Dønnervind at Freizeitpark Plohn: The world premiere by Mack Rides

Dønnervind: Freizeitpark Plohn's world first for its 30th anniversary

While the mention of a major world first generally directs attention towards large European or American leisure complexes, it is actually in Saxony, within the friendly Freizeitpark Plohn, that theme park news is being made. To celebrate its thirtieth anniversary, the German park has realized a historic investment of 11.5 million euros with Dønnervind, a world-unique Water Coaster designed by manufacturer Mack Rides.

Officially opened to the public this June 2026, this attraction offers an unprecedented fusion between the speed of magnetic launches and the visual impact of water sections.

A major technical evolution: The Water Coaster in launch mode

Until now, traditional Water Coaster models relied on a classic layout including a chain lift hill, a roller coaster section, followed by a final drop ending with water braking in a splash pool.

With Dønnervind, whose name translates to "Thunder Wind" or "Storm" in Norwegian, Mack Rides is reinventing this category of machine. The attraction stands out as the world's first Water Coaster to integrate magnetic launches (LIM system). Instead of using a traditional lift hill, the boats undergo several dynamic accelerations along the track. This technical choice makes it possible to offer rapid changes of direction and moments of speed characteristic of recent Launch Coasters, while maintaining smooth transitions within the navigable sections.

Key technical specifications

• Investment: 11.5 million euros, representing the largest budget in the park's history.
• Manufacturer: Mack Rides.
• Track length: 535 meters.
• Maximum speed: Approximately 53 km/h.
• Notable elements: Two launch zones (including a rolling launch performed on the fly), two splashdown zones, and navigation channels.
• Train configuration: Individual 8-passenger boats, arranged in 4 rows of 2 seats.

A Scandinavian theme integrated into the landscape

For the creation of the scenery, Freizeitpark Plohn collaborated with the specialized company Universal Rocks. The attraction is themed around a Viking concept and is integrated directly onto one of the park's bodies of water. The track winds above and at lake level, offering continuous visual interaction for visitors nearby, particularly during the creation of water geysers caused by the braking of the boats.

Park Trips' Analysis

Freizeitpark Plohn demonstrates that a family-run business can show boldness comparable to that of the major players in the sector. After standing out in 2009 with the Wooden Coaster El Toro, and then in 2019 with the Big Dipper Dynamite, the park is enriching its offering with a third major installation.

The main appeal of this new addition lies in the originality of its design. Combining the responsiveness of a Launch Coaster with the broad appeal of a water ride creates a balanced experience. This strategic choice makes it possible to target a wide audience, including both families and thrill-seekers. This exclusive collaboration with Mack Rides confirms Plohn's dynamic positioning on the European scene and makes it a relevant destination to include in upcoming park visit itineraries.