Schwanenflieger – Hornig
Historic swing ride with swan-shaped seats
Operator: Günther Hornig (Dortmund) · since 1966
Schwanenflieger Hornig is a nostalgic swing ride from Dortmund that invites you to enjoy a classic carousel ride. What makes it special are the lovingly designed swan seats alongside the usual swing ride seats. The ride recalls a time when, at a fair, it was not top speed but exceptional design that made the greatest impression.
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What to expect
- Family-friendly
Highlights & records
Historic swing ride with swan seats; 54 seats according to Ride-Index and onride.
A gentle glide and a piece of living fairground history.
Schwanenflieger Hornig: Floating instead of chasing records
As the carousel starts moving, the rotation gradually lifts the seats outwards. You feel the wind of the ride, look out over the people at the fairground and enjoy a smooth circular motion. Unlike a modern high swing ride, the focus here is not on setting a spectacular height record. Instead, the appeal comes from the combination of movement, music, decoration and an open view of the fairground activity.
The striking swans make the ride interesting for spectators too. Before boarding, you can take a look at how the seats are arranged and how the historic ride is constructed. If you are visiting with children, ask the staff about suitable seats and the current height or supervision requirements.
General
- Manufacturer
- Timm
- Year built
- 1949
- Premiere
- 1949
Ride
- Height
- 11 m
History and special features of Schwanenflieger Hornig
According to the ride database Ride-Index, Schwanenflieger dates from 1949 and was built by Timm. The ride is documented as being around eleven metres tall, with a total of 54 seats. Before it was taken over by the Hornig showman family from Dortmund, the ride was with Krämer in Stuttgart. Industry sources list Hornig as the operator since 1966; a comprehensive renovation in 1995 is also recorded.
This explains why, despite its age, Schwanenflieger is still seen as a travelling swing ride. Historic rides must be carefully maintained and adapted to current safety requirements. At the same time, their original character should be preserved. It is precisely this combination of tradition and ongoing maintenance that makes classic swing rides such an interesting part of showmen's culture.
Timeline
1995 fully renovated (onride.de, Kirmes Revue). Documented by Hornig since 1966.
- Operator
- Günther Hornig (Dortmund)
- With operator since
- 1966
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
- Last known season
- 2026
Previous operators
Krämer (Stuttgart), until 1965; according to Ride-Index.
Who is the swing ride suitable for?
If you’re looking for a gentler ride but still want to feel the wind on your face, you might enjoy Schwanenflieger. It appeals to families, nostalgia fans and visitors who enjoy riding classic carousels. However, the open ride may feel unfamiliar if you’re afraid of heights. Specific age limits, minimum height requirements and prices are not reliably documented for every appearance. So check the information at the entrance.
A lovely tip for your visit: Photograph the decorations only from a safe distance from the moving seats, and take time to appreciate the historic design. You can find more classic carousels in our attractions overview.
Upcoming funfair dates
Ride Schwanenflieger – Hornig live
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