Duinrell has unveiled its latest attraction, the Kikker8baan, providing a modern successor to the most iconic family roller coaster in the park’s 91-year history.
The brand-new coaster replaces the legendary Kikkerachtbaan, which delighted millions of guests for over 40 years before reaching the end of its operational life.
While the new ride retains the classic charm of the original, it has been completely rebuilt from the ground up by German manufacturer ZIERER using their modern 'Force 360' model.
A Tribute to Duinrell’s Motocross Heritage
Kikker8baan (Dutch for 'Frog-8-Coaster') features a dynamic action theme that serves as a nod to an exciting chapter of the park's past. In the 1940s and 1950s, Duinrell was home to a famous motocross circuit, and so this heritage is woven into the ride's design.
The custom-designed train is a particular highlight, led by the park's famous mascot, Rick the Frog, who sits on a motorcycle at the front of the 14-vehicle train, seemingly guiding guests through a high-speed race.
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Modern Engineering Meets Classic Design
Replacing a beloved classic within a mature park presented a unique challenge. Over the last four decades, other attractions including a water ride and another roller coaster, had been built around the original site, making the available footprint very complex.
To solve this, ZIERER designed a layout that is an almost one-to-one recreation of the original 'Large Tivoli' double-eight in shape, but mirrored to fit the modern constraints of the site. This ensures that the ride feels familiar to long-time fans while meeting today's highest technical and safety standards.
Ride Facts and Figures
The new Kikker8baan offers a smooth and quiet experience as it weaves through the park's lush woodland. Key details for visitors include:
- Design: A custom ZIERER Force 360 Coaster.
- Theming: A unique motocross-inspired 'frog race' lead by Rick the Frog.
- Layout: A mirrored version of the iconic figure-eight track.
- Height Requirement: Suitable for younger adventurers with a minimum height of 100cm.
The opening of the Kikker8baan marks the beginning of a new chapter for Duinrell, ensuring that the 'Frog Coaster' tradition continues to inspire new generations of thrill-seekers.
