Linnanmäki

Linnanmäki (Swedish: Borgbacken, colloquially Lintsi, lit. 'Castle Hill') is an amusement park in Helsinki, Finland. It was opened on 27 May 1950 and is owned by non-profit Lasten Päivän Säätiö (Children's Day Foundation), which operates the park in order to raise funds to Finnish child welfare work. In 2019, the foundation donated a total of 4.5 million euros.

Linnanmäki

Location	Helsinki, Finland
Coordinates	60°11′18″N 024°56′25″E
Owner	Lasten Päivän Säätiö
General manager	Pia Adlivankin
Opened	27 May 1950 (1950-05-27)
Operating season	April to October
Visitors per annum	approx. 1 million
Area	7.5 hectares (19 acres)
Attractions
Total	42
Roller coasters	8
Water rides	1
Website	linnanmaki.fi

Aerial view of Linnanmäki in 2008

Linnanmäki is the most popular amusement park in Finland. It has many rides of different sizes.[1] It also has other attractions, such as arcades, games, kiosks, restaurants and an outdoor stage on which different performers appear in the summer. Annually the park is visited by over 1 million guests.

Linnanmäki derives its name from Vesilinnanmäki (Water Castle Hill), the name locals gave the area in early 1900s since it has two water towers, built in 1876 and 1938, respectively. Nowadays the water towers are no longer operational. The older tower houses a maintenance and storage facility and the newer (pictured) an indoor roller coaster Linnunrata.

Vuoristorata has been the most popular ride in Linnanmäki every year since it opened on July 13, 1951.

The park

Linnanmäki is located just north of the city center of Helsinki. The park is located on a hill with a nice view of the city. The park feels rather compact and has no discernible theming; the rides and attractions are in close proximity. In addition to the amusement rides the park also contains the Peacock, a historical theatre built in 1957 and known for its musical productions. In addition to the park itself, guests can also visit Sea Life aquarium, which opened in 2002. The park is open from April to October, while the theatre and aquarium are operational throughout the year. The park also featured Linnanmäen museo from 1996 to 2005, a museum facility which located next to the park's main entrance and housed several exhibitions every year.

The park is easily reached from the city by tram nr 3, 8, 9 and bus nr 23.

Rides and attractions

Linnanmäki currently has 43 rides, along with many other non-ride based attractions. The most notable ride in the park is the wooden roller coaster Vuoristorata, opened in 1951. It is the most recognisable symbol of the park, and was one of the first permanent rides to be built at the park. The oldest ride in Linnanmäki is Karuselli (a carousel), built in 1896.

Linnanmäki has eight roller coasters. Major rides include three tower rides, a ferris wheel, a river rapids ride and spinning rides. The park also has a selection of family and kiddie rides.

Admission to the park is free, and most of the rides can only be ridden with the possession of a ride ticket, or the more popular wristband, which allows the wearer access to all of the park's rides for the entire day. As of 2013, the wristband costs the same for each customer, regardless of height.[2]

Current rides

Roller coasters

Name	Manufacturer / Model	Type	Opened	Notes / Info
Kirnu	Intamin / ZacSpin	Steel roller coaster, 4th dimension	2007	First compact 4D roller coaster, first 4D roller coaster in Europe.
Linnunrata	Zierer / Force	Steel roller coaster, enclosed	2000	Custom coaster layout with theme design and construction by APW Group in the UK. Built inside a former water tower. Previously known as Space Express (2000–2003). For season 2016, virtual reality headsets were added to enhance the experience.
Pikajuna	Mack Rides / Powered Coaster	Powered roller coaster	1990	Custom layout, train engine theme. Previously known as City Express (1990–2003).
Salama	Maurer Söhne / Xtended SC 3000	Steel roller coaster, spinning cars	2008	Custom layout, built above existing rapids ride.
Taiga	Intamin / Blitz Coaster	Steel roller coaster, launched	2019	Launched roller coaster opening for season 2019. Custom layout, is the tallest (52 m), fastest (106 km/h) and longest (1,104 m) roller coaster in Finland. Taiga has two LSM launches, a top hat element and four inversions.[3] The track is located mostly in the area where Vonkaputous once stood, but has elements above Pikajuna and Tulireki, too. The station and queue building is constructed on the former site of Vekkula and Kotkot.
Tulireki	Mack Rides / e-Motion Coaster	Steel roller coaster	2004	First and only e-Motion Coaster model.
Ukko	Maurer Söhne / SkyLoop XT 150	Steel roller coaster	2011	Currently the second tallest and fastest roller coaster in Finland.
Vuoristorata		Wooden roller coaster, side friction	1951	Designed by Valdemar Lebech, one of seven existing roller coasters to feature brakemen. Received ACE's "Coaster Classic" award in 2001.

