Verbolten: Forbidden Turn

Verbolten: Forbidden Turn brings a new chapter to the Black Forest story, transforming the coaster into a storytelling device. Through characters, animatronics, environmental details, immersive effects and the physical sensations of the ride, guests don’t simply follow the story – they become part of it, embarking on a seemingly charming German motor tour that takes an unexpected turn into the depths of the Black Forest.

The story begins before guests ever board the coaster. At Black Forest Motor Tours, they are welcomed by new management and invited to explore Germany’s legendary countryside.

What initially appears whimsical gradually becomes unsettling as signs appear where they shouldn’t; shadows seem to move on their own, and whispers suggest something sinister lurks in the forest. As guests are cautioned not to stray from the road, visual, environmental and narrative clues build anticipation for what’s to come.

The narrative continues once guests board the coaster, with updated interior scenes, animatronics, theming and special effects surrounding the journey through the Black Forest. Frau Hexel, the new host of Black Forest Motor Tours, helps establish the story before the ride begins and becomes a central character in the reimagined experience.

Once the tour enters the forest, the coaster’s movements become part of the storytelling. Reaching speeds of up to 53 mph, guests encounter sudden turns and the ride’s signature indoor drop-track element as their scenic sightseeing excursion becomes a journey that has gone dangerously off course. The physical thrills of the coaster heighten the narrative unfolding around them as they travel deeper into the Black Forest.

The 2026 reimagining evolves Verbolten’s story while maintaining its connection to the attraction’s established world. New characters and story elements are layered into the existing ride, creating a new experience for returning guests while giving first-time riders a complete story of their own.

By extending the narrative across the pre-ride experience, characters, physical environment, special effects and coaster journey, Verbolten: Forbidden Turn brings the Black Forest to life in an immersive new way. Rather than simply moving guests through the story, the coaster places them within it, allowing them to uncover the mystery of the Black Forest as its twists, thrills and surprises unfold around them.

Partners

GuernseyTingle is a themed entertainment and architect firm based in Williamsburg, Virginia. They supported the creation of Verbolten: Forbidden Turn through concepting, design and more.