Alpengeist, Steel roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia
Alpengeist is a roller coaster in Virginia where trains hang beneath the track and carry riders through six inversions at 67 miles per hour (108 kilometers per hour). The course runs through loops, spirals and a cobra roll over artificial rock formations and water features.
The installation opened in March 1997 as the world's tallest inverted coaster at 195 feet (59 meters). That title was later surpassed by other installations, but it remains a milestone in inverted ride design.
The Alpine name reflects the themed elements of an abandoned mountain rescue station that guests walk through while waiting. Soundtrack and visual staging bring the story of a dangerous Alps expedition to life.
Riders 54 inches (137 centimeters) tall or more can board, and three trains with 32 seats each help reduce wait times. Boarding happens on a platform where staff check safety restraints.
A 170-foot (52-meter) spiral drop begins the descent before the track crosses the artificial Rhine riverbed during the cobra roll. This water passage amplifies the sense of speed and adds an extra visual layer.
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