Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH is a German manufacturer of roller coasters and amusement rides headquartered in Münsterhausen, Bavaria. Founded in 1982 by Hubert Gerstlauer, a former employee of the legendary Schwarzkopf Industries, the company began as an electrical and pneumatic supplier before pivoting to full ride manufacturing after Schwarzkopf’s bankruptcy in 1992, when Gerstlauer acquired part of its former production facilities.
Since then, Gerstlauer has built a reputation for compact, intense steel coasters that pack a punch on a small footprint. As of 2024, the company has manufactured well over 100 roller coasters installed at parks around the world, the vast majority of which remain operating at their original locations, a testament to the durability of its engineering.
Stats at a Glance
- Founded: 1982
- Founder: Hubert Gerstlauer
- Headquarters: Münsterhausen, Bavaria, Germany
- Signature model: Euro-Fighter
- Coasters built: over 115 worldwide (as of 2024)
- Known for: beyond-vertical drops (over 90 degrees)
From Schwarzkopf’s Ashes to Global Manufacturer
Gerstlauer’s roots trace back to Schwarzkopf Industries, one of the most influential coaster builders of the 20th century. When Schwarzkopf collapsed in 1992, Gerstlauer stepped in to acquire part of its production sites, gradually transitioning from a components supplier into a full-fledged coaster manufacturer. The company was formally renamed Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH in March 2007, reflecting its growth beyond its original electro-mechanical roots.
The Euro-Fighter Revolution
Launched in 2003, the Euro-Fighter became Gerstlauer’s most recognizable creation, famous for its “beyond vertical” first drop that tips past 90 degrees. Installations like Saw – The Ride at Thorpe Park (2009) and Untamed at Canobie Lake Park (2011) showcase how the compact model delivers an outsized thrill, often fitting intense inversions and steep drops into tight spaces at parks that lack room for sprawling steel giants.
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Notable Gerstlauer Coasters on ThrillZing
- Mystery Mine — Dollywood
- The Joker — Six Flags Mexico
- The Smiler — Alton Towers
Browse every ride profile in our roller coaster guides.
Gerstlauer FAQs
What is Gerstlauer known for?
Gerstlauer is best known for the Euro-Fighter, a compact steel coaster model famous for its beyond-vertical first drop, along with Infinity Coasters, spinning coasters, and family/junior coaster models.
When was Gerstlauer founded?
Gerstlauer was founded in 1982 by Hubert Gerstlauer, initially as an electrical and pneumatic supplier before becoming a full coaster manufacturer after acquiring part of Schwarzkopf Industries’ facilities in 1992.
Where is Gerstlauer based?
Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH is headquartered in Münsterhausen, Bavaria, Germany.
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Photo: Stefan Scheer / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.