The Experience
Introduction
Bobbahn is a 1994 Mack Rides Bobsled coaster located at Heide Park in Germany. Built nine years after the original, it is much larger than its older brother at Europa Park. Interestingly, this serves as the only true, large-scale family coaster in Heide Park's lineup, an interesting choice given how unique and polarizing this model can be. We were very excited to get some rides on this classic 'Mack Produkt' and see how it stacked up against the original.
Spaghetti Hill
In 1990, Heide Park erected an artificial mountain (though it is more of a large hill) at one end of the park to house their new log flume, Wildwasserbahn II. Over the years, attractions have come and gone, including the log flume itself, and have been replaced with newer additions. The most notable of these is Flug der Dämonen, which shares much of the space with Bobbahn and has created a sort of "coaster-spaghetti" area along the hillside.
We actually consider this a massive positive for Bobbahn. Older photos show just how isolated and barren the area originally was, and since this is a coaster model that thrives on weaving in, out, and around other objects, the modern interwoven layout feels like a big upgrade.
We actually consider this a massive positive for Bobbahn. Older photos show just how isolated and barren the area originally was, and since this is a coaster model that thrives on weaving in, out, and around other objects, the modern interwoven layout feels like a big upgrade.
The Meaner Brother
Compared to its older brother, Schweizer Bobbahn, Heide Park's Bobbahn is an entirely different beast. It is much longer, significantly taller and faster, and spends almost no time locked to a guide track. This results in a wilder, far more satisfying ride experience than its Europa Park counterpart. There is no doubt that Bobbahn leans more into the "family-thrill" category; the intense swaying and the sense of speed are very noticeable, all of which is enhanced by the unique ride type and the dense scenery you weave through. However, Bobbahn also vibrates heavily throughout the entire layout. While this is a flaw Schweizer Bobbahn also suffers from, the rattling is much more pronounced here due to the higher top speed and extended duration, which unfortunately keeps the coaster from being super re-rideable.
Conclusion
Bobbahn is a solid family-thrill coaster and a big improvement over the prototype bobsled, offering a much longer and faster experience that truly realizes the potential of the ride model. The intense swaying in the turns and the incredible sense of speed you feel while flying in and out of small caves and tunnels, weaving around structures and Flug der Dämonen, make for a super fun experience.
However, aside from its inherent capacity issues, Bobbahn possesses what is probably one of the strongest continuous vibrations found on any roller coaster. It is not rough per se, but the constant rattling is quite uncomfortable; as the layout gets faster and more thrilling, the vibration intensifies right alongside it. For some, this will just be a minor setback, but for others, a complete dealbreaker. We think it is perfectly tolerable, but it definitely impacts the ride negatively and remains the main reason why this coaster doesn't score higher than it does.
However, aside from its inherent capacity issues, Bobbahn possesses what is probably one of the strongest continuous vibrations found on any roller coaster. It is not rough per se, but the constant rattling is quite uncomfortable; as the layout gets faster and more thrilling, the vibration intensifies right alongside it. For some, this will just be a minor setback, but for others, a complete dealbreaker. We think it is perfectly tolerable, but it definitely impacts the ride negatively and remains the main reason why this coaster doesn't score higher than it does.
Gallery
Bobbahn Gallery
Loading images...
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Cool and Unique ride type | |
| Quite thrilling | |
| Surrounding area is great for this ride | |
| Bad capacity | |
| Vibrates heavily throughout |
Information
Technical Specs
Specifications
Sit DownBobsledDouble LiftCustomSemi Enclosed
TypeSteel
Length3248,0 ft
Height88,6 ft
Speed32,9 mph
Inversions0
Duration166 sec
Notes
Bobbahn means "Bobsled" in German