7 breathtaking records on steep tracks

'Silver Star' at Europa-Park Rust: a 1.6-kilometre-long dopamine rush

Silver Star at Europapark ©Europa-Park GmbH & Co Mack KG

The 'Silver Star' has gold status among rollercoaster fanatics. Despite reaching 73 metres in height and up to 127 kilometres per hour in speed, this legendary steel giant no longer holds the European record, but it still holds the German record (together with 'Kärnan'). Passengers say the feeling when the train goes over enormous airtime hills and 4G forces press them into the elegant carriages is unlike anything else.

'Schwur des Kärnan' at Hansa-Park: fast, high, backwards, dark

Oath of Kärnan at Hansa-Park ©HANSA-PARK Freizeit- und Familienpark GmbH & Co. KG

As if a height of 79 metres and record speeds of 127 kilometres per hour weren't thrilling enough. No, the 'Schwur des Kärnan' (English: Oath of Kärnan) at Hansa Park, located directly on the Baltic Sea, also impresses with a spectacular backward free fall in a dark tower – the only one of its kind in the world. In any case, this hyper coaster, themed around a medieval castle, combines storytelling and thrills at the highest level. This is achieved not least by intensive ride elements.

'F.L.Y.' at Phantasialand: a masterpiece of engineering

The name says it all – on the world's first and longest flying launched rollercoaster, passengers literally fly through the industrial town of Rookburgh. In a reclining position, you travel through narrow alleys and a hotel, over rooftops and past steam chimneys. The rapid catapult launches alone are exhilarating – and the immersive experiences even more so. It's no wonder that this rollercoaster , which opened in 2020 and is one of the most innovative in Europe, has been showered with awards.

'Voltron Nevera' at Europa-Park: over two minutes of complete madness

Voltron Nevera at Europapark ©Europa-Park GmbH & Co Mack KG

With seven head-over-heels moments, 2.2 seconds of continuous weightlessness and a launch angle of 105 degrees, this rollercoaster , which opened in 2024, has set several records. Themed around the visionary inventor Nikola Tesla, this 1,385-metre-long multi-launch coaster combines technology, storytelling and thrills to create a masterpiece – which is precisely why 'Voltron Nevera' is an absolute highlight for rollercoaster fans.

'Colossos' at Heide Park Soltau: plenty of wood for adrenaline junkies

Colossos in the Heidepark ©Heide-Park Resort (2025) (Heide-Park Soltau GmbH)

50 metres high and reaching speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour: 'Colossos' , located in northern Germany's largest amusement park, enjoys legendary status among wooden rollercoasters. No other ride in Europe, or possibly even worldwide, comes close, especially after its extensive renovation in 2019. Modernised trains and impressive theming based on a fire-breathing forest creature make this 1,344 metre-long ride with its intense airtime moments even more thrilling.

'big FM Expedition GeForce at Plopsaland: a milestone in modern rollercoaster technology

big FM Expedition GeForce in Plopsaland ©Holiday Park GmbH (Plopsaland Deutschland)

Plopsaland sounds like a new player, but it existed under the name of Holiday Park until 2025, and boasts Germany's first drop tower as well as river rapids. However, its most famous ride remains the 'bigFM Expedition GeForce'. This steel rollercoaster catapults passengers at speeds of up to 120 km/h over steep descents, tight turns and intense airtime hills. When 4.5G is added to the mix, it provides a timeless adrenaline rush in a league of its own.

'Taron' at Phantasialand: everything except loops

Taron at Phantasialand ©©Phantasialand

Visitors can experience the world's longest and fastest multi-launch rollercoaster in the impressive Klugheim theme world, travelling at speeds of up to 117 kilometres per hour through narrow gorges and past bubbling volcanoes. Steep curves, airtime hills and an extremely winding track layout ensure an intense ride experience that harmonises perfectly with the dense, immersive atmosphere of the Nordic mythological backdrop. It's no wonder that 'Taron' is considered one of the most popular and technically-innovative rides in Europe.