Linnanmäki

Amusement park in Helsinki, Finland

Linnanmäki is the oldest and most popular amusement park in Finland. It has many rides of different types and sizes, and of the all Nordic amusement parks, Linnanmäki has the most rides in relation to the number of visitors.

In 1950, six Finnish child welfare organisations leased an area from the city of Helsinki for an initial period of three years in the middle of a recreational area consisting of two parks, where they set up an amusement park. The city extended the lease in 1953 and leased for the amusement park. In accordance with the city plan approved in 1956, the amusement park area was expanded to more than In 1957, the welfare organisations established the non profit Children's Day Foundation, which continues to maintain and develop the amusement park. Linnanmäki is built on a hill and derives its name from Vesilinnanmäki , the name locals gave to the hilly area in the early 20th century since it had two water towers, built in 1876 and 1938, respectively. The water towers are no longer in operation and were disconnected from the grid in 2003. However, the towers are protected by the zoning plan of the city and cannot be demolished. In the future, it is hoped that the towers will be used year round to support amusement park activities. In 1953, an employee, a roller coaster brakeman who was sitting in the front row after his shift on the last ride of the evening did not attach the safety bar, fell off and was hit by the train. In 1985, a guest, a boy, also sitting in the front row, had managed to open the safety bar and stood up to wave to his friends. The boy then fell in front of the train, which ran over him. Linnanmäki has eight roller coasters. Other 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. The wristband allows the wearer unlimited access to all of the park's rides for the entire day, within the height limits of the rides. as of 2013, the wristband costs the same for each customer, regardless of height. There is also a season pass available, with which a customer can have a personal wristband each opening day of the season. In addition, separate priority boarding ticket is available for Taiga and Swingi, which allows the rider to skip the line through a separate entrance. Linnanmäki also hosts various events and festivals every year, such as the popular iik!week horror festival and traditional Valokarnevaali ("Carnival of Light"), which are both held in the autumn and have been organized since 2016 and 2006, respectively. Until 2019, there was a big fireworks display at the end of the last day of the season, but since 2020 it has not been organized citing responsibility reasons.

Vedenneitohalli (English: Mermaid hall) was a dunk tank and one of Linnanmäki's most popular attractions in 1951–1980. It was owned and operated by Finnish fairground operator Lauri Seiterä with his wife Johanna. Young female mermaid performers, dressed in swimsuits, would lie down on a platform above a pool behind a net. For a fee, visitors tried to hit a release button on a pole at the front of the net with a ball. When the ball hit the target, a lock at the top of the platform would open and the mermaid performer would fall into the water. In the 1970s, men were also being dropped after a women's organisation drew attention to the issue in the name of equality. Naisasialiitto Unioni, a Finnish women's organisation, considered the hall to be a demeaning place for women and in 1978 sent a letter to Linnanmäki's management. As a result, the hall was closed in 1980.

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 eXtra 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) and Linnunrata (2004–2015). For season 2016, optional 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. Theming by Farmer Attractions Development, UK. Taiga Intamin / Blitz Coaster Steel roller coaster, launched 2019 Launched roller coaster opening for the 2019 season. Custom layout, is the tallest , fastest and longest roller coaster in Finland. Taiga has two LSM launches, a top hat element and four inversions. 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 operating e Motion Coaster model. The gimmick of the ride are cars mounted on a suspension allowing them to rock back and forth and side to side. Ukko Maurer Söhne / SkyLoop XT 150 Steel roller coaster 2011 Currently the second tallest and fastest roller coaster in Finland. Vuoristorata Linnanmäki Wooden roller coaster, scenic railway 1951 Designed by Valdemar Lebech, one of seven operating roller coasters to feature brakemaster. Received ACE's "Coaster Classic" award in 2001.

Name Manufacturer / Model Opened Notes / Info Autorata Gebrüder IHLE Bruschal / Autoskooter ES GP 1981(renewed 2007) Bumper cars. Originally the ride had its own canopy, but it is now located beneath the ferris wheel, where it moved in 2007. This is the third bumper car ride at Linnanmäki. Hurjakuru Intamin / Rapids Ride 1998 Course is long, features a long tunnel and two water falls. Kahvikuppikaruselli Mack Rides / Tea Cups 2002 Tea cups carousel. Kehrä Emiliana Luna Park / Enterprise 2009 Enterprise ride made in Italy. Kingi Moser Rides / Mach Tower 2014 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. Track length is 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 tall rotating observation tower. Previously known as Panorama (1987–2003). The gondola was refurbished for the 2020 season. Raketti S&S Power / Space Shot 1999 tall compressed air powered launch tower. Previously known as Space Shot (1999–2003). Rinkeli Technical Park / Ferris Wheel 32 2006 Ferris wheel, in diameter, replaced old ferris wheel from 1964. Swingi Intamin / Gyro Swing 2024 Frisbee type pendulum ride. The ride is high with a maximum swing height of , and it has a 40 passenger gondola. Replaced Kieputin (Top Spin). Viikinkilaiva Zierer / Viking 1981 Swinging ship ride, moved to current location in 2002. Previously known as Viking (1981–2003).

