Germany’s Schwaben Park to Sell Its “Wilde Hilde” Rollercoaster Ride
(eap) For seven years now, the “Wilde Hilde” has been part of the Schwaben Park’s attraction line-up. Now it’s time to say goodbye to the iconic roller coaster: First unveiled as a world novelty by Swiss manufacturer RES in 2016, put into operation as a prototype at Schwaben Park in October 2018, and officially opened there in 2019 (see EAP 1/2019), the attraction will leave the park at the end of this season to find a new home elsewhere.
“Our surveys have shown that for many families with small children, the ‘Wilde Hilde’ is simply too exciting,” explains park director André Hudelmaier. “Our younger guests love gentle adventures and shared laughter. An attraction that inspires more respect than enthusiasm does not fit with our philosophy in the long term.”
The ride concept – inspired by a marble run – is as unusual as it is fascinating: After a vertical lift carries the gondolas, which are mounted on the side of the track, 20 meters up into the air, they descend along the 100-meter-long track in a zigzag course, accompanied by surprising swinging motions (without inversions) and short free-fall moments. In the Baden-Württemberg park, the attraction – a humorous homage to park founder Sieghard Hudelmaier (†), who once created today’s amusement park from a former animal farm – has been themed as a quirky chicken house, complete with its own soundtrack.
Those who would like to enjoy one more ride on “Wilde Hilde” at Schwaben Park can do so until November 2, when the current season ends. The Freizeitland Geiselwind amusement park is currently the subject of “heated” discussion on the web as the attraction’s new location. The park management views the farewell with mixed feelings, as every farewell also brings new beginnings. What exactly will take the attraction’s place remains a secret for now – but, as the park revealed to EAP, a new attraction is to be built on the site that becomes available, scheduled to open at the latest at the start of the summer holidays in Baden-Württemberg. ■