Zweefmolen 1920 – Nederlands Openluchtmuseum
Nostalgic swing ride at the winter funfair in Arnhem
Zweefmolen 1920 is the name of the historic swing ride that Nederlands Openluchtmuseum in Arnhem specifically describes as part of its winter funfair. The name roughly means “floating carousel” in German. As you circle on the carousel, the chains carry the seats outwards, creating a light feeling of flying. The museum gives the year 1920 for this attraction.
Learn more – pick a topic:
What to expect
- Family-friendly
Highlights & records
Historic swing ride, dated 1920 according to Nederlands Openluchtmuseum.
Gliding instead of looping: this swing ride shows you what a classic funfair feels like.
General
- Year built
- 1920
Zweefmolen 1920: gliding like at funfairs of the past
Unlike a modern high swing ride, this one focuses on the traditional circular ride. You sit in a freely suspended seat, and as the carousel turns, the circular motion lifts you slightly outwards. This makes the ride feel airier than an ordinary roundabout. According to the museum, the winter setting of the open-air museum and the music of a barrel organ in the fairground are part of the atmosphere.
Who is the historic swing ride suitable for?
Its nostalgic character appeals to families and people who enjoy gentle round rides. The open seating position gives you a different view of your surroundings. There is no need for a spectacular high ride. The operator's safety rules still apply, though. You can find out at the entrance whether you can ride alone and what minimum height is required. Then decide whether the ride is suitable for you or your children.
Zweefmolen 1920: history and features
The museum website presents the swing ride as a historic part of its winter funfair and dates it to 1920. This makes it part of a generation of swing carousels that shaped fairs long before today's high rides. The museum has not yet provided details about previous owners, the number of seats or the ride's drive mechanism. Its special appeal therefore lies in the combination of a historic ride principle, a winter fairground setting and a classic fairground atmosphere.
- Type of operation
- Permanent
- Status
- Active / in operation
Tips for visiting the winter funfair
Allow some time to watch the ride from outside, too. This gives you a good view of how the seats swing out as it turns. It is also worth combining your visit with the Grand Carrousel and the museum's other attractions. Note that the winter funfair is not open on every public holiday. The Nederlands Openluchtmuseum publishes the current opening days. In our attraction guide, you can find more classic rides from funfair history.
Upcoming funfair dates
Ride Zweefmolen 1920 – Nederlands Openluchtmuseum live
Sources: Official winter funfair page of Nederlands Openluchtmuseum (accessed on 29 October 2026).
Discover more