Europe’s fastest and second-highest wooden roller coaster is set to open on June 18th at Kolmården, Scandinavia’s largest wildlife park.
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‘Wildfire’ promises a world-beating combination of three inversions, a near-vertical free fall angle of 83 degrees and a top speed of 113 km/h.
Created by US-based Rocky Mountain Construction, the SEK 135 million attraction is made from Swedish wood and will be located between Safari and Marine World.
“Wildfire is what we call a ‘mega coaster’, ” explains Fred Grubb, founder of Rocky Mountain Construction. “It’s extremely big, fast and nerve-shredding. It’s the only one of its kind anywhere in Europe. The challenge of building in Kolmården’s unique natural setting was to adapt the ride to the surrounding terrain.”
Wildfire is the first coaster built by Rocky Mountain Construction outside the USA. It is also their longest ever.
“Our new rail design for wooden roller coasters makes it possible to build under these conditions like never before. Wildfire is going to set records in the roller coaster world, ” said Grubb.
The ride’s unique setting within the 370 acre park, one of Sweden's most popular destinations, will offer guests breathtaking views across Bråviken.
“After a number of meetings with Rocky Mountain Construction, we realised that the dream of Wildfire could be made a reality, ” comments Parks and Resorts owner, Johan Tidstrand. “That was a fantastic feeling and together we’ve created the greatest wooden roller coaster the world has ever seen. The vision was to set the benchmark for the industry and we’ve done it.”
Wildfire Stats:
– Length: 1300 metres
– Height: 57 metres
– Ride time: 120 seconds
– Speed: 113 km/h
– Angle: 83 degrees
– Height above sea level: 132 metres
– No. of inversions: 3
