Krampus Expedition, Water coaster at Nigloland, France
Krampus Expedition is a water coaster at Nigloland in France that stretches approximately 600 meters and reaches heights of about 28 meters. The ride combines traditional roller coaster elements with water features, including a splashdown sequence and a tunnel passage through a Krampus head structure.
Nigloland's Gélis family sought a water coaster since Poseidon opened at Europa-Park in 2000. Development began in 2017; a Mack Rides Supersplash was dropped as too bulky for the plot, and a smaller variant was engineered instead. Track arrived in autumn 2020 and the coaster portion was finished on 27 November 2020. The ride opened on 12 June 2021 as France's first water coaster, a €12 million investment, the park's largest since 1987.
The theme is the Krampus, the half-man, half-goat figure of Alpine folklore, but Nigloland presents it gently as a nature excursion rather than a scare, to suit its family audience. Universal Rocks built the rockwork and Robers supplied the themed lighting. Promotional posters read: "Une créature légendaire descend des montagnes pour envahir le parc."
The queue climbs stairs to an attic filled with stacked furniture, then descends past relics including the skeleton of a young Krampus. Riders board eight-seat cars in four rows of two; six cars run on the 600-metre circuit. The final plunge passes through the carved Krampus head and ends in a splashdown, so expect to get wet.
The coaster features a distinctive tunnel designed to resemble a Krampus head that riders pass through, creating an immersive moment. This themed element sets it apart from typical water coasters and makes the experience more memorable.
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