Alpen Coaster – Vorlop
The classic Schwarzkopf Wildcat on tour
Operator: Willi und Jennifer Vorlop / Vorlop GmbH & Co. Freizeitanlagen KG (Hannover) · since 2017
Alpen Coaster Vorlop is a travelling steel roller coaster with an unusually long history. If you like classic roller coasters, you won’t find a modern launch here, but a lively ride experience with individual cars, distinctive turns and the special character of a Schwarzkopf design. The ride was built in 1967 and, decades later, began a new chapter under the Vorlop showman family.
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What to expect
- Family-friendly
A traditional roller coaster with individual cars, lots of curves and an unusual comeback.
Alpen Coaster Vorlop: What the ride feels like
While you queue, you can already see the individual cars rolling along the compact track layout. Unlike a large roller coaster with a long train, you sit in a relatively small car. This means you experience the changes of direction directly. After the climb come drops, curves and tightly winding sections typical of a classic Wildcat. It’s not about inversions, but about the sensation of speed and the rapid sequence of elements.
The ride is particularly appealing in the evening. The illuminated coaster, the busy funfair and the passing rides create an atmospheric setting. You can also watch the cars go round the track before boarding. This gives you a good idea of whether you’d like to try this type of roller coaster.
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General
- Manufacturer
- Schwarzkopf (Deutschland)
- Model
- Wildcat – medium version
- Year built
- 1967
- Premiere
- 1968
- Original name
- Himalaya-Bahn
- Also known as
- Himalaya-Bahn
Ride
- Track length
- 500 m
- Height
- 24 m
- Inversions
- none
Vehicles & capacity
- Capacity
- 900 riders/h
Set-up & transport
- Footprint
- 54 × 24 m
- Power rating
- 110 kW
Alpen Coaster Vorlop: Features and construction
According to the operator, the coaster measures 54 metres across the front. Its track is around 500 metres long and its overall height is 24 metres. A depth of 24 metres is required for the set-up, including the ticket booth. Vorlop also specifies a power connection of 110 kilowatts and energy-efficient LED lighting. These figures describe this specific ride, not just a similar roller coaster model.
The combination of a transportable structure and a long track is remarkable. After all, the ride has to be assembled at every site and dismantled again afterwards. The operator lists nine transport vehicles as well as other logistics vehicles. The set-up is therefore already a demanding part of the travelling funfair operation.
A classic with a remarkable history
The ride was made by the German manufacturer Schwarzkopf and initially operated under the name Himalaya-Bahn. After its early travelling years, it spent many years at Schwaben Park in Kaisersbach. It then returned to German fairgrounds under the Vorlop family. Its return to travelling operation in 2017 is therefore an unusual example of how a historic roller coaster can continue to be used.
The operator modernised the ride for its return to fairs. Today, Alpen Coaster combines traditional roller coaster technology with modern lighting and a mobile set-up. Its changing locations make it a special attraction for fans who want to experience classic designs outside an amusement park.
Timeline
Built in 1967; debut as Himalaya-Bahn on 1968. Stationary at Schwaben Park for many years. Refurbished for travelling operation under Vorlop and returned to German fairs in 2017.
- Operator
- Willi und Jennifer Vorlop / Vorlop GmbH & Co. Freizeitanlagen KG (Hannover)
- With operator since
- 2017
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
Herhaus (Frankfurt); Schwaben Park (Kaisersbach, until 2015)
Who is this roller coaster suitable for?
Alpen Coaster is for you if you enjoy classic steel roller coasters and a lively ride experience. It may also appeal to families with children who are experienced on roller coasters. However, check minimum height and age requirements directly at the ticket booth, as no reliable current approval for all riders is available here. If you are sensitive to fast turns, watch a full ride cycle first.
Where the ride is currently appearing can change from season to season. So check the actual line-up of rides at each event in our funfair calendar. For technical details and photos, the official operator's website is also worth a visit..
Upcoming funfair dates
