Germany: German VDFU Association Celebrates International Rollercoaster Day

The German Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (VDFU) is the most important interest group of German theme park operators and will promote as such tomorrow’s international rollercoaster day.

More than 50 of such spectacular rides tickle the nerves of guests in German leisure parks today. But also the so-called megacoasters started small – on August 16^th, 1878, the first rollercoaster has been patented in the USA, which leads us to tomorrow’s rollercoaster anniversary. Nevertheless, in the Russian city of St. Petersburg people have been even faster in the full sense of the word: In the 18^th century, the Russians constructed wooden coasters up to a height of 20 meters and with an inclination angle of max. 50 degrees. In winter times, the ramps have been covered with ice and snow, so that daredevils could speed down the artificial mountains on slides. Although this type of riding fun was quite risky indeed: the wooden coaster triumphed in the world.

The first closed and oval-shaped rollercoaster opened on New York’s Coney Island in 1885 with a track length of 180 meters and 15 meter high hills. The slides have been converted into carriages with wheels, one year later surrounded by artificial landscapes. In the 1920s, the popular wooden coaster found its way to Germany thrilling riders until the 50’s. Later on, the first steel coasters were constructed on steel pipe rails. In Germany, the first „super-8-coaster” was opened in 1964 at the Munich Beer Festival, operated at a speed of 50 km/h.

Nowadays, riders get thrilled by loopings, twists, free falls and speeds of more than 100 km/h. The experience is completed by a perfect theming, immersing riders into imaginative worlds. Theme park operators always look for new ways to create the perfect illusion, making the rollercoaster ride unique. (eap/VDFU)