The Experience
Introduction
Schweizer Bobbahn is a 1985 Mack Rides Bobsled coaster at Europa Park. This is a historic ride for several reasons, as it is not only one of the first coasters at Europa Park (opening the year after the original Alpenexpress Enzian) but also the first of its model and one of the earliest Mack coasters in general. However, we also have to be honest and say that Mack has come a long way since then. While the ride is very historic, the actual experience is somewhat forgettable.
Theming and Presentation
First off, the least surprising positive aspect of Schweizer Bobbahn is its theming and the overall look of the surrounding area. Located in the Swiss themed area, it features classic wooden buildings, a somewhat castle-like interior, and lots of rockwork to represent the Swiss Alps. The queue and station are detailed and immersive, and the views you get from the top of the coaster are fantastic. We also really like how the layout weaves around trees and bushes, and through a short cave and the themed maintenance building. As with everything else at Europa Park, the visuals are top-notch.
A Unique Breed
Bobsled coasters are quite rare, even when counting their Intamin counterparts, and they are only becoming fewer with each passing year, which is why we should cherish these old-school attractions for as long as we can.
The ride experience of a Mack Bobsled is quite unique and very different from most other coasters, whether wood or steel. The main difference is that the trains do not run on traditional fixed rails; instead, the wheeled chassis rolls freely inside a steel trough. This gives the impression that the vehicles could "roll off" the edges, which adds an extra level of thrill and excitement to the ride.
This unique sensation does have an unfortunate downside, however, which is the relentless vibration as you run over the trough's tubular grid (a design used to prevent water from pooling on the track). This means it is not the most comfortable ride out there, and for people with neck or back problems, it could be straight-up unrideable. This is an inherent flaw of the model - one that you have to endure to experience the unique sensation of a bobsled coaster.
The ride experience of a Mack Bobsled is quite unique and very different from most other coasters, whether wood or steel. The main difference is that the trains do not run on traditional fixed rails; instead, the wheeled chassis rolls freely inside a steel trough. This gives the impression that the vehicles could "roll off" the edges, which adds an extra level of thrill and excitement to the ride.
This unique sensation does have an unfortunate downside, however, which is the relentless vibration as you run over the trough's tubular grid (a design used to prevent water from pooling on the track). This means it is not the most comfortable ride out there, and for people with neck or back problems, it could be straight-up unrideable. This is an inherent flaw of the model - one that you have to endure to experience the unique sensation of a bobsled coaster.
The SHORTcomings
Despite its historic significance, great theming, and unique experience, you might notice that the overall score we have awarded Schweizer Bobbahn isn't particularly high. This is due to several shortcomings that we feel the ride has (with extra emphasis on short here). One is the relentless vibrating and the discomfort it can bring, but more importantly, Schweizer Bobbahn fails to capture the true potential of this ride type. This makes sense given that it's a prototype, but it is still quite underwhelming for such a unique concept.
The biggest issue is the amount of time you actually get to roll freely around the trough, which, for a Bobsled, is pretty much how you would define "prime ride time" for the model. Not only is the ride itself quite brief, but the actual amount of track where you are free-rolling makes up less than half of the total experience - roughly 20 seconds in total. If those 20 seconds were amazing, it might be okay, but the speeds are fairly low and the swinging is moderate at best.
The biggest issue is the amount of time you actually get to roll freely around the trough, which, for a Bobsled, is pretty much how you would define "prime ride time" for the model. Not only is the ride itself quite brief, but the actual amount of track where you are free-rolling makes up less than half of the total experience - roughly 20 seconds in total. If those 20 seconds were amazing, it might be okay, but the speeds are fairly low and the swinging is moderate at best.
Conclusion
We appreciate Schweizer Bobbahn and what it meant for both Mack Rides and Europa Park. We would MUCH rather see this ride refurbished or improved than torn down for a modern family replacement; however, we also can't ignore the fact that it kind of fails at what it's actually supposed to be good at. The ride experience is too short, and the amount of time you get to roll freely in the trough is simply too limited! Mix this with the heavy vibration, and there is only so much that immersive theming and great views can do.
Overall, the ride experience is unique and one we should cherish for as long as we can, but for now, we consider Schweizer Bobbahn to be just an okay family coaster.
Overall, the ride experience is unique and one we should cherish for as long as we can, but for now, we consider Schweizer Bobbahn to be just an okay family coaster.
Gallery
Schweizer Bobbahn Gallery
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Strengths & Weaknesses
| Great theming and surroundings | |
| Unique ride experience | |
| Quite short overall | |
| Limited amount of free rolling | |
| Heavy vibrations throughout |
Information
Technical Specs
Specifications
Sit DownBobsledCustom
TypeSteel
Length1597,8 ft
Height62,3 ft
Speed31,1 mph
Inversions0
G-Force3,0 G
Duration105 sec
Notes
Schweizer Bobbahn is "Swiss Bobsled" in German.