Mondlift – Zettl
HUSS Enterprise classic with 20 gondolas and inversions
Operator: Zettl Enterprises KG (München) · since 2024
The Mondlift von Zettl is a true classic among travelling overhead rides. This HUSS Enterprise ride dates back to the 1970s and offers a very different experience from modern propeller rides or drop towers. Its distinctive feature: the gondolas hang from a large wheel that rises to a vertical position during the ride.
Learn more – pick a topic:
What to expect
- Loops / inversions
- Backwards ride
Highlights & records
Classic HUSS Enterprise with 20 two-person gondolas and a wheel that can be raised upright.
A wheel rises into position and suddenly you’re looping over and over: Mondlift keeps the unmistakable Enterprise feel of the 1970s alive.
This is what it’s like to ride Zettl’s Mondlift
You climb into one of the two-person gondolas. At first, the wheel turns in a flat position. As it picks up speed, the entire structure rises until the gondolas travel in a vertical circle. One loop follows another, and the centrifugal force presses you firmly into your seat. According to technical information, the Mondlift can also run backwards, making the rides noticeably different.
Video
General
- Manufacturer
- HUSS (Germany)
- Model
- Enterprise
- Year built
- 1976
- Original name
- Moonlift
- Also known as
- Moonlift
Vehicles & capacity
- Gondolas
- 20
- Riders per gondola
- 2
- Capacity
- 1,400 riders/h
Set-up & transport
- Footprint
- 22 × 22 m
- Power rating
- 90 kW
Zettl's Moon Lift: History and Technology
HUSS built the ride in the 1970s: Ride-Index gives 1976, while other sources list 1978 as the year it was built. According to Ride-Index, it initially travelled through the Netherlands with Michel Ropers under the name Moonlift. The Munich-based Zehle family later took over the ride and operated it for decades, most recently as Mondlift GmbH Zehle until October 2023. Since 2024, the Munich-based Zettl Enterprises KG has continued to operate the Mondlift. To this day, it is the only travelling Enterprise in Germany.
Technically, Mondlift has 20 gondolas with two seats each, so 40 passengers per ride. It needs an area of around 22 by 22 metres and a power connection of 90 kilowatts. Its theoretical capacity is 1.400 people per hour. It is announced for Hamburger Winterdom 2026. You can find more classics in our overview of attractions.
Timeline
According to Ride-Index, built in 1976 (Coasterpedia gives 1978); initially operated as Moonlift by Michel Ropers (Netherlands), then for many years by the Zehle family (Munich), most recently by Mondlift GmbH Zehle until October 2023. With Zettl Enterprises KG since 2024. According to Wikipedia, the only travelling Enterprise in Germany.
- Operator
- Zettl Enterprises KG (Munich)
- With operator since
- 2024
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
Michel Ropers (Netherlands, 1976–1981); Manfred Zehle; Petra Zehle; Mondlift GmbH Zehle (until October 2023)
Who is the enterprise classic suitable for?
The Mondlift is a thrill ride for everyone who likes loops and loves funfair history. If you don't cope well with intense spinning, watch a full cycle first. You can find the rules on minimum height and supervision at the ticket office. For photos, the best moment is when the wheel is vertical, as that's when the distinctive Enterprise silhouette is easiest to make out.
Upcoming funfair dates
Ride Mondlift – Zettl live
Sources: Ride-Index – Mondlift; Küstenkirmes – Mondlift (Zettl); Coasterpedia – HUSS Enterprise; Wikipedia – Enterprise (ride). Cover image: archive photo of 2014 (then Zehle).
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