Loefet

A little double post, but here is the update as promised earlier. Went to the park yesterday to take some images of the Helix construction, and to see both shows that Liseberg offers, and of course hit up some of the rides while there. First up I had to get from the Gothenburg central station to the park, I initially planned on walking there, but decided to take the heritage tram that runs to the park from that area, and here is a good tip for people that have to get from the station to Liseberg and don't fancy a walk. The heritage tram is cheaper than the other ones, IF you don't buy some card for the public transport. Meaning if you were to buy a single tickets then go for the heritage line (http://www.ringlinien.org/liseberg/), the price difference isn't that much but it's way easier to pay and the old trams are really nice to ride. They don't run it every day during the summer but it's worth the trip if you get that option. Onto the park, noticed that Radiobilarna (the Bumper cars) had a lot more power than before, instead of just getting some good shunts now the hit's really hurt. Cars were flying everywhere, it's really good fun compared to what they were just a few weeks ago. They would have been even better if they were to have less traction in the rear, so that they would spin out wildly when hit, that would be hilarious Both the shows are really worth watching. My brother and I discussed if we should record the kids one and post here for you to watch because it's really awesome, if you do watch it then go for the right half of the seats, since then you get to see the better bits more clearly. The music does a lot for the show, it's a great medley of hits from the 90's, meaning all the good stuff that I grew up with Great fun and awesome music. The big Variety show on the main stage was great to watch as well. Good magic bits and great performances, in all another success for the performer, who have had shows at Liseberg for 16 years so far. We also caught the rabbits having a massive rave for all kids at the "teletubbies hills", they do a mean Gangnam Style Oh, yeah, Plattar are still as good as before, 12 more this time Then back to Helix, there have been a lot of progress on the hill, more footers are complete/nearing completion, more screens have been put up, the land clearing have continued, etc., so the progress is good. Not sure if they are on track or not, but they still have a lot to do, if they are going to start erecting this thing by the end of the season as they plan to. No train yet, so we just have to wait for it. Will try and get back there for some images this week, even if I would have to ride my bicycle there and back (it's roughly 80 km in total), which I'm fine with. We will see. Anyway onto the images of dirt and concrete: I don't think that I'm going to bother with sorting the images in order of the ride this time, so we take them in order of the walk, first up loads of equipment Digger Concrete surface in a bottom of a hole which soon will get a footer installed Massive hole, which in the area of the first launch I think Footer No 7A will be constructed in that hole 6A, over here, just put the bars in the holes, but more reinforcement around it, make a frame and pour concrete First corkscrew will go over this area No 9A complete with bench to sit on when watching the concrete dry, it's a crucial part for the German on their media days Screens everywhere in this part of the park The floor is still wet, so be aware More preparation work for footers in the launch area Some of the completed footers Damn, how could I miss that pile of dirt last time it wasn't there the time before, so sorry all, I lied in the last update. Nothing new this time around instead These small cages are most likely the heading for the prepared surfaces with the holes Nothing new here, and that's the truth I always wondered why some footers had recessed corners (never seen that before), well here id the answer, they have drilled and bolted these footers down in the rock beneath, so they won't move when the ride is up and running, the recesses will most likely be filled with concrete in the future for that sleek footer look we all love Still more blasting required for Helix to dive under the Lisebergbanan lift You can't really see it from this angle, but there are several footers that might be completed there See, there is one of them Another angle, where you can see a few more Another spot for ride interaction, Helix will dive through that hole under the Lisebergbanan brakes if my memory serves correct The Little digger have finally completed it's job, here is the famous location of the triple ride interaction, Helix will be just 10 cm from Lisebergbanan and Flume ride at this point Here is the area which was cleared last time which I spotted last time but couldn't take a good image of Half of the outside part of the Lisebergbanan overflow queue is fenced off Other direction Pretzel area Another angle of the triple interaction Zero-g + airtime hill here Oppan Gangnam Style!!

