Silver Star is a steel hyper coaster built by Bolliger & Mabillard at Europa-Park in Rust, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. When it opened on March 23, 2002, it was the tallest coaster B&M had ever constructed and simultaneously claimed the titles of tallest, fastest, and longest-dropping roller coaster in all of Europe.
The ride’s classic out-and-back layout stretches 1,620 metres across the park’s parking area, delivering a relentless succession of camelback airtime hills at speeds up to 127 km/h (79 mph). Though newer giants have since eclipsed its European records, Silver Star remains one of the continent’s most celebrated hyper coasters and a signature attraction at Europa-Park.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Europa-Park, Rust, Germany
- Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M)
- Opened: 2002
- Height: 73 m (240 ft)
- Drop: 67 m (220 ft)
- Top Speed: 127 km/h (79 mph)
- Length: 1,620 m (5,310 ft)
- Inversions: 0
The Ride Experience
Riders board one of three 36-seat trains — each made up of 9 cars with 4 riders abreast — inside the covered station before a chain lift hauls them 73 metres skyward. The train then plunges 67 metres at a steep angle, accelerating to around 127 km/h before launching into a long sequence of camelback hills that produce strong ejector airtime at each crest and pull up to 4 Gs in the valleys between them.
Magnetic trim brakes on the camelback crests keep the experience smooth and accessible for a wide range of guests, while the generous 1,620-metre layout ensures momentum never fully bleeds away before the final brake run. The simple out-and-back design lets the high-speed thrills speak for themselves from start to finish.
Records and Legacy
At its 2002 debut, Silver Star broke new ground for both Europa-Park and its manufacturer. It was the tallest coaster Bolliger & Mabillard had ever built and held European records for height, speed, and drop length simultaneously — a remarkable sweep for a single attraction. Those marks have since been surpassed by newer giants, but the ride’s pedigree remains a point of pride for the park.
The coaster’s station was originally branded as the ‘Mercedes-Benz Hall,’ with the Silver Star name itself referencing the automaker’s three-pointed star logo. That early corporate partnership underscored the ride’s prestige at the time. More than two decades on, Silver Star is widely regarded as a landmark in the history of European roller coasters and a must-ride for enthusiasts visiting Germany.
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Silver Star FAQs
Where is Silver Star located?
Silver Star is located at Europa-Park in Rust, Baden-Württemberg, Germany — the country’s largest theme park.
Does Silver Star have any inversions?
No. Silver Star is a hyper coaster with zero inversions. Its thrills come entirely from speed and a long series of airtime-producing camelback hills.
How fast does Silver Star go?
Silver Star reaches a top speed of about 127 km/h (79 mph), hit shortly after cresting and dropping from its 73-metre lift hill.
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Photo: AS / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.