Königlicher Wellenflug – Manuel Kaplan
Nostalgic Zierer swing ride with a royal history
Operator: Manuel Kaplan (Worms) · since 2016
Königlicher Wellenflug is the travelling swing ride operated by Manuel Kaplan and built by manufacturer Zierer. This swing carousel has been making the rounds at fairs since 1986. Its history stretches from its former name, “Bayrischer Wellenflug”, to its current royal design. This makes it not only a popular ride but also an interesting part of funfair history.
On a swing ride, the seats hang from chains beneath a large rotating canopy. As soon as the carousel starts moving, the seats swing outwards. Their height keeps changing with the characteristic wave-like motion. This creates the feeling of gliding over the fairground rather than simply going round in a circle.
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What to expect
- High ride with a view
- Family-friendly
Highlights & records
Historic Zierer swing ride with changing heights; formerly Bayrischer Wellenflug under the Drelischek family.
From Bayrischer to Königlicher Wellenflug: the ride combines gentle swinging, a breeze and views across the fairground.
Königlicher Wellenflug: From a Bavarian to a royal name
The ride was built by Zierer in 1986. Its first operator was Hans Drelischek from Nuremberg. Harald Drelischek later took over the swing ride and operated it until 2016. The ride then passed to Manuel Kaplan from Worms. This kept the carousel travelling rather than at a permanent amusement park location.
Until 2022, the ride was known as “Bayrischer Wellenflug”. The current name, “Königlicher Wellenflug”, therefore marks a new phase in the history of the same physical ride. If you find older photos or ride tokens, they may still show the former name. They still depict the same swing ride.
The traditional construction suits the nostalgic design that many visitors appreciate in swing carousels. The swing ride offers lovely views in daylight too. In the evening, the illuminated silhouette of a carousel like this is a classic part of the scene at a fair.
Königlicher Wellenflug: What the ride feels like
The ride starts calmly after you get on. Then the carousel picks up speed, and centrifugal force lifts the seats outwards. You feel the breeze and see the surrounding stalls, lights and rides from an unusual perspective. The repeated up-and-down motion adds a gentle rocking sensation.
This change of movement is what makes the swing ride appealing. It feels more open-air than a classic ground-level carousel, but has no inversions or sudden changes of direction. If you enjoy the views and the feeling of freedom, you can experience a very different side of the funfair here than on a roller coaster.
Video
General
- Manufacturer
- Zierer (Germany)
- Model
- Zierer swing ride
- Year built
- 1986
- Premiere
- 1986
- Original name
- Bayrischer Wellenflug
- Also known as
- Bayrischer Wellenflug
Ride
- Height
- 14 m
Set-up & transport
- Footprint
- 16 × 16 m
- Power rating
- 80 kW
Timeline
Built by Zierer 1986; initially owned by Hans Drelischek, later by Harald Drelischek. With Manuel Kaplan (Worms) since 2016. Until 2022 known as Bayrischer Wellenflug, then Königlicher Wellenflug.
- Operator
- Manuel Kaplan (Worms)
- With operator since
- 2016
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
1986–approx. 1995 Hans Drelischek (Nuremberg); approx. 1995–06/2016 Harald Drelischek (Nuremberg)
Who is the ride suitable for?
If you enjoy swinging and taking in the view across the fairground, Kaplan's Wellenflug is a good choice. The ride can also be enjoyable for families, provided everyone meets the relevant height and age requirements. You can find the exact access requirements at the ride.
From the outside, it is worth watching the swinging seats rise and fall. Their movement shows why this type of ride is quite different from a simple swing ride. You can find more wave flyers and fairground classics in our ride guide.
Upcoming funfair dates
Ride Königlicher Wellenflug – Manuel Kaplan live
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