^^^ Absolutely love it, it's one of the most insane rides out there. It's really crazy that 3 of the most insane rides that I have ridden yet are made by S&S (Dodonpa, Eejanaika and Tranan), and there isn't that many other rides on that list either. I'm not able to tell how powerful that launch is, since it have managed to break our accelerometer on both occasions we have been there, 2 of the earlier versions, the one we use now is a lot less complicated so third times lucky? Must get back there at some point to test it out. Again, thanks for the awesome POV, it's really something that they even agreed to it.

Hmm, I don't really know what to make of that image really. First I question it's validity since there isn't a source and I can't find it anywhere on-line in order to find one myself. Here are my personal views of this image: The concept as a whole is interesting with all the new buildings along the road to act like a noise barrier that could would house a hotel that the park longs for. I also love the southern entrance plaza that is drawn in, it would really elevate that area as a whole. There is plenty of parking which I like, and the possible indoor section that is one of those things that are missing today. I do have some issues with it, while the parking space is great and grand it's in the wrong place, it might be OK in this image since there seems to be some access between the parking and an entrance through the new green area, but once Liseberg needs that space for future expansion then it would force all the people to trek around the whole southern area to get to the southern entrance, and that's too far, I think that the initial idea of having a large structure at the bottom of the southern parking lot is a much better solution in my view. There is a small rock/hill with a few great trees in the current parking lot which is really nice, it would be a shame for them to completely remove it and put a large building in it's place, a complete waste in my opinion, since it would help to keep the lushness of the rest of the park in this new area. It's also a bit too many buildings in that area as well, needs a bit more variation than just buildings, It looks like a lot like a businesses park in my view. The perimeter road (Nellikevägen) isn't relocated in this image (as far as I can see), not sure if there is any space behind the parking garage to move it in the future, which would be needed if they intend to use all this space in the future. Also I'm not a big fan in the removal of the classic Schwartzkopf Sagoslottet (even though it's pretty dire and in need of an update), the building of a water park and no new rides of any kind drawn in in the expansion area. I have never really been a fan of water parks in general, so this might be a bit skewed in that direction. But I guess that Liseberg would like to go in that direction since it will turn the park into a whole year resort type deal, but I really hope that they get something more than just a water park, couple it with an indoor park and you would have me hooked onto the concept. But it's just one image, it don't really tell much of the future, more images are needed to get a better view of this concept. It's also seems to be a quick idea on what to do with the new area before something is decided what they want do with the area in the future. To sum it up if you see it as an plan to clear the area and prepare it for the future then it's pretty good, except for the businesses park vibe you get from the new entrance and the questionable location for the parking space. What I do know about this new area (according to an interview with Andreas Andersen in conjunction with the acquisition of the area LINK) is that the 2 large building furthest to the south will be kept (warehouse type buildings) and that 5 of the "smaller" and older buildings on the northern half will be demolished. How well this image corresponds to those plans is hard to know. On a completely other note, new Helix images will be posted shortly. But until then here is an interview with Andreas Andersen in today's radio about coasters etc. (note that it's in Swedish/Danish, and I'm not sure how the availability in other country's are), click the blue link after the sound symbol to play the file: http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=104&artikel=5577877

^ That was really bad news, since that ride is one of the most interesting new coasters for some time.

