American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) recognizes Vuoristorata at Linnanmäki as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, a designation reserved for rides of historic significance.
The creation of Linnanmäki Amusement Park was announced on Children’s Day, 6 March 1950, with the park opening to the public on 27 May 1950. To help attract crowds that were visiting during the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, it was decided that a new “temporary” roller coaster would be added among the park’s offerings. The ride was designed and built by Danish carpenter Valdemar Lebech (1884-1975), who also constructed classic scenic railways in Denmark for Tivoli Gardens in 1912 and Bakken in 1932. Installation was supervised by Danish ride concessionaire Svend Jarlstrøm (1902-1965), who helped supply rides to Linnanmäki during its opening season and secured financing for the ride from the Central Union of Child Welfare.
Construction for Vuoristorata (“Roller Coaster”) was completed on 11 June 1951, with the ride opening to the public on 11 July 1951 and becoming an instant sensation as the park’s most popular ride. When it opened, Vuoristorata was the last scenic railway constructed as an early-style side-friction roller coaster that does not use upstop wheels under the track. For safety, an onboard brakemaster must sit on a raised seat on every train to help control the speed.
Vuoristorata features several airtime-producing drops along its 960-meter length of track that includes a height of 23 meters at its tallest point. A double-down dip, an uncommon midcourse transfer track to store the trains and a tunneled final turn are among its highlights. The original four 24-passenger, four-car trains that were built in-house specifically for the ride are still in use. Vuoristorata’s trains each contain air tanks in the last car to help the brakemasters slow the vehicles as needed.
ACE celebrates Linnanmäki for its continued excellent care and preservation of classic Vuoristorata, a cherished treasure for the people of Finland and the world.
Presented by American Coaster Enthusiasts
19 July 2025