Name Manufacturer / Model Opened Notes / Info Hepparata Gebrüder IHLE Bruschal / Derby 1982 Galloping horse ride, moved to current location in 1998. Also known as Ratsastusrata (1982–1997). HipHop Moser Rides / Spring Ride 5+5 2000 Family tower ride, moved to current location in 2004. Hypytin Zamperla / Sky Tower 2009 Family tower ride. Karuselli 1954 Carousel originally built in Germany in 1896. Ketjukaruselli 1977 Swing carousel, moved to current location in 1998. Kyöpelinvuoren hotelli Gosetto / Dark Ride 2013 Dark ride, theming designed and produced by Farmer Attractions Development in the UK. Kyöpelivuoren hotelli replaced old Kummitusjuna (ghost train) attraction, and the facade was the only thing that was reused for the new attraction. Lohikäärme Zierer / Dragon 1998 Oriental themed carousel. Previously known as Dragon (1998–2003). Relocated from Planet FunFun where the ride operated 1991–1995. Pellen talo Gosetto / Fun House 2018 Transportable funhouse mounted on a 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. One gondola is designed to be accessible by a wheelchair, and the lifting is operated using a hand crank. 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.

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 circulating the water tower on long track. Current Zamperla 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(renewed 2019) Convoy truck ride. Station and track were renewed and cars were repainted in 2019. Rumpukaruselli SBF Rides / Clown Cups 1991 Small carousel with music theme. Vankkuripyörä Zamperla / Mini Ferris Wheel 1996 Small ferris wheel with Western theme. Previously known as High Chaparral (1996–2003). Moved to current location in 2011.

Name Manufacturer Opened Notes / Info Kammokuja Rex Studios 2003 Walkthrough horror attraction, features 3D elements. Motelli Linnanmäki 2021 Walkthrough horror attraction, featuring live actors. Built inside the watertower in a space previously used for storage. Motelli is open only during the Iik!week horror festival in September and the Carnival of Light event in October.

Name Manufacturer Opened SBNO since Notes / Info Cinema SimEx Iwerks 1996(renewed 2005) 2020 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 changed in every two years. Previously known as Virtuaaliteatteri (1996–2001), Lintsi Kino (2002–2006) and Kino (2007–2015). Cinema was closed 2020–2021 due to COVID 19 restrictions. In 2022–2023 the space was used for live action theatre productions; a stage was built in place of the projection screen and speakers, and the signage was changed from Cinema to Pieni näyttämö ("Small Stage"). Sukelluskello HA 1 Budgast 2014 2020 4D virtual reality attraction. Previously known as Haipeli (pre opening) and Haihyökkäys (2014). The attraction was closed 2020–2021 due to COVID 19 restrictions, and it has not opened since. The entrance, queue area and signage have been removed.

