Circus Circus – Circus Circus GmbH & Co. KG
Huss-Magic classic with circus façade and premiere 1989
Operator: Circus Circus GmbH & Co. KG (Emstek)
Circus Circus is a travelling Huss Magic ride whose colourful circus-themed design has been one of the most eye-catching attractions at German fairs for decades. The ride is now operated by Circus Circus GmbH & Co. KG from Emstek. Behind the large sign and clown figure is a structure in which several movements overlap: the arms rise and lower while the gondolas rotate around their own axes.
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What to expect
- Multi-axis rotation
- Family-friendly
Highlights & records
Circus theming; variable set-up dimensions according to the operator: frontage 23,0–24,8 m, depth 24,0–24,9 m. 12 gondolas with 4 seats each.
Circus Circus combines a distinctive circus setting with the multidimensional motion of the Huss Magic – a classic since Sterkrade 1989.
The ride experience between the Magic gondolas
At Circus Circus, you sit in one of the gondolas arranged on the arms of the central ride. The entire structure starts moving, the gondola’s position changes continuously and the view of the surroundings is constantly shifting. At times, the scenery seems to draw close, then the view opens out across the fairground. It is this interplay of movements that gives a Huss Magic its character. It is neither a ride on rails nor a traditional swing carousel, but a distinctive circular ride system.
From the outside, the attraction looks especially lively. As the gondolas move along their tracks, you can see the circus façade and the riders changing positions at the same time. If you want to understand how it works, you can watch the machine for a few moments before getting on. The elaborate decoration is not just a backdrop but part of what makes it recognisable. Even after dark, the circus character remains distinctive.
Video
General
- Manufacturer
- Huss (Deutschland)
- Model
- Magic (No. 3)
- Year built
- 1989
- Premiere
- 1989
- Serial number
- 54014
Ride
- Height
- 12 m
Vehicles & capacity
- Gondolas
- 12
- Riders per gondola
- 4
Set-up & transport
- Footprint
- 24.9 × 24.8 m
- Power rating
- 190 kW
The history of Circus Circus since its Sterkrade debut
Circus Circus was built in 1989 by the German machine manufacturer Huss. Ride-Index lists the ride as Magic Number Three and names the Sterkrader Fronleichnamskirmes in Oberhausen as its debut venue. This is a remarkable beginning for an attraction that later appeared at numerous major fairgrounds. Documented previous operators include Howey and Bruch at first, then Bruch alone, Bruch & Gründler, Thomas Gründler and Gründler & Preuß.
Today, the operator is Circus Circus GmbH & Co. KG, based in Emstek. The official website documents the different technical set-up configurations and the considerable effort involved in transporting the ride. The history explains why older photos and videos may show different operator names yet still feature this exact machine. The colourful circus-style appearance has remained, even though the organisational arrangements have changed over the decades.
Timeline
Debut 1989 at the Sterkrader Fronleichnamskirmes in Oberhausen; later travelled on under several different operating arrangements.
- Operator
- Circus Circus GmbH & Co. KG (Emstek)
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
1989–1990 Howey/Bruch; 1991–2001 Bruch (Düsseldorf); 2002–2015 Bruch & Gründler oHG; 2016 Thomas Gründler; thereafter Gründler & Preuß KG
Who is Circus Circus suitable for?
Magic is aimed at visitors who want to experience a classic, high-motion circular ride. If you enjoy being spun around and like varying accelerations, you’ll find a different experience here from a Break Dance or Musik Express. The gondolas are shared by several people, so the ride can be fun, especially in a group. The minimum height and rules for younger riders are displayed at the entrance to the ride.
Fans of classic Huss rides can compare the motion with other rides by the manufacturer. Even so, this circus machine remains a distinct physical ride with its own operating history. In our ride directory, you can find more round rides and compare their concepts.
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