Major rides

Name	Manufacturer / Model	Opened	Notes / Info
Autorata	Gebrüder IHLE Bruschal / Autoskooter ES-GP	1964 (renewed 1981, 2007)	Bumper cars, located beneath the ferris wheel, moved to current location in 2007. Current cars installed in 1981.
Hurjakuru	Intamin / Rapids Ride	1998	Course is 370 meters long, features 50 meters long tunnel and two water falls.
Kahvikuppikaruselli	Mack Rides / Tea Cups	2002	Tea cups carousel.
Kehrä	Emiliana Luna Park / Enterprise	2009	First Enterprise made in Italy.
Kieputin	HUSS Maschinenfabrik / Top Spin	1994	Repainted for 2009 season. Previously known as Top Spin (1994–2003).
Kingi	Moser Rides / Mach Tower	2014	75 meters tall freefall tower, tallest amusement attraction in Finland.
Magia	Technical Park / Heavy Rotation	2017	Spinning ride with rising and rotating arm.
Maisemajuna	Gebrüder IHLE Bruschal / Monorail	1979	Monorail train circulating the park. Previously known as Monorail (1979–2003).
Mustekala	Schwarzkopf / Monster III	1985	Octopus ride, moved to current location in 2010. Previously known as Polyp (1985–2003).
Panoraama	Intamin / Gyro Tower	1987	53 meters tall rotating observation tower.
Raketti	S&S Power / Space Shot	1999	60 meters tall compressed air driven launch tower. Previously known as Space Shot (1999–2003).
Rinkeli	Technical Park / Ferris Wheel	2006	Ferris wheel 32 meters in diameter, replaced old ferris wheel from 1964.
Viikinkilaiva	Zierer / Viking	1981	Swinging ship ride, moved to current location in 2002. Previously known as Viking (1981–2003).

Family rides

Name	Manufacturer / Model	Opened	Notes / Info
Hepparata	Gebrüder IHLE Bruschal / Derby	1982	Galloping horse ride, moved to current location in 1998.
HipHop	Moser Rides / Spring Ride	2000	Family tower ride, moved to current location in 2004.
Hypytin	Zamperla / Sky Tower	2009	Family tower ride.
Karuselli		1954	Carousel built in Germany in 1896.
Ketjukaruselli		1977	Swing carousel, moved to current location in 1998.
Kyöpelinvuoren hotelli	Gosetto / Dark Ride	1950 (renewed 1960, 1973, 1978, 1986, 2000, 2006, 2013)	Ghost train, produced by Farmer Attractions Development. The current version opened in 2013, replacing the Schwarzkopf version from 1973. The ghost train attraction has been present at the park since 1950, previously known as Kummitusjuna (1950–1972, 1978–1985, 2006–2012), Satujuna (1973–1977) and Kauhulinna (1986–2005).
Lohikäärme	Zierer / Dragon	1998	Oriental themed carousel. Previously known as Dragon (1998–2003).
Pellen talo	Gosetto / Fun House	2018	Transportable funhouse mounted on a 16-meter semitrailer. This temporary attraction is installed at the park until new Vekkula funhouse is built. After that the attraction is moved into a Finnish traveling funfair.
Poppis	Gosetto / Party Dance	2016	Carousel with joysticks to rotate the gondolas.
Propelli	Zamperla / Magic Bikes	2016	Carousel with gondolas that can be elevated by pedaling.
Taikasirkus	WGH / Suspended Monorail	2005	Circus-themed dark ride. Produced by Rex Studios in the UK. It replaced Around the World, produced by APW Group in 1997, and uses the same track and cars today.

