Round rides
Round rides are at the heart of every funfair. Whether it’s Breakdance, Musik Express, Polyp or Wellenflug, you’ll find all the rides that go round here – some are relaxing, others provide plenty of centrifugal force.
Round rides: centrifugal force and music
Round rides shape the look of every funfair. They spin, swing and whirl their passengers through the air, usually accompanied by loud music and a ride announcer on the microphone. Unlike roller coasters, they need little space. That’s why you’ll find them at small village funfairs as well as at large fairs.
The best-known round rides
On the Breakdance, the gondolas spin on turntables, which in turn circle on an inclined platform. This creates an unpredictable ride experience. The Musik Express, on the other hand, races along a wavy circular track, often backwards too. Its predecessor, the Raupe, also had a canopy. On the Polyp, the arms with their gondolas rise and fall like the tentacles of an octopus. The Calypso sends its gondolas spinning on a rotating platform. Finally, on the chair-o-planes or Wellenflug, you soar through the air in seats suspended from chains.
How thrilling is each ride?
There’s a wide range. A Wellenflug is relaxing and suitable for children too. A Breakdance or Musik Express, on the other hand, generates considerably more centrifugal force. If you’re sensitive to spinning movements, it’s better to choose a traditional swing ride. Use the thrill level filter above to quickly find a suitable ride. Under Features, you can also search for backwards rides or live commentary.
Round rides and their history
Many round rides have a long tradition. The swing ride has been around since the early 20 century, and the Raupe was already delighting fairgoers in the 1920s. In the 1980s, manufacturer Huss introduced the Breakdance, a ride that remains one of the most popular to this day. New models combine familiar movements with modern light shows and sound systems. So it’s worth taking a closer look, even at familiar types. The profiles provide details of each ride’s manufacturer, year of construction and special features. You can also see which fairs they visit.
If you’re after something even more extreme, take a look at the inverting and thrill rides.