Freizeitpark Plohn has officially celebrated its 30th anniversary by unveiling its most ambitious project to date: Dønnervind.

Representing a final investment of approximately €13 million, this highly anticipated attraction is not just the largest single investment in the park's history, but also a world first.

As the world's first multi-launch water coaster, Dønnervind successfully bridges the gap between high-octane roller coasters and family-friendly water rides.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•  

A Grand Opening with International Appeal

The official opening ceremony on 19 June 2026 was a major event, drawing high-profile guests from politics, tourism, and the amusement park industry across Europe.

Major figures in attendance included Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer, Vogtland District Administrator Thomas Hennig, and Jürgen Gevers, Managing Director of the Association of German Amusement Parks and Leisure Companies (the VDFU). Roland and Michael Mack, owners of Europa-Park and representatives for the ride's manufacturer Mack Rides, were also present to celebrate the opening.

During the event, speakers highlighted how Dønnervind strengthens the Vogtland region as a premier travel destination, proving that regional family parks can deliver world-class innovation with international appeal.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•  

Innovation Over Gigantism

What makes Dønnervind particularly impressive is its adherence to the core philosophy of Freizeitpark Plohn. Rather than chasing extreme height or speed records, the park and Mack Rides have focused on delivering a highly themed experience that's tailored perfectly to families.

The ride discards the traditional lift hill. Instead, the trains are accelerated multiple times using powerful magnetic launch systems (LSM). The experience seamlessly blends two distinct acceleration moments with rapid changes of direction and unexpected bursts of speed. The layout is masterfully integrated into the natural topography of the site, culminating in a spectacular water finale over the park's lake.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•  

The Ride Experience and Theming

The attention to detail is evident before you even board the ride. The queue lines and surrounding areas are all beautifully themed, immersing guests into the experience from the outset. Despite its dynamic layout, the ride remains accessible and highly enjoyable for families, avoiding overly intense forces while still providing plenty of thrills for coaster enthusiasts. It delivered exactly what we were hoping for aesthetically, but we were expecting a reverse launch during the ride, and this was unfortunately absent.

Initial feedback from most industry experts, enthusiasts, and influencers on opening day was overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise directed at the seamless transition between the launch elements and the splashdown.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•  

Beyond Dønnervind: A Hidden Gem of Ride Lineups

While Dønnervind is the undisputed crown jewel of the 2026 season, it joins an already impressive and diverse collection of attractions that make Freizeitpark Plohn a standout regional park.

For thrill-seekers, the park boasts two major coaster highlights. El Toro, a highly acclaimed wooden coaster by Great Coasters International, serves up a fast, aggressive layout with excellent airtime, beautifully interacting with the park's log flume. Our other favourite was Dynamite, Germany's first Mack Rides Big Dipper coaster, which delivers smooth inversions, drops, and a forceful layout that rivals similar rides at much larger destination parks.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•  

Plohn also excels at heavily themed family experiences. Miniwah & The Secret of Gold Creek City is a masterfully executed powered coaster that functions half as a detailed Western dark ride and half as a family coaster. For anyone looking to cool down, the Wildwasserbahn mit Geisterbahn combines a traditional log flume with a spooky dark ride section, and the Fluch des Teutates offers a lively river rapids experience.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•  

Nostalgia in the Märchenwald

The beautifully shaded Märchenwald is where Freizeitpark Plohn first began thirty years ago. This enchanting forest pathway is a classic European fairytale experience, brought to life through intricate, animated storybook cottages. Visitors can wander past talking trees, watch Rapunzel let down her hair, and listen to the tales of Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel. Completed with a hidden, fire-breathing dragon, it offers a wonderfully charming and relaxing contrast to the high-thrill action found elsewhere in the park.  

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•  

Our Final Verdict

Dønnervind is a triumph for Freizeitpark Plohn. By choosing innovation and thematic quality over sheer size, the park has created a unique, world-class attraction that respects its family-oriented roots while firmly placing the Vogtland region on the international theme park map. It serves as the perfect centerpiece to anchor an already stellar lineup of rides.