Alpenexpress Enzian (formerly Grottenblitz) is a powered roller coaster with optional virtual reality ride experience manufactured by Mack Rides and located at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany. It is located in the Austria-themed section of the park. Opening in 1984, Alpenexpress was the first roller coaster built at the park. After it, the adjacent Tiroler Wildwasserbahn and the area surrounding them were destroyed in a fire in June 2023, the roller coaster was rebuilt, and reopened in the summer of 2024.
| Alpenexpress Enzian | |
|---|---|
| Previously known as Grottenblitz | |
 | |
| Europa-Park | |
| Location | Europa-Park |
| Park section | Austria |
| Coordinates | 48°15′43″N 7°43′22″E / 48.262082°N 7.722831°E |
| Status | Closed |
| Opening date | 1984 |
| Closing date | June 19, 2023 |
| Replaced by | A rebuilt Alpenexpress Enzian (2024) |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel – Powered – Virtual reality |
| Manufacturer | Mack Rides |
| Model | Custom |
| Height | 6 m (20 ft) |
| Length | 264 m (866 ft) |
| Speed | 45 km/h (28 mph) |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Duration | 1:40 |
| Capacity | 1100 riders per hour |
| Height restriction | 100 cm (3 ft 3 in) |
| Trains | Single train with 10 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 40 riders per train. |
| Website | Official website |
| Alpenexpress Enzian at RCDB | |
Specifications
editThe Alpenexpress train has 10 cars which can accommodate 38 people (four per car, two per row). Each car is equipped with an electric motor which draws power from rails situated between the tracks. The motors drive wheels which run on a third rail in the center of the tracks. The ride is 250 metres (820 ft) in length and has a speed of approximately 45 kilometres per hour (28 mph). It has a capacity of 1100 people per hour and a ride time of 1 minute 40 seconds.
Virtual Reality
editAlpenexpress Coastiality is an optional, pay-per-ride virtual reality experience on Alpenexpress. The system was developed by Mack Rides and VR Coaster and was introduced in September 2015. Each ride at opening cost an extra €2 per person. Riders wear wireless Samsung Gear VR headsets with a selection of four experiences.
Layout
editInitially the ride turns sharply right, then into a left-hand helix into the "Magic World of Diamonds", an artificial cave with a mine theme - this cave is shared with the Tirol Log Flume ride. The ride takes a sharp turn to the right out of the cave and back into the station. Normally the ride operates for two laps.
References
editExternal links
edit
Media related to Alpenexpress at Wikimedia Commons
