Over the Bode using a witches’ broom

Preface

The Wie-Hex installations are certainly not among the most popular products of the manufacturer Wiegand, which is known above all for its toboggan runs and steel tub slides. Nevertheless, this year a second generation witches’ broom in a remarkable version, the Boderitt, was installed in the second fun park of the Seilbahnen Thale Erlebniswelt, near the cable car up to the Hexentanzplatz and in the immediate vicinity of the first generation witches’ broom.

Seilbahnen Thale Erlebniswelt

Boderitt

A little later than I thought, I reached the Erlebniswelt in the Bode Valley – which is run by the manufacturer Wiegand – only to be at the Boderitt way too early. Although the opening hours were clear, the new Wie-Hex had not even completed his test rounds, and even worse, it had not even started. Only on demand the ride was set in motion, but it was much colder than expected and the cars had a hard time to make the track at all. After almost an hour, a technician started up the ride after numerous attempts.

With the course of the day completely turned upside down, I was able to take a seat in the vehicle familiar from the Ski- und Rodelarena Wasserkuppe. After inserting the necessary 3 chips, the vehicle immediately starts moving and climbs the first lift hill. Without any noticeable deflection you make a left turn and then a small detour along the terrace of the restaurant. After a further left turn, the car is braked almost to a standstill in the following right turn, as the second lift hill is approaching. Back on a higher level, followed by a swerve, there is a serpentine-like play of curves that is driven somewhat faster, whereupon the third lift hill is reached. You also leave this hill in a left turn, followed by a wide right turn. Not surprisingly, after another change of direction you reach the final lift. The now following slope is a little more distinctive and the two curves also have a narrower radius through which the gondola swings a little more. However, also in this case, one is braked too soon and consequently one crawls towards the exit position.

The Boderitt is only remarkable because of its size, unfortunately not due to the ride. Compared to the witches broom of the Wasserkuppe, the swinging of the cars is almost non-existent, neither rocking forwards or backwards nor swinging to the side. Admittedly, the ride was certainly not yet sufficiently run in at that time and therefore the swinging might have been much lesser than in the late afternoon; but that doesn’t make the track, whose highlight in the end were the four lifts themselves and the final curves, any better. Nevertheless, it enlivens Funpark 2 at Seilbahnen Thale Erlebniswelt and fills it well, as does the new water ride from the manufacturer Zierer.

Pictures Seilbahnen Thale Erlebniswelt

 


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Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover



Animal Park:Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover (since 1996)
Zoo Hannover (? - 1995)
Zoologischer Garten Hannover (1865 - ?)
Address:Adenauerallee 3
30175 Hannover
https://www.zoo-hannover.de/de
Operated by:Region Hannover

Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover in the centre of Hanover in Lower Saxony is one of the biggest and most important animal parks in Germany. The park was founded in 1865 and was operated as a traditional zoo with small sized enclosures till the ’90s. In regard of the upcoming world exposition Expo 2000, the park changed its face and created some of the most unique themed areas and enclosures.

The zoo offers a wide range of animals shown in seven beautiful themed areas. The enclosures of the animals are typically large and species-appropriate. The park also offers a variety of attractions and shows, which are all included in the park admission.

 
 
 

 

Highlights of the Animal Park

 




Animals

 

Gorillaberg

The Mountain of the Monkeys

 


Animals

 

Indischer Dschungelpalast

A very exotic area

 


Animals

 

Meyers Hof

Home to many farm animals

 


Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover

 

Mullewapp

A great children’s area

 


Animals

 

Sambesi

Deep in Africa

 


Animals

 

Yukon Bay

Probably the most beautiful themed area

 


On Expedition through the Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover

History of the Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover

On May 4, 1865, the Zoological Garden Hanover was founded. In the period of now more than 150 years, the fifth oldest zoo in the Federal Republic experienced many ups and downs. From 1922-1924 the park was closed due to financial difficulties and reopened only on concerns of a citizens’ initiative. Through private involvement of the Alfeld based animal trading company Ruhe, the zoological garden developed more and more into a showcase of the company, before the zoo went into the possession of the city of Hannover in the early 70s. Visitor records and breeding successes determined this time, before it went down rapidly with the very conventionally operated zoo in the early 90s.

A new beginning was needed, which is why the animal park was sold symbolically in the first instance to the municipal association Greater Hannover, ie to the Hanover region. Reorganized as a limited liability company, the company benefited massively from the approaching World Exposition in the year 2000 and, being the first zoo in the country, gave up its long-established and discredited way of animal husbandry. The theme areas Zambezi, Gorilla Mountain, Meyer’s Farm and the Indian Jungle Palace have been shaping and shaping the image of the Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover since then.

A visit to the Erlebnis-Zoo

As a native Hanoverian, I grew up with the Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover. I even spent a week with my primary school at the zoo, trying to ride the Sambesi boat ride (a tow boat ride by Intamin) over and over again; the rest of the time, we spent at the amazing playground. In  Northern Germany, a good animal park is typically characterised by the size of its playground and this one was meaningfully upgraded in 2007 by the integration of the figures Johnny Mauser, Franz von Hahn and the thick Waldemar from the children’s book Freunde by Helme Heine. The Mullewapp area also has three summer tubing lanes, which are included in the entrance fee.

By 2010, the enclosure with Australian animals was relocated, resulting in the small Outback theme area, as well as the opening of the Canadian themed area Yukon Bay. As an amusement park enthusiast you will encounter many nice themed areas on your journey throughout the different countries of the world, mostly crowned by a more than just thrilling rollercoaster, but Yukon Bay beats them all by far. You can see why prairie dogs are the new meerkats and polar bears are true masters in cliff jumping when suited in a sufficiently large and versatile enclosure.  In addition to a large stage with a worth seeing sea lion show, the theme area even offers some good food options and some boardwalk games.

In 2013 Kibongo opened. The new outdoor area of ​​the chimpanzees, which expands the gorilla mountain. The zoo is currently working on a new economic sector, which will also expand the Zambezi theme area. A transfer of the entrance area and other projects promote the growth of the zoological garden, which lives up to every single cent of the comparatively high admission price.

Pictures Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover

Conclusion Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover

The Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover is a very versatile animal park. You can spend several hours without any problems. Although the animal enclosures, by the limited space of the zoo, are by far not as huge as in the animal and leisure park Flamingo Land in the English county of Yorkshire (which is why you will hardly see a giraffe chasing an ostrich over here), they are still quite big; The animals all seem to be in good health and that should be the goal of any zoo in general. For late-comers and bargain hunters, there is also the possibility of a reduced entrance fee in the last few opening hours of the park (if the park is not hopelessly crowded, it is a thoroughly pleasant alternative).

 

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