Fahrenheit opened at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania on May 24, 2008, and immediately made headlines as one of the most aggressive steel coasters on the East Coast. Built by Swiss manufacturer Intamin and designed by the legendary Werner Stengel, the ride sent the coaster world buzzing with its 97-degree first drop — a pitch that tilts riders past vertical before they even begin the plunge.
The coaster packs six inversions into its 2,700-foot layout, including a rare Norwegian Loop and a cobra roll, delivering a relentless sequence of twists at up to 58 mph. At 121 feet tall and costing $12.1 million to construct, Fahrenheit became an instant signature attraction for Hersheypark and remains one of the most technically ambitious coasters in Pennsylvania.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Hersheypark (Hershey, PA)
- Manufacturer: Intamin
- Opened: May 24, 2008
- Height: 121 ft (37 m)
- Top Speed: 58 mph (93 km/h)
- Length: 2,700 ft (820 m)
- Inversions: 6
- First Drop Angle: 97°
The Ride Experience
Fahrenheit begins with a near-vertical chain lift that hauls riders slowly to 121 feet before tipping them over a 97-degree drop — steeper than straight down. The train accelerates to 58 mph in seconds, then immediately enters the Norwegian Loop, a compact two-inversion element rarely found on coasters outside of Scandinavia-inspired designs. A cobra roll and double corkscrew follow in quick succession, keeping riders inverted for a total of six times before the brakes bring the train home in about 85 seconds.
The experience is dense and relentless by design. Intamin’s compact layout means there is almost no breathing room between elements, making Fahrenheit feel significantly longer and more intense than its 2,700-foot track length might suggest. Riders sit two across in rows of two, and the trains’ tight restraint system keeps the forces well-managed throughout each inversion.
Records and Legacy
When Fahrenheit debuted in May 2008, it briefly claimed the title of steepest roller coaster in the world thanks to its 97-degree drop angle. That record lasted only about six weeks before Steel Hawg at Indiana Beach opened with an even steeper 111-degree drop in July 2008. Still, the beyond-vertical angle remains one of Fahrenheit’s defining characteristics and a genuine engineering achievement for its era.
Fahrenheit replaced the Western Chute-Out water ride that had occupied the same Hersheypark footprint, and it transformed that corner of the park into one of its most-visited areas. More than 15 years after opening, the coaster continues to draw strong ridership and holds a respected place among enthusiasts as a compact, inversion-heavy Intamin that delivers outsized thrills for its modest footprint.
Explore more: Roller Coasters.
Fahrenheit FAQs
How tall do you need to be to ride Fahrenheit at Hersheypark?
Riders must be at least 54 inches (137 cm) tall to board Fahrenheit.
How many inversions does Fahrenheit have?
Fahrenheit features six inversions, including a Norwegian Loop, a cobra roll, and a double corkscrew.
Did Fahrenheit ever hold a world record?
Yes — when it opened on May 24, 2008, Fahrenheit was the steepest roller coaster in the world with its 97-degree first drop. The record was surpassed about six weeks later by Steel Hawg at Indiana Beach, which opened with a 111-degree drop.
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Photo: Coasterman1234 at en.wikipedia) / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.