The Great Maze – Edgar & René Rasch
Historic glass maze with two floors and funhouse mirrors
Operator: Edgar & René Rasch oHG (Hamburg)
Der große Irrgarten Rasch is a traditional glass maze run by the Hamburg showman family Edgar and René Rasch. Instead of taking a seat in a gondola, you become an explorer yourself: you find your way through seemingly open passages, come across unexpected dead ends and have to find your bearings among mirrors and transparent panels. The contrast between its historic appearance and the surprisingly tricky route is what makes this funhouse so appealing.
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What to expect
- Family-friendly
Highlights & records
Two-storey glass maze with 17 nostalgic funhouse mirrors and moving floor sections.
A funfair classic that tests your sense of direction rather than your speed.
Experience Der große Irrgarten Rasch
At first, the entrance seems straightforward. But after just a few steps, the boundaries between an open passage and a glass wall begin to blur. You slow down, check the next turning and watch other visitors also search for the right way. The maze spans two floors and combines the search for the exit with small moving features. Wobbly floor sections and changing perspectives mean that even a seemingly simple route can become a little challenge.
The nostalgic funhouse mirrors are especially distinctive. They distort faces and body shapes, turning the search for your way into a moment of laughter time and again. Der große Irrgarten Rasch is therefore not about speed or spectacular manoeuvres, but about perception, surprise and sharing the experience.
What makes Der große Irrgarten Rasch special?
Its strength lies in the combination of nostalgia and active participation. You are not just watching a set ride; you decide for yourself which route to try. Taking a wrong turn is all part of the fun. At the same time, its historic design offers a different experience from the often brightly themed action rides nearby.
If you’re looking for more similar attractions, you’ll also find other walk-through attractions and classics in our attractions overview. Der große Irrgarten Rasch is a particularly good example of how a funfair visit can be surprising and entertaining even without high-speed thrills.
General
- Manufacturer
- Mack (Germany)
- Model
- Glass maze / two-storey funhouse
- Year built
- 1957
- Original name
- Die große Freiheit
- Also known as
- Der große Glas-Irrgarten
Ride
- Height
- 11 m
Set-up & transport
- Footprint
- 24 × 9 m
- Power rating
- 60 kW
History of Der große Irrgarten Rasch
The attraction dates from 1957 and was built by the German manufacturer Mack. Earlier in its history, it was known as „Die große Freiheit“ and belonged to Dagobert Bruch from Karlsruhe. The showman family Rasch took over the funhouse later. This history explains why the attraction is now seen not only as a fun diversion, but also as a piece of funfair history.
While many modern funhouses use digital effects and changing themed worlds, the maze relies on the straightforward idea of a confusing glass route. Its classic design and striking mirrors remain the real stars. The attraction has also been closely associated with Hamburg DOM for many years and has appeared at other major fairs.
Timeline
Built by Mack in 1957; originally known as „Die große Freiheit“ and owned by Dagobert Bruch in Karlsruhe. Later taken over by Edgar & René Rasch; for many years it has appeared at fairs under its current name.
- Operator
- Edgar & René Rasch oHG (Hamburg)
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
Dagobert Bruch (Karlsruhe)
Who is the glass maze suitable for?
The walkthrough is especially appealing to families, couples and groups of friends looking for an active alternative to carousels at the fairground. Children can enjoy the unusual reflections, while adults try to see through the optical illusions. It is also a great experience to share: whoever finds the way can give the others a hint—or let them work it out for themselves first.
As you move through the attraction on your own, it is less about courage than paying attention. However, the paths and obstacles mean you need to watch where you step. A leisurely walk is therefore better than racing through the glass passages. For current entry conditions and any rules about accompanying visitors, follow the signs on site.
Upcoming funfair dates
Ride Der große Irrgarten – Edgar & René Rasch live
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