Inside the Biggest Indoor Water Park in the World

If you're looking for the biggest indoor water park in the world, Germany likely doesn't come to mind.

But, about 45 miles south of Berlin, inside a former airship hangar, which is frosted in snow in the winter, is an unexpected vacation destination. Tropical Islands is the biggest indoor water park in the world, and manages to keep its visitors warm (though not dry) all year.

The water park caters to vacationers of all kinds. For kids, there's a paddling area with toys, as well as a waterslide and a climbing net. A sprawling playground, remote-controlled pirate ship toys, and a bright blue ball pit are also on offer for the littles. There's even the Tropino Club which offers bumper boats, a miniature car track, and an arcade.

Although traditionally water parks are thought of as family zones, Tropical Islands offers plenty of options for adults, too. A lagoon modeled after one you might find in Bali is a good place for a soak, or you can relax in one of the several saunas littered throughout the park. The "tropical sea," located under a clear roof so guests can feel the sun, covers the area of three Olympic-sized pools and is kept at a balmy temperature.

The larger waterslides mean that adults are guaranteed a fun adventure, as well. Take a turn down Germany’s biggest waterslide tower — a whopping 88 feet with five different slides — or competitive visitors can opt for the Double Racer. You’ll also find the world's largest indoor rainforest with around 50,000 plants at this tropical haven.

In case lounging by the pool under a sunny sky isn't relaxing enough, there is a full service spa in the park. The resort also has an outside area, called Amazonia, which is open year-round. Since temperatures in Berlin dip below freezing in the winter, this feature is probably best left for the brave-hearted — or simply for the summer.

Visitors who want to make a vacation out of it, as opposed to a day-visit, can choose from one of several options for overnight stays. The themed lodges provide an extra level of comfort and a tropical vacation feel, as do the rooms at a slightly lower cost. For those chasing a true outdoor beach holiday, tents set on real sand — equipped with mattresses and linens — are a great option.

If an outdoor water park is more your style, there are plenty of even bigger options, although there is no definitive answer as to which ranks the largest. Two of the biggest are Aquaventure Water Park in the Bahamas, home to the 60-foot Mayan Temple-themed Leap of Faith waterslide, and Caribbean Bay in South Korea, which has indoor and outdoor areas and a diving pool.