Pirate River – Schneider
Pirate log flume with a skull and two drops
Operator: Piratenfluss Schneider OHG / Familie Heitmann-Schneider (Hamburg)
Schneider's Piraten-Fluss is a transportable log flume with elaborate pirate scenery. The set-up looks like a small harbour world of its own: boats travel along a watercourse before reaching two striking drops. The ride through the giant skull is particularly eye-catching. This attraction combines a classic water ride with detailed theming and is a highlight at fairs.
Learn more – pick a topic:
What to expect
- Water ride / splash effects
- Family-friendly
Highlights & records
Pirate theming with a skull; two drops at heights of 7 m and 17 m.
Two drops of different heights and the large pirate-themed scenery make Schneider's Piraten-Fluss a striking water ride at fairs.
Piraten-Fluss: How the water ride works
On Piraten-Fluss, you board a boat and first travel along the watercourse. The ride alternates between calmer sections and climbs towards the drops. The water is part of the experience: after the descent, the bow dips back into the flume, and a wave can reach the riders. The first drop takes you through the skull. Then comes a second, much higher drop. The operator gives the heights as seven and seventeen metres.
The pirate theming is more than just a backdrop at the entrance. It shapes the appearance of the entire ride and makes it clear even to onlookers what it is about: a boat ride with two highlights. If you want to see what to expect before getting on, you can watch the drops and splashes from the outside.
Video
General
- Manufacturer
- Reverchon (France)
- Model
- Reverchon Wild River XL
- Year built
- 1998
- Premiere
- 1998
- Original name
- Piraten-Fluss
- Also known as
- Piratenfluss; Piratenfluß
Ride
- Height
- 18 m
- Drop
- 17 m
Set-up & transport
- Footprint
- 55 × 26 m
- Power rating
- 120 kW
History and technology of the log flume
Piraten-Fluss is made by the French manufacturer Reverchon. The operator calls the model Wild River XL. The ride has been associated with the Heitmann-Schneider showman family since 1998. It is particularly large for a travelling ride: according to the operator, the facade is 26 metres wide, the depth is 55 metres and the total height is 18 metres. The technical systems require approximately 120 kilowatts for the pumping station and drive.
The two drops are at the heart of the ride concept. The higher one is almost as high as the overall structure, while the smaller one leads into the log flume experience. The watercourse, boat transport and large themed facade must all be assembled and dismantled for each appearance. This mobile operation is what distinguishes the ride from permanent log flumes at theme parks.
Timeline
Known since 1998 as a travelling log flume operated by the Heitmann-Schneider showman family.
- Operator
- Piratenfluss Schneider OHG / Familie Heitmann-Schneider (Hamburg)
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Operator and appearances
Piratenfluss Schneider OHG, based in Hamburg, operates Piraten-Fluss. The company publishes its travel dates on its website. For 2026, it lists, among others, Hamburger Sommerdom, Annaberger Kät and Bremer Freimarkt. This makes it easy to distinguish this particular ride from other water rides with similar pirate theming.
Who is Piraten-Fluss suitable for?
The ride appeals to visitors who enjoy water attractions and descents. The appeal lies not only in the height, but also in the moment of entering the water and the possibility of getting splashed. Especially in warm weather, this is a different kind of funfair ride from a carousel with spinning movements. The relevant height and accompaniment rules for children apply at the ride. You should check these before buying a ticket.
Even if you don't want to ride it yourself, you can still get a good look at the attraction. The boats are visible from several spots, and the skull decorations make a striking photo backdrop. Find more mobile water rides in our overview of rides.
