Top of the World, Rotating observation tower in Geiselwind, Germany
Top of the World is a rotating observation tower at Geiselwind leisure park where a passenger cabin moves up and down while turning, carrying about 130 people at a time to a maximum height of 72 meters. The ride provides views over the park and surrounding countryside as it slowly spins throughout its journey.
The ride was originally built by Dutch company Nauta-Bussink for a showman from Bremen and first stood at a Christmas market in Berlin in 1995. After that it traveled to various events before eventually settling at Geiselwind where it now operates year-round.
The observation tower represents German engineering excellence in mobile amusement rides, setting standards for transportable viewing platforms across European fairgrounds.
The ride takes about 20 minutes and is accessible to most visitors, though height restrictions may apply to some passengers. It is worth checking on windy days whether the ride is operating since strong wind can affect operation.
In September 2019 rescue teams had to evacuate 21 people when the cabin got stuck at 60 meters high in an operation that required military and helicopter assistance. The incident highlighted how safety procedures matter with large traveling rides.
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