Wodan Timbur Coaster is a wooden roller coaster located in the Iceland-themed area of Europa‑Park, a large amusement park in Rust, Baden‑Württemberg, Germany. The attraction opened to the public on 13 March 2012 and is themed after the Norse god Wodan (the Germanic counterpart of Odin). The word “timbur” is Icelandic for “timber,” reflecting both the coaster’s wooden construction and its Scandinavian motif.
Design and construction
- Manufacturer: Mack Rides, a German amusement ride manufacturer.
- Design: Engineered by a team that includes Stengel Engineering, known for roller‑coaster dynamics.
- Track type: Traditional wooden track employing prefabricated, laminated timber sections to achieve a smoother ride experience than earlier all‑natural wood coasters.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Height (maximum) | 38.7 m (127 ft) |
| Drop | 33.5 m (110 ft) |
| Track length | 1,153 m (3,783 ft) |
| Maximum speed | 95 km/h (59 mph) |
| Duration | Approximately 2 minutes, 10 seconds |
| Capacity | Approximately 1,200 riders per hour |
| Trains | 3 trains, each with 8 cars; each car seats 2 riders in a single file (2‑person configuration) |
| Inversions | None |
| Ride elements | Multiple airtime hills, a 90° banking turn, a “double‑up,” and a final helix. |
Operational aspects
The coaster operates with a traditional chain‑lift hill. Its design incorporates a “quiet‑run” layout, limiting excessive noise while preserving the characteristic rattle of wood. The ride’s theming includes wooden structural elements, Viking‑style motifs, and ambient sound effects that evoke a mythic Norse setting.
Historical and cultural significance
Wodan Timbur Coaster was the first wooden roller coaster installed at Europa‑Park and marked a notable expansion of the park’s attraction portfolio, which previously focused on steel coasters and themed dark rides. Its introduction contributed to a resurgence of interest in wooden coaster technology within Europe, demonstrating that modern engineering can combine the nostalgic feel of timber coasters with contemporary reliability and comfort.
Reception
Industry publications and coaster enthusiast communities have generally praised the coaster for its smooth ride, effective theming, and consistent airtime. It has been featured in rankings of notable European wooden coasters and is often highlighted as a key attraction within Europa‑Park’s lineup.