Opened on March 31, 2012, Wodan Timbur Coaster brought Europa-Park its first wooden roller coaster and handed Europe a serious contender on the global wood coaster circuit. Built by Great Coasters International, the ride climbs 131 feet before hurtling through 3,444 feet of timber at a top speed of 62 mph. With zero inversions, the coaster relies entirely on raw speed, relentless direction changes, and repeated bursts of airtime to make its case — and it does so convincingly.
Settled into the park’s Iceland-themed section, the ride takes its name from Wodan, the Germanic equivalent of the Norse god Odin, while ‘Timbur’ is the Icelandic word for wood — a fitting tribute to both the structure and its Viking-age setting. The queue line deepens the immersion with fire, mist, and water effects, and the layout intertwines with neighboring attractions Blue Fire Megacoaster and Atlantica SuperSplash, making Europa-Park’s Iceland zone one of the most visually dramatic areas of any theme park in Europe.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Europa-Park, Rust, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Manufacturer: Great Coasters International
- Opened: March 31, 2012
- Height: 131 ft (40 m)
- Top Speed: 62 mph (about 100 km/h)
- Length: 3,444 ft (1,050 m)
- Inversions: 0
The Ride Experience
Wodan pulls riders up a chain lift to 131 feet before pitching them into a 52-degree first drop, immediately building the G-forces that characterize GCI’s high-energy layout style. From there, the track banks through tight turns, swooping valleys, and quick reversals for a full 3 minutes and 25 seconds — a long run for a wooden coaster and one that rarely lets up. Three Millennium Flyer trains, each seating 24 riders with T-bar restraints, cycle through the course and allow throughput of up to around 1,250 riders per hour.
The course threads through Europa-Park’s Iceland scenery in a way that makes every moment feel purposeful. Near-miss interactions with Blue Fire and Atlantica SuperSplash add visual spectacle even for guests watching from the ground, and the sense of speed through the lower sections of the layout — where the track tucks close to structures and theming — is among the most visceral on any wooden coaster in Europe.
Evolution and Legacy
Since its 2012 debut, Wodan has built a devoted following among wooden coaster enthusiasts who rank it among the best GCI installations worldwide. The ride’s combination of sustained pacing, strong airtime, and elaborate theming sets it apart from many contemporaries that prioritize one quality at the expense of others.
Starting around 2023, Great Coasters International and Skyline Attractions began retrofitting sections of the brake run with Titan Track — a steel-reinforced hybrid rail designed to smooth rough spots and extend the structure’s lifespan. Additional Titan Track segments were added before the lift hill and elsewhere on the ride in subsequent years, ensuring Wodan continues to deliver a refined experience well into the future.
Explore more: All Roller Coasters.
Wodan Timbur Coaster FAQs
Where is Wodan Timbur Coaster located?
It is located at Europa-Park in Rust, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, inside the park’s Iceland-themed section.
Who manufactured Wodan Timbur Coaster?
The coaster was designed and built by Great Coasters International, an American firm known for fast, airtime-rich wooden coasters.
How fast does Wodan Timbur Coaster go?
It reaches a top speed of approximately 62 mph (about 100 km/h), achieved shortly after the 52-degree first drop.
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Photo by Susanne Koppert on Pexels.