originally posted on 5/12/2023
A train of riders exhibits near-unanimous approval for Liseberg’s new Luna roller coaster.
ALL Photos: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
On April 22, Liseberg, Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden, opened its doors for the 2023 season, but this time it was more special than usual.
In 2023 the park celebrates its 100th anniversary and to do so, debuted a brand new hotel adjoining the park. The Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel has 450 rooms and is themed to fit with Liseberg’s unique atmosphere.
Not only did the park open a brand new hotel but it also added its seventh roller coaster. Luna is a Vekoma family boomerang and is perfect for the park’s lineup of roller coasters.
As is the case with all of Liseberg, Luna’s signage is impressive.
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Before the installation of Luna, there was a gap in the park’s offerings. Smaller riders were limited to Stampbanan (a Preston & Barbieri Mini Coaster) and Rabalder (a Zierer Force / Two). Following that duo, it was a big step up to either Lisebergbanan or Balder.
Luna has a unique layout and is the tallest, fastest and longest Vekoma family boomerang in the world. The roller coaster is by no means frightening but instead is fun for children as well as the entire family.
Luna’s train reaches for the moon while passing over the newly created Luna Park on the layout’s backward spike.
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Booster wheels pull the train backward up the lift hill, allowing great views of the park. Once at the top, the brakes release and the train is released back through the station, traveling next to Helix’s second launch and reaching for the moon with a spike over Luna Park. Gravity allows the train to change direction and complete the same course in reverse.
Despite being a family roller coaster, Luna’s attention to detail is second to none.
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The roller coaster features music by IMAscore and in true Liseberg style, the theming of the station is one of the prettiest one may experience at any theme park anywhere in the world. A world class installation, it achieves exactly what is intended – and maybe even a little more.
Wonderful details abound in Luna’s queue and loading station.
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Luna riders must be 48 inches tall and six years of age or 38 inches tall accompanied by an adult. The height of the roller coaster is 109 feet, and length of the track is 794 feet with the train traveling a total of 1.588 feet. Top speed is 42 mph, and the train consists 10 two-seat cars.
While not a thrilling roller coaster, Luna nonetheless has a lot to offer casual riders as well as coaster enthusiasts.
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Congratulations, Liseberg on 100 years, an amazing hotel and a great roller coaster. Happy Birthday.
— Christpher Karlsson
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