Towers
Towers take you right up high at the funfair. Here you can find drop towers, swing ride towers such as the Starflyer, and observation towers that give you a spectacular view across the whole fairground.
Towers at the funfair: height that brings people together
Mobile towers are among the tallest rides of all. Some reach 60, 80 or even more metres into the sky and can be seen from far away. Even so, they are assembled and dismantled for every fair. What all towers have in common is the view. What happens at the top, however, depends very much on the type.
These are the types of tower
On a drop tower, you are slowly lifted to the top and then drop almost freely towards the ground. For a brief moment, you feel true weightlessness before magnetic brakes gently bring you to a stop. A swing ride tower, often called a Starflyer, is a swing ride at dizzying heights. You circle high above the fairground in seats suspended from chains. An observation tower, by contrast, offers a relaxed ride: a cabin slowly turns as it rises, giving you a panoramic view.
Who are the towers suitable for?
The observation tower is suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy a lovely view. Swing ride towers, by contrast, require a head for heights, but are calmer than they look. Drop towers are genuine thrill rides. They usually have a minimum height requirement of around 1,30 to 1,40 metres and, depending on the operator, may also have a maximum height limit. Use the filters above to quickly find the tallest towers by height. You can also search specifically for free falls or rides that offer views from great heights under Features.
How does a drop tower work?
On a drop tower, a lift slowly pulls the gondola with its passengers to the top. Once there, a short pause builds the suspense. The gondola is then released and falls almost freely downwards. Magnetic brakes only engage near the bottom, gently slowing the gondola without direct contact. As these brakes work without electricity, they are considered particularly safe. Some towers also rotate the gondola or tilt the seats forwards, so you look straight down as you fall.
Tip: Many towers temporarily stop operating in strong winds. It's better to plan your ride for a calm day.