Kiddie rides

Name	Manufacturer / Model	Opened	Notes / Info
Helikopteri	BN Performance Rides / Elitoys	2006	Helicopter themed tower ride.
Kuuputin	Manorplan Leisure / Stellar Swings	2003	Small carousel with lunar theme.
Merirosvolaiva	Modern Products / Junior Pirate Ship	1988	Small swinging ship ride. Previously known as Pirate (1988–2003).
Muksupuksu	Zamperla / Rio Grande	1967 (renewed 1997, 2007)	Kiddie train ride. Current train installed in 1997. Station renewed in 2007. Original track by Paul Scwingel from 1967. Previously known as Pienoisrautatie (1967–2003).
Pienoiskaruselli	Claudio Sartori	1966	Small carousel with automotive theme.
Pilotti	Technical Park / Baby Aviator	2010	Kiddie airplane ride.
Rekkaralli	Zamperla / Convoy	1995	Convoy truck ride.
Rumpukaruselli	SBF Rides / Clown Cups	1991	Small carousel with music theme.
Vankkuripyörä	Zamperla / Chuck Wagon	1996	Small ferris wheel with Western theme. Previously known as High Chaparral (1996–2003).

Attractions

Name	Manufacturer	Opened	Notes / Info
Cinema	SimEx-Iwerks	1996 (renewed 2005)	4D virtual reality cinema, current system installed in 2005. Original theatre building from 1996, original seat system was relocated to Wasalandia (2006–2016). The film changes in every two years. Previously known as Virtuaaliteatteri (1996–2001), Lintsi-Kino (2002–2006) and Kino (2007–2015).
Kammokuja	Rex Studios	2003	Walkthrough horror attraction, features 3D elements.