Update time again. Were in the park with my niece today and managed to snap a "few" images that might be interesting for you all. Unfortunately there wasn't any front car on display, even though they said that there would be one from the beginning of the main season (last weekend). So I guess we have to wait a bit until they will unveil it. But then again the Anniversary Week they are running right now with various performances and artists on the main stage, isn't over until the coming Wednesday so it may show up soon, but also later.. I have to recommend the kids show in "Kvarnteatern" which is called "Magiska fullträffar" (Magical Hits) which I saw with my niece while dodging some pouring rain. It's really awesome, extremely funny to watch and the best thing is that they are running some great 90's music together with the performance, which makes me feel a lot nostalgic since it was a really great selection of music. Definitely a must watch if you are there, same would most likely go for the variety magic/music/acrobatic show on the main stage (which I haven't seen this year, but they have been awesome in the past). If these images are not enough then there is always some more at: Official construction update with a few images: http://projekthelix.se/foton-fran-bygget-del-1/ Unofficial construction FB page: https://www.facebook.com/ProjektHelixLiseberg Anyway onto the image update, enjoy: But before Helix I spotted an update in the Kaninlandet area YAY, the buses are finally on the track, great stuff for the capacity and I do love the complete coverage especially if you are seeing some rain like today Back to Helix!! Lets see if I can do it in order of the ride. Station, nothing to report Getting ready to make the footers for the drop out of the station Turn before the first launch, some heavy foundation is going here, judging by the pilings Clearing for the first turnaround is progressing nicely Some blasting required before the first launch Add first launch here Other direction Good that they put in some warning signs on the sudden drops due to the construction WTF, warning for wet floor?? Yes it's the one that was seen in the background in the previous image, why on earth would you stick one of these in the bottom of a big hole?? Install track in that direction Some of the completed footers on the turn after the corkscrew after the first launch More of the same, in total there will be 280 of these concrete cubes made on this hill for Helix What would you think that there would be next to these footers, a massive hole of course Some new footers are going in, these are for the bunny hill before the Pretzel More footers at the bottom of the hill Same but other direction Pretzel area Same digger, lot's of stuff is moving around It seems like they do love to use their explosives, especially seeing the holes and these massive piles laying around The helix before the second launch will go here, and they have cleared away a lot since last time, there was also a lot of new clearings along the extended queue for Lisebergbanan, but I couldn't find a good angle to get images of it This would be the last "construction" image, since most of the other areas are just "sticks in grass/bushes" still, so nothing new to report. They are really concentrating on northern area of the ride, they are really saving the hardest parts till the end I would like to finish this update with an overview of the construction HQ Oooh, such a cute little footer, wonder where this guy will go Until next time, when I really hope that we finally get some train action.

In celebration of the 90:th anniversary of the park they have decided to make a historical page for the park that covers everything since the park opened in 1923. Attractions, buildings, prices, loads of interesting and fun facts, etc. Unfortunately, it's all in Swedish, but it could still be interesting to browse through with the help of some translator (which usually work pretty well from Swedish). Link: http://www.lisepedia.se/

All the other times the park has built a big thrill coaster, the old one has been removed. Except Balder but he's wooden without any loops. I don't think it won't happen this time, at least for a while. Since they now have more space than they know what to do with it, so removing rides for new rides due to space constraints won't happen. It may be removed due to that it won't have that much riders with Helix opened, I mean who in their sane mind would prefer Kanonen to Helix?

I'm no admin but there you are Looks like we have a winner Looks like it could be a really nice, but it looks pretty fast for it kind.

Thank you for the response! and also welcome here to TPR. It says "2014 http://www.Projecthelix.se", same thing in the QR codes, it's a link to the construction blog for the ride. As it is now, then I will most likely be at the park one of the days this weekend, so expect more images then.

Those quick vertical transitions looks killer on that looping one, bet the airtime is epic though, since the train whips through them pretty quickly

The waffles are good, but Plättar are way better. They tastes a lot less greasy than waffles. Even though cloudberry (Hjortron) jam is good then the blackberry jam I had to my Plättar is even better Thank you all for the feedback, also here are some images I took from yesterday evening when I had a great time with my family. Also ran into Andreas Andersen and had a little chat which was also awesome Anyway some incredibly dark images.. But first some normal ones, it's nice to see that they have added some logos to the previously blank screens. The construction is hard to miss these days Do I spy some completed Footers?? Then on the way out I took some time to get some more close ups on the new footers Some curing going on Getting ready for the end of the first launch footers Loads of machinery is needed for these kinds of jobs That's a big hole Oh and here they are, completed footers!! I wondered why there was a load of small plywood cubes at the Construction HQ, now I got my answer, neat There are several of them And here is a final one of the pretzel area Until next time, when there might be some train action..

