📰 Construction Begins on Hexenberg Freizeitpark

Former Industrial Site to Transform into Sauerland’s Newest Theme Park Destination

Sauerland, Germany – A new chapter is beginning for a long-abandoned industrial site in the region. After months of planning and review, Hexenberg Freizeitpark has officially received full approval to proceed. Construction work has now begun, marking the first visible step toward what promises to become one of the most ambitious leisure developments in the area.

Demolition crews have moved onto the property, carefully gutting and dismantling the aging factory buildings that once defined the landscape. Steel structures are being removed, interiors stripped, and large sections of the site cleared to make way for future attractions. The transformation from heavy industry to immersive entertainment is now fully underway.

Project representatives describe the park as a long-term vision that will blend atmosphere, storytelling, and modern attractions within the natural setting of the Sauerland hills. While specific rides and themed areas have not yet been revealed, anticipation is already building within the community.

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A Historic Suspension Railway at the Park Entrance

One of the most striking features of the project is not new at all. Directly at the future main entrance stands a historic single-track suspension railway that has been part of the area’s skyline for generations. The line has existed for at least as long as the region’s oldest elevated rail systems and remains an iconic landmark.

Rather than being constructed specifically for the park, the railway is a long-established piece of local infrastructure. Its presence now gives Hexenberg Freizeitpark a truly unique arrival experience. Visitors will one day approach the entrance beneath the gently gliding cars suspended above.

A recently captured construction photo shows one of the suspension trains departing from its newly renovated station structure near the park grounds — a symbolic image representing both preservation and progress as the project moves forward.

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Official Approval and Project Launch

The development team confirmed:

“Hexenberg Freizeitpark has officially received final clearance. Site preparation and structural demolition are now in progress. This marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the location.”

With clearing operations continuing over the coming months, more details about attractions, themed environments, and construction milestones are expected to be announced at a later stage.

What an inventive idea for the suspension railway!

Wow - what a different take o this ride.

I'm trying to figure out how you did that, and I can't.

Great start to this project! And welcome to the forums.

On 2/20/2026 at 3:58 PM, Wabigbear said:

What an inventive idea for the suspension railway!

Thanks ! it was a "i just trying something new" project but now is an Main Feature for the new park wich takes this kind of transportation system as a main use to get to the park

21 hours ago, shyguy said:

I'm trying to figure out how you did that, and I can't.

Great start to this project! And welcome to the forums.

It's just playing around with some "mods," and yes, it works… and yes, the guests actually use it to get to the entrance. 🙂

Thank you very much! It's been a long time since ShyGuy's World and some RCT3 posts. I'm glad this project is being so well received.

Nice idea, I like to see some fresh ideas and projects.

13 hours ago, Knutinator said:

It's just playing around with some "mods," and yes, it works… and yes, the guests actually use it to get to the entrance. 🙂

Is there a mod that makes the monorail track invisible? I know you can easily do it with most coaster tracks, but I'm wondering how it works with transport rides? I wonder if you could remove the water trough from under the boat ride?

1 hour ago, Wabigbear said:

Is there a mod that makes the monorail track invisible? I know you can easily do it with most coaster tracks, but I'm wondering how it works with transport rides? I wonder if you could remove the water trough from under the boat ride?

If the Monorail Track is an „lifthill“ type track it cant load the Monorail Track as Lifthill so its disappear. I guess it would do the same with Water Rides.

2 hours ago, Knutinator said:

If the Monorail Track is an „lifthill“ type track it cant load the Monorail Track as Lifthill so its disappear. I guess it would do the same with Water Rides.

Interesting! Have to try that some time...thank you!

📰 Landmark Preserved as Demolition Continues at Hexenberg Site

Historic Industrial Structure to Become Part of Future Park Experience

Sauerland – As large portions of the former industrial complex are currently being cleared to make way for Hexenberg Freizeitpark, developers have confirmed that one significant structure will remain.

While demolition crews continue dismantling warehouses and secondary facilities across the site, the original brick processing building near the edge of the property is being carefully preserved and restored. The structure, recognizable by its ivy-covered façades and prominent industrial tower, will be integrated into the park’s long-term masterplan.

According to project officials, the building will be stabilized, cleaned, and architecturally enhanced rather than removed. Scaffolding is already visible along the exterior tower as specialists assess and reinforce the historic framework.

Shaft Installation to Be Retained

In addition to the main brick complex, the adjacent shaft installation at the perimeter of the site will also remain. Developers describe it as a defining vertical landmark that will visually anchor this section of the future park. The shaft structure is expected to undergo technical refurbishment while preserving its industrial character.

“The goal is not to erase the identity of the site,” a spokesperson stated. “This structure tells the story of the area’s industrial heritage. We see great potential in transforming it into a central atmospheric element within Hexenberg.”

