Life is a rollercoaster for Ian Crump as he enjoys a break of contrasts in Germany’s Black Forest

I was sat there unable to move, strapped to my chair as beads of sweat began to form upon my brow.

My palms felt warm and wet, whilst my heart thundered through my chest and body.

The only movement achievable was from the uncontrollable nervous shaking of my leg and the movement of my lips to murmur incomprehensible chants along the lines of "oh my god. oh my god, oh my god."

The intense wait came to an abrupt end as the cart was propelled forwards, hitting 62mph in just 2.5 seconds.

The world-famous roller coaster Blue Fire was under way, taking myself and other thrill seekers on an adrenaline pumping ride across 80 meters of track, incorporating vertical loops and corkscrews.

All the while, my heart rate was monitored from grip handles much like those used in gym equipment.

As amazing and fear inducing as it was, Blue Fire is just one of the dozens of attractions in Germany's Europa Park, the second most popular theme park in the whole of Europe.

Our guide told us "Only the bravest ride on Blue Fire, it's certainly not for everyone. Luckily though, we cater for the entire family here at Europa Park."

He wasn't kidding.

Europa Park is home to Alpenexpress Coastiality the world's very first virtual reality coaster which whisks its riders away to a fantasy land of volcanoes, mine carts and flying dragons.

What would otherwise have been a relatively mundane and tame coaster was transformed by the use of a VR headset. It was an experience like no other, and one that will surely catch on throughout the rest of the world.

From hi-tech to old-school, the Wodan Timbur Coaster is a wooden roller coaster that shakes the bones of those who dare to ride it. It can be heard for miles around as the wood creeks and cracks under the pressure whilst the passengers let out joyful yet fear-laced shrieks of pleasure.

Those after something a little more relaxing will be glad hear there are spas, a golf course, a 4D cinema and a host of other family friendly treats.

There's accommodation available on site, including five hotels with varying international themes, and a campsite.

Visitors are spoiled to a host of eateries, selling hamburgers to pretzels, wiener schnitzel to sausage.

The restaurant Foodloop is a wonder to behold. An establishment where the order is placed on computer screens and then delivered to the table via a mini roller coaster. It's a unique idea, and one that's a lot of fun.

Queues can get rather large for this crazy lunchtime experience so it's worth getting there early, and is well worth the wait.

Moving away from Europa Park, there's plenty to see nearby.

For those after something much more relaxing and rural, a stay in Freudenstadt could be just what's needed.

Located on the east edge of the north Black Forest, it's a city famous for having Germany's largest market place and a hot spot for German cuisine.

Throughout history Freudenstadt has been devastated by plague, war and fire, but has been restored each time to replicate its original beauty.

It's a newly built old city that demands to be seen whilst in the area - plus it's a great place to pick up a slice of Black Forest gateaux that puts Sara Lee to absolute shame.

A short trip way away and an easy place to get to by train is the bustling university town of Karlsruhe. Complete with it's own tram system, it's a place that's easy to get around.

And it's vital to get around here - there's plenty of shopping to be done after all. From large department stores to boutique jewellers, malls to small alleyway stores; there's so much to see and do.

It may be a busy town, yet the serene tranquility of the gardens in Seepark in the city's centre is astounding.

There's a large lake, a concert platform, an observation tower, and a myriad of various themed areas. There are even elephants and turtles walking around.

Fans of fashion would no doubt enjoy a trip to Metzingen, the fashion capital of Germany, and an attraction to many across Europe.

Before being populated by factory outlets from almost every fashion designer imaginable, Metzingen was home to a young tailor who aspired to be more, and for his small hometown to prosper with him.

That taylor was Hugo Boss.

As well as the Hugo Boss headquarters, it's now home to over 80 companies including JOOP!, Escada, Bally, Burberry, Nike, Ralph Lauren and more.

Metzingen is easy enough to get around as the outlets are grouped closely together. In fact with only 22,000 occupants, it's an incredibly small city.

So whether in to thrill rides or wearable cow hides - there's something for everyone in the South East of Germany.

Factfile

For more information on Europa Park and to book tickets visit europapark.de/en

To plan your visit to and to find out which outlets are located at Outletcity Metzingen, visit outletcity.com/en/metzingen

Eurowings flies from London Heathrow direct to Stuttgart, Germany, for as little as £29.99.

Visit eurowings.com/en for more details and to book flights.