^ No problem, once I though "Ski Jumping" then that image was just a quick google away. And it was the perfect image to find as well, since it's clear that it's the same hill and what it's used for.

^ Looks like a ski jumping hill. Most definitely a ski jump hill, especially by looking at this image. Source: http://spotsunknown.com/photos-of-san-francisco-in-1939/ [Warning, some part of this page isn't really suitable for a young audience.]

More images!! Was fortunate to live in Gothenburg for the past 2 weeks, and here is the images from the last of the Liseberg visits I did during that time. But now it's back on the country side, so my own updates will be less, but there are always images from FB, which I will post when I find them. Onto the Helix update: We start at the first turnaround, where they have cleared the area for ground works They have started to dig up the area for the first launch Loads of screens in this area But they are pretty low so you can easily take pictures above them But then again, if you walk on the small paths that aren't shut then you don't have to worry about any screens About here will the first launch will become the second corkscrew Nothing new at the station area Several footers are nearing the first big pour, this is the area after the second corkscrew and the small turns before the final in-line twist Working hard, or hardly working, that's the question. I do hope it's the first one, since I can't wait to ride this thing Area overview They have blasted away the rock and cleared this area since last time, can't wait to dive down here before the pretzel Speaking of the pretzel, here is the location for it. And also, after all this talk about pretzels, I really hope that they get a Pretzel stall below the Helix one They will have to blast away a lot more rock here, since Helix will dive below the Lisebergbanan lift I guess that this roof is done for, seeing all those sticks on top of it Second launch is still a gravel path Same in this direction Nothing new at Construction HQ This little guy is still digging away where Helix will Helix The pretzel will look awesome from Lisebergbanan's station To finish this update, here are some Plättar. Seriously, eat them, it's easily one of the best snacks there

Massive photo update As promised, here are some images from my 2 visits during the past week. First up some Helix images before some more general ones. But before them, I just have to say, after receiving the whole Kaninlandet experience in an open park with nice weather, I have to say that the old kid's area feels like a bad dream that have never happened, I can't really imagine it any other way than it is today, which is really awesome to get this feeling from an area that is brand new. Also, Plättarna are AWESOME, bumped my count with 18 these past visits, and there will definitely be more of those at later visits Enjoy!! Construction wall at the turnaround before the pretzel loop Getting ready to blast in an area above the last image Future area of the first launch, towards the image Station area More station One of the footers for the corkscrew after the first launch A complete mess of things near the last image Getting ready to blast at the exit of the pretzel loop Construction HQ It's not only enthusiast that are interested about this project, the local wild life is as well Some pole? Discussion close to future footers Seems like this peaceful area soon will have trains zooming past above into the first launch A digger that is digging away somewhere Primed and ready Another footer Getting ready to pour the first footers Future arm chopper moment at Lisebergbanan Second launch coming this way Second launch other direction Pretzel loop area Just imagine how awesome it will be with a massive pretzel here, mmm pretzels It will weave into here somewhere Whole station area It will squeeze through this tiny hole as well Enough of >Helix, let's have a look at the rest of the park Kaninlandet is looking GREAT!! The greenery that have been added since the press day really help to set this place off Same thing here, you really can't see what's new The old timers really blend in Dangerous things One of many shows that have been on the rise for the past few years Really funny how they have been handling all these weights... ...until this point Great interaction with all the kids The airtime on this ride is a real surprise Hidden rabbit?? The whole Kaninland area An update without Balder is a bad thing, so here it is The area between Balder and the Turbo shot, including the large low buildings with the black roof, will soon belong to Liseberg A bit of greenery and people have made this place an awesome part of Liseberg Wonder if this is a theme malfunction, or just what it should be?? I don't really know, since I haven't really been waiting in line ever for Atmosfear long enough to notice Great photo op That's all from Liseberg this time RAWR