Removed rides and attractions

Name	Manufacturer / Model	Opened	Closed	Notes / Info
Apollo	Claudio Sartori	1986	1997	Small carousel. Replaced by Pallokaruselli. Relocations: Tykkimäki (1998–2011), Wasalandia (2012–2016).
Around the World	WGH / Suspended Monorail	1997	2004	Dark ride, also known as Nukketalo (2004). Produced by APW Group in the UK. It was replaced by Taikasirkus, which utilises the same building and cars.
Autorata	Gebrüder IHLE Bruschal	1950	1963	Bumper cars, also known as Radioautorata. Replaced by current Autorata.
Breakdance	HUSS Maschinenfabrik / Breakdance	1988	2001	Replaced by Mustekala (Polyp), which was relocated to Brakedance's property due to the construction of the Sea Life aquarium and installation of Kahvikuppikaruselli. Relocated to a traveling funfair in Germany.
Calypso	Schwarzkopf / Calypso II	1967	1974	Replaced by Enterprise. Relocations: Särkänniemi (1975–1984), Tykkimäki (1986–).
Cortina Jet	Schwarzkopf / Bayern Curve	1970	1987	Replaced by Breakdance. Relocated to Tykkimäki (1988–2006). Currently in storage at Nokkakivi.
Enterprise	Schwarzkopf / Enterprise III	1975	1998	Replaced by Space Shot (Raketti). Relocated to Tykkimäki (1999–2017).
Flying Coaster	Eyerly Aircraft Company / Ski Jump	1969	1969	Replaced by Cortina Jet. This ride was rented from Gröna Lund to operate for one season.
Formularata		1968	1995	Car circuit. Replaced by Virtuaaliteatteri (Kino). Relocated to Rocka al Mare funfair in Tallinn, Estonia, where it operated for some time.
Helsinki-pyörä		1964	2005	Ferris wheel, previously known as Boston-pyörä (1964–1972). Replaced by Rinkeli. Relocated to Tykkimäki (2007–).
Hully Gully	Mack Rides / Hully Gully	1972	1972	This ride was rented from Swedish Skoghs Tivoli to operate for one season.
Hully Gully	Claudio Sartori	1984	1985	Small carousel. Replaced by Apollo. Relocations: Tykkimäki (1986–2008), Nokkakivi (2010–).
Hurlumhei		1952	1959	Funhouse, the predecessor of Vekkula.
Ipanarata		1971	1989	Kiddie roller coaster, replaced by City Express (Pikajuna).
Katapultti	Schwarzkopf / Katapult	1992	1993	Replaced by Top Spin (Kieputin). Removed due to continuous technical problems.
Kieppi	HUSS Maschinenfabrik / Booster	2003	2016	Replaced by Magia. The ride was sold to Löffelhardt, a company which operates Ghost Rider – another Booster ride – in funfairs around Germany. As Kieppi was a park model intended for permanent installation, the ride's base was modified and retrofitted on a semitrailer.
Kieputin	Eyerly Aircraft Company / Roll-O-Plane	1951	1977	Relocated to Särkänniemi, where it was in storage for some time.
Kotkot	Modern Products / Track Ride	1993	2017	Farmhouse themed kiddie track ride. Moved to its last location in 2001, cars and theming renewed in 2004. Previously known as Hokkus Pokkus (1993–2003).
Lasten maailmanpyörä	Claudio Sartori	1979	1995	Kiddie ferris wheel. Replaced by High Chaparral (Vankkuripyörä). Relocated to Nokkakivi (2007–).
Lasten mustekala	Barbieri	1990	1996	Small carousel. Relocated to Tykkimäki (1997–).
Loch Ness		1951	1953	Small carousel.
Meteoriitti	Modern Products / Meteorite	1990	1999	Small carousel. Replaced by HipHop. Relocated to Tykkimäki (2004–).
Miniautot	Claudio Sartori	1978	2017	Kiddie bumper cars, moved to its last location in 2014. Replaced by Pellen talo. Currently in storage at the park, will probably be re-installed in the future.
Mustekala	Eyerly Aircraft Company / Monster	1979	1984	Replaced by Polyp (Mustekala). Subsequently scrapped.
Naurutalo		1967	2002	House of mirrors, replaced by a gift shop. The mirrors are still present at the park, located in the underpass near the previous Naurutalo location.
Pallokaruselli	Zamperla / Samba Balloon	1997	2015	Replaced by Propelli. Relocated to an unknown foreign amusement park.
Pilvenpyörä	Frank Hrubetz & Co. / Paratrooper	1962	1984	Replaced by Rainbow (Sateenkaari). Relocated to Tykkimäki (1988–).
Round Up	Nijmeegs Lasbedrijf / Round Up	1961	1975	Relocations: Särkänniemi (1977–1985), Tykkimäki (1986–2002), Nokkakivi (2006–).
Safari	Christian Hoffman	1983	1999	Dark ride. It was redesigned as Indiana's Safari Adventure by APW Group in 1995. Replaced by Space Express (Linnunrata) in 2000. All the animatronics were sold abroad, cars were in storage at the park for some time.
Salaisuuksien talo	Sparks Creative	1989	1996	Funhouse featuring audiovisual effects, later known as Ihme ja kumma (1995–1996). It was replaced by Around the World (Nukketalo) in 1997. Partly relocated to Tykkimäki under the name Mysteerio (1997–2015).
Sateenkaari	HUSS Maschinenfabrik / Rainbow	1984	2009	Previously known as Rainbow (1984–2003). The ride was removed after 2009 season and it was in storage for some time, but was ultimately scrapped. The sun face was saved and is on display at the park.
Sokkelo	Linnanmäki	2007	2011	Glass maze walkthrough, replaced by a gift shop.
Suihkio	Kaspar Klaus / Roto-Jet	1955	1986	Replaced by Mustekala. Relocated to Tykkimäki (1987–2011). Subsequently scrapped.
Troika	HUSS Maschinenfabrik / Troika	1974	1974	Relocated to Särkänniemi (1975–). This ride was bought by Särkänniemi in 1974, but since the park did not open until 1975, the ride was rented to Linnanmäki to operate for one season.
Vauhtihirviö	Linnanmäki	1950	1952/57	Tilt-a-whirl ride. There were two identical rides at the park, named Vauhtihirviö 1 (operated 1950–1952) and Vauhtihirviö 2 (1950–1957).
Vekkula	Linnanmäki	1961	2017	Funhouse, original concept designed and built by Linnanmäki. The last facade designed and built by Rex Studios in 1995. Demolished after 2017 season due to the building to be in a condition beyond repair. Will be replaced by new Vekkula elsewhere in the park.
Vonkaputous	Premier Rides / Liquid Coaster	2001	2017	Second and last water roller coaster built by Premier Rides, first Premier Rides roller coaster built in Europe. Dismantled after 2017 season due to technical unreliability and excessive downtime.

Gallery of images

• 
  Hurjakuru
• 
  Kieputin
• 
  A view from the Panoraama observation tower
• 
  Water fountain
• 
  Maisemajuna
• 
  Vonkaputous
• 
  Rolle, mascot of Linnanmäki
• 
  Linnunrata and the water tower

References

1. "Linnanmäki – The Amusement Park: Rides". Retrieved 2015-12-15.
2. Linnanmäki prices Archived 2013-02-13 at Archive.today, 2013.
3. "Taiga – Linnanmäki". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 2018-03-23.

External links

• Linnanmäki website (in English)
• 20th Spinning Coaster set for Linnanmäki in 2008
• Photographs and video from Linnanmäki's major rides