The popular water slides at Alpamare, Switzerland’s largest aquapark, have been closed for over two weeks, sparking frustration among visitors and a wave of negative reviews. While initial explanations cited a “technical malfunction,” details have been scarce, leading to speculation and concern. Now, park operators are providing more clarity, revealing the issue isn’t with the slides themselves, but with a passageway leading to them.
The closure, which began before the start of sports vacations, has prompted a surge of one-star reviews on Google, with visitors expressing disappointment and questioning the park’s maintenance. Concerns extend beyond the immediate slide closure, with some reviewers citing issues with cleanliness and overall upkeep. “The Alpamare is in a dilapidated state. From open sockets to crumbling scaffolding. If the next catastrophe doesn’t happen,” one reviewer wrote, according to reports.
Another visitor commented, “Closed slides are one thing. But when the rest of the facility appears unkempt, dirty and run-down, understanding stops. Dirty – I don’t know if I’ll come back,” highlighting the broader impact of the situation on visitor perception.
According to a statement from Alpamare, the ongoing investigations focus on the passageway to the slides. “Due to the precautionary closure of the passage to the slides, the slides themselves cannot currently be used,” the park explained. The municipality of Freienbach, which initiated the closure, has stated it is unable to provide further details due to ongoing proceedings.
The lack of transparent communication has drawn criticism from communications expert Felix Murbach. “The wording is very general. Guests want clarity. If information is missing, speculations arise – and they are usually more negative than reality,” he cautioned. He emphasized the importance of addressing negative reviews seriously, as they heavily influence potential visitors’ decisions.
Murbach added that while Alpamare has a strong brand reputation, relying on past success is insufficient. “This is clearly a stress test for the Alpamare brand at the moment,” he stated, urging the park to take decisive action both in terms of communication and operational improvements.
Alpamare maintains that the park is hygienically clean and that processes have been revised and a comprehensive hygiene concept implemented over the past three years. They also reported that routine quality testing conducted in November 2025 yielded a “good” rating for the slides. However, the park acknowledges that the closure has led to a decline in visitor numbers.
“Unfortunately, we are currently unable to make a forecast as to when the area will be able to reopen,” Alpamare stated. The park has offered a 50 percent discount on admission in the interim, but for many families, the loss of the main attraction remains a significant disappointment.
The situation underscores the critical importance of clear and timely communication, particularly when it comes to safety concerns. As Murbach points out, guests are understanding but expect to be taken seriously. Openly addressing the issue and providing a realistic timeline for resolution can help rebuild trust and mitigate further damage to the park’s reputation.
The closure also highlights the competitive landscape of water parks in the region. With alternatives like Säntispark, Bernaqua, Aquabasilea and Rulantica readily available, Alpamare must prioritize addressing the current issues to maintain its position in the market.
