People come from all over the world because they are completely fascinated by the park.

'It's totally unique and that's what draws people in. It's not something you see every day.