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 uses the same building and cars. Autorata 1950 1964 First bumper car ride at the park, also known as Radioautorata. Replaced by the second Autorata (1965). Relocated to Tivoli Seiterä (1965–?). Autorata Gebrüder IHLE Bruschal / Autoskooter ES SB 1965 1980 Second bumper car ride at the park. Relocations: Kalajoki fairground (1982–1984), Tykkimäki (1986–present). Replaced by the current Autorata. Bensiiniautorata 1951 1953 Car circuit with gasoline powered vehicles. 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. The ride was sold to a German showman Georg Sonnier. Calypso Schwarzkopf / Calypso II 1967 1974 Replaced by Enterprise. Relocations: Särkänniemi (1975–1984), Tykkimäki (1986–present). Cortina Jet Schwarzkopf / Bayern Kurve 1970 1987 Replaced by Breakdance. Relocated to Tykkimäki (1988–2006). The ride was then bought by Nokkakivi where it was in storage. As of 2013, the ride is owned and operated by a showman Rene Lauwers in Belgium. 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 De Boer 1964 2005 Ferris wheel, previously known as Boston pyörä (1964–1972). Replaced by Rinkeli. Relocated to Tykkimäki (2007–present). Hully Gully Bennett / Satellite 1972 1972 Trabant style spinning ride. This ride was rented from Swedish Skoghs Tivoli to operate for one season. Hully Gully Claudio Sartori / Hully Gully 1984 1985 Small carousel. Replaced by Apollo. Relocations: Tykkimäki (1986–2008), Nokkakivi (2010–present). Hurlumhei 1952 1959 Funhouse, the predecessor of Vekkula. Ipanarata 1971 1989 Kiddie roller coaster, replaced by City Express (Pikajuna). Kapteeni Kidin merirosvolaiva 1970 1973 Pirate ship themed walkthrough area featuring a jungle gym. Katapultti Schwarzkopf / Katapult 1992 1993 First of five Katapult roller coasters built. This unit was a prototype, originally manufactured in 1980. It had been operating in at least three different locations before arriving at Linnanmäki. The ride operated for two seasons and then it was removed due to continuous technical problems and sold. Replaced by Top Spin (Kieputin). Kieppi HUSS Maschinenfabrik / Booster 2003 2016 Replaced by Magia. Kieppi was one of only three HUSS Boosters ever built, and the sole park model. The ride was sold to Löffelhardt, a company which operated it as Ghost Rider 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. Kieputin HUSS Maschinenfabrik / Top Spin 1994 2022 Previously known as Top Spin (1994–2003). Repainted for the 2009 season. The ride was removed after the 2022 season and most of it was scrapped; some parts of the ride were sold abroad as spare parts. Replaced by Swingi. Kivikylä 1966 1969 A walkthrough area themed around the Flintstones. The pond in the middle of the area with small rowing boats was spared, and it was in place until Tulireki was built for the 2004 season. 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). Kummitusjuna 1950 2012  Ghost train attraction that was present at the park since the beginning. First version was imported from Denmark and owned by Svend Jarlström. In 1959, it was relocated to its most recent location. For 1973 the attraction was thoroughly renewed, new track system by Schwarkopf was installed and theming was painted by Willy Willumsen. During 1973–1977 it was known as Satujuna ("Fable Train"), and featured more family friendly theming. From 1978 onwards, the ghost train theming returned. The facade and theming were renewed for 1986, and the name changed to Kauhulinna ("Horror Castle"). Next facade update followed in 2006, and the name changed back to Kummitusjuna. The attraction was demolished after the 2012 season; only the facade was reused for the new dark ride. Lasten maailmanpyörä Claudio Sartori 1979 1995 Kiddie ferris wheel. Replaced by High Chaparral (Vankkuripyörä). Relocated to Nokkakivi (2007–present). Lasten mustekala Barbieri / Juvenile 1990 1996 Small carousel. Relocated to Tykkimäki (1997–present). Loch Ness 1951 1953 Small carousel. Meteoriitti Modern Products / Major Orbit 1990 1999 Small carousel. Replaced by HipHop. Relocated to Tykkimäki (2004–present). Miniautot Claudio Sartori 1978 2017 Kiddie bumper cars, moved to its last location in 2014. Replaced by Pellen talo. The ride was in storage, until it was sold at auction in 2022. Mustekala Eyerly Aircraft Company / Monster 1979 1984 Replaced by Polyp (Mustekala). Subsequently scrapped. Naurutalo Linnanmäki 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. Octopus Eyerly Aircraft Company / Octopus 1951 1954 Replaced by Suihkio. 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–present). Rotor Ernst Hoffmeister / Rotor 1952  1959 Rotor ride. Also known as Cyclotrooni. Round Up Nijmeegs Lasbedrijf / Round Up 1961 1975 Relocations: Särkänniemi (1977–1985), Tykkimäki (1986–2002), Nokkakivi (2006–present). Safari / Indiana's Adventure Christian Hofmann 1983 / 1995 1999 Safari themed dark ride built in the winter of 1982–1983 in a space of about cut out of a warehouse under the former water tower, featuring large sideways moving cars with loudspeakers and mechatronic puppets seen along the track. The track was manufactured by the German animatronics company Christian Hofmann GmbH. The popularity of the ride, which in the early years attracted long queues, waned over the years, and part of the track was redesigned for the 1995 season as Indiana's Adventure, an Indiana Jones themed dark ride, by APW Group. Soon, however, popularity began to wane again, and in 1999 it faced its final season. In 2000, the ride was replaced by an indoor roller coaster Space Express (since renamed to Linnunrata eXtra). All the animatronics were sold abroad, and the 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 a few years, but it was ultimately scrapped in 2014. The sun face was saved and it 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–present). 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). Vedenneitohalli 1951 1980 A dunk tank. A popular attraction where spectators could throw balls at a pole that caused a mermaid performer to fall into water. It was closed in 1980 because it was considered degrading to women. 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. Demolished after the 2017 season due to technical unreliability and excessive downtime.