So according to an article about this in the local paper then this acquisition will boost the available expansion space for the park to a massive 80000 square meters, the park as it is today is 160000 square meters, so it would be possible to increase the size of the park with 50% if they want to. But I'm pretty sure that some of this available space will be going to some parking structure to replace the large parking area, some will be maintenance and warehouses for the park, there have also been some plans to build a new Liseberg Hotel, a new grander southern entrance and possibly also an indoor section of the park, so that they could be opened year round in the future. According to the CEO then some buildings on the site will be levelled but others will be kept and integrated into the park. The whole sum of 250 MSEK will be financed with a loan, wonder if it will reduce the yearly budget for new stuff or if they will keep on spending on new things. It really doesn't matter in the end, since everything that is great for Liseberg is also great for the city itself. Source: http://www.gp.se/nyheter/goteborg/1.1712327-liseberg-expanderar The question is how this will change the planes for the future, will they still begin with the southern parking lot to expand the park, or maybe wait with that and focus on the area behind Kanonen and Balder? One thing that is for certain is that the space is massive, something like the size of Millennium Force would almost fit. Something like I305, Skyrush, or any large B&M invert would be a piece of cake to put there though

No helix update this time, but something a lot better in my opinion. Some of you might remember this image that I have posted earlier: Green = Liseberg Yellow = Liseberg owned space which today is parking Light Blue = Liseberg facilities Purple = A small printing works Red = Buildings that once housed a SAAB gearbox factory (the edges are approximate, and include some faults) This red area is a prime location for Liseberg to expand, it have been that for a long time, since the park is land locked on more or less all other sides. But as you all know that SAAB went bust some time ago, which meant that there was a golden opportunity to finally secure it, and since then Liseberg and the city of Gothenburg have been in a discussion with the land owner about buying the area. And today Liseberg posted a press release and stated that they and the owner of the buildings have reached an agreement that Liseberg will buy the whole thing for 250 MSEK. This is epic news, since it will give Liseberg the space to grow for a very long time in the future. Source: http://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/pressroom/liseberg/pressrelease/view/liseberg-koeper-vaexellaadsfabriken-av-platzer-873441 [swedish] Some Helix images will come soon though...

Liseberg have brought the big guns in the construction work and made a second Helix construction update to show them off:

More Helix construction images from the unofficial Helix FB page. Lot's of stuff is going on Source: The Unofficial Helix FB page

Not that good unfortunately. It's not really rough or brutal, it just lacks that wicked airtime nowdays. I usually don't ride it if I have to wait more than 10 minute. It would be my number one choice for an iron horse makeover! I have to say that it was pretty awesome last August when I was there. Almost just as great as it once was before the re-tracking. Just as brutal, fast and insane airtime, even though it lacked the insane sideways air due to the re-tracking, but it's still way better than it was a few years ago when it was crawling around the track.

Helix construction update Loads of dirt is moved around in the park, even if they are open for business. Source: The Unofficial Helix FB page

In a way yes, but I also blame social media for over hyping it to extreme proportions. Just because most people are hunting "likes", "re-tweets", etc. to feel happy then things like these gets out of hand. And as always with these things, you only hear from those that complain about it, not the rest. And since most newspapers today are sensationalistic (especial Aftonbladet and similar "evening papers"), then these things will be blown into even bigger proportions. But as I said before, I would love to go to any theme park (especially Liseberg) than to sit on a hot beach all day and feel miserable. Oh and Bill, that's an awesome photo

You obviously haven't met me then. I didn't care for this thing at all and I don't really see what the fuss is all about. As Larrygator said, people really need to lighten up and see it for what it is and not literally. But I do have to say that I much rather go to Liseberg than any of those places posted in the advertising. Well it's pretty complicated. Liseberg is run like a normal Joint-stock company, but it's really a Municipal company wholly-owned by the city, thus owned by all the people living in Gothenburg. No Holding company's, private investors or anything like that. They have at times received loads of complaints about this, due to people think that the municipality give the park money at will to bail them out/by attractions for them, etc. Also much of Liseberg's operation is hidden due to be able to compete with other amusements parks, but since it's also an municipal company then all the operations should be open to the public so that they could be reviewed by anyone. It's really a tough balancing act for Liseberg between being a Joint-stock and Municipal company. Also forgot to post this yesterday: Happy 90:th anniversary Liseberg!!

Thank you all for the kind words! From my previous experiences on Star Flyers I thought that this might be a complete waste for a park like Gröna Lund, but Eclipse really delivered (as good as it's possible for such a ride). It was really intense, it had good speed and you really spun like crazy up there (most likely due to some good winds that day), so it was a lot better than I expected. Plus that view Even though I hate all kinds of Ferris Wheels with a passion, and quite reserved about heights, I was completely fine with this kind of ride, even if it's 122 meter tall. On the negative side though, I completely forgot to take an image of the "boob" credit on Eclipse Will have to see if someone else will spot it in the future On that fair, yeah it was a shame that they didn't have a credit, but then again the largest travelling coaster we have here in Sweden are a few Fabbri spinners, so it don't really matter that much. At times there have been some coasters on that particular fair, if you have a look at Google Earth you can see a Wacky worm at that location. Just wish I had a better camera...

So during a trip to Stockholm this weekend, due to an Uncles 60:th birthday, I had a few hours to kill between arriving and the party. So what to do?? Easy really, Gröna Lund is just a few minutes away from the city centre and they recently opened Eclipse which I was interested to try out, not to mention other goodies like Jet-Line and Twister This PTR also includes an IKEA surprise in the end Driving through Sweden in the morning Just moments away Look at that, it's exactly 40 years older than Liseberg Towers It took a while to get in, due to many was there today to update their annual passes First up, Eclipse Fritt fall doing it's thing In case you missed Almost there, well not really, the queue had a few switchbacks up there and in the end I had to wait about an hour for my ride Is it a bird, is it a plane, no it's erm, some people in a very tall swing?? Twister <3 The Australians left some secret code on the ride I know I should probably rotate this image, but I like it more this way Nice steam-punk operators booth My chariot awaits The ride was more exciting than I though, the kid I got paired up with gave it a thumbs up It's INSANE!! Twister from above Other side of Gröna Lund Looking towards Stockholm central parts I can see Jet-Line from here!! Speaking of Jet-Line, here it is But first a quick ride on Twister It was running great today, but they really need to lube it up properly, it was squealing just as bad as the trams in Gothenburg in the corners For all you Lift-Hill enthusiast out there Might be a good thing, since some parts are really close, and oh yes I hand planted the plexi-shield as you should No I did not forget the brakes enthusiast either, if you want to look at some real x-rated stuff I could post the underside as well Unfortunately I only had time for one ride on Eclipse Jet-Line was next, and was running really great as always Twister signature shot!! I was really dying to ride this since it received it's revamp in 2011 I do like the look of it But this was all I got, it broke down when I was half way through but then again, YAY evac cred!! After a quick ride on Twister with a lot of confusion in the station about which line to sit in, since the train must have 11 riders to make it all the way around, it was time to leave Really nice shot Exit time On the way home from the party I got this awesome view, unfortunately I left my camera at home that night, so here is a crappy phone image of it The next day on the way back home we stopped at IKEA for a while I didn't care for it though, since across the street they had this YAY, an awful Swedish fun fair The smell of grease hung in the air Not many people here either, no credit though Fully paid the copyright fee I presume?? It's not up to German Fair standards really I swear that they were playing the dodgems tune from RCT, it sounded very similar at least So no rides here today, the fun fair that was pictured on Google Earth had a better selection of rides that those there that day, but I was really surprised to see that there were a fair next to IKEA, better luck next time END!