Clearing the Way for What’s Next

Beyond this preserved zone, the remainder of the former industrial grounds is currently being cleared. Heavy equipment has begun removing outdated service buildings, storage areas, and paved sections to open space for future development. Large stretches of land are now visible for the first time in decades.

Observers on site report that landscaping work continues simultaneously, with vegetation gradually replacing concrete surfaces. The preserved brick building and shaft installation now stand in stark contrast to the open surroundings — a symbolic bridge between past and future.

While park representatives remain tight-lipped about the exact role this structure will play, its preservation strongly suggests that Hexenberg Freizeitpark intends to weave industrial history directly into its themed experience.

For now, one thing is certain: as the old complex disappears piece by piece,

a new identity is beginning to take shape around the one structure that will remain standing.

I love your presentation of this park so far. It reminds me of the "old days" on SGW when members created story parks, something that seems nearly forgotten in these days.

13 hours ago, shyguy said:

I love your presentation of this park so far. It reminds me of the "old days" on SGW when members created story parks, something that seems nearly forgotten in these days.

That’s what I’m trying to do! I loved reading the stories. I do have to say that, because of time constraints, I can’t make it as realistic as I would like. But I miss that — it adds a little bit of charm..

Oooh I love where this project is going , I might switch to using mods just to make suspended thing as well , your suspended monorail look really good.
Also very happy to see this presented as a story

Love the gazette!

And the suspended monorail is just amazing.

A solid start into an interesting new project :)

Opinion: Big Promises for Hexenberg – But Many Questions Remain

By a Concerned Resident

For decades, the area known as Gruben Anlage Hexenberg 3 stood as a reminder of our industrial past. Rusting structures, silent halls and the old riverside loading dock told the story of generations who worked there. Now, that same site is set to become a large-scale leisure destination.

The transformation of the former industrial grounds at Hexenberg into a theme park has been presented as an exciting new chapter. Investors speak of revitalization, tourism, and economic growth. Promotional materials show polished buildings and happy families walking where freight wagons once stood.

But beneath the glossy images, many of us are left with serious concerns.

What Will Be Lost?

The historic character of Gruben Anlage Hexenberg 3 is not just an aesthetic backdrop — it represents labor history, regional identity, and the industrial roots of this area. While developers claim that parts of the old structures will be preserved, no detailed public documentation has yet clarified exactly what will remain and what will be demolished.

Will the smokestack stay?
Will the riverside loading structures be integrated meaningfully?
Or will they become decorative props stripped of their historical context?

Infrastructure and Impact

Traffic is another unanswered question. Hexenberg was never designed for large-scale tourism. The surrounding roads are narrow, and nearby natural areas could be affected by increased visitor numbers. What studies have been conducted regarding traffic flow, noise levels, and environmental impact?

So far, the communication has been broad and optimistic — but lacking specifics.

Jobs and Economics

We are told the project will create jobs. That is welcome news. However, how many of these positions will be permanent? How many will be seasonal? And what guarantees are there that local residents will truly benefit?

Large leisure projects often promise long-term prosperity. History shows that outcomes can vary.

A Call for Transparency

Recently, the project operators announced plans to publish a public FAQ addressing community concerns. This is a step in the right direction. However, it must be more than a marketing tool. Residents deserve clear timelines, detailed architectural plans, environmental assessments, and honest financial projections.

Hexenberg deserves thoughtful development — not just ambitious renderings.

Change can be positive. Revitalization can breathe new life into forgotten places. But for many of us, Gruben Anlage Hexenberg 3 is more than vacant land. It is part of our collective memory.

If this transformation is truly meant to benefit the community, then the community must be fully informed — and fully heard.

Just hire Mr. Wonder to run things. He'll push everything forward, regardless of historical significance, public opinion or moral outcry.

6 minutes ago, shyguy said:

Just hire Mr. Wonder to run things. He'll push everything forward, regardless of historical significance, public opinion or moral outcry.

Mr. Wonder … you are instantly hired ! Structure, rules, and perfectionism are terrible in Germany. 😂

Developer Responds: “Hexenberg Project Built on Respect, Transparency and Opportunity”

Official Statement from the Project Development Team

Following recent public commentary regarding the planned transformation of Gruben Anlage Hexenberg 3, the development team behind the Hexenberg project has issued a detailed response addressing community concerns.

“We understand that this site carries historical and emotional significance,” the statement begins. “Gruben Anlage Hexenberg 3 is not simply a vacant industrial property. It represents decades of regional identity, labor history, and community memory. That legacy will not be ignored.”

Preservation of Industrial Heritage

According to the developers, several key structural elements of the former industrial complex will be preserved and integrated into the new master plan. These include select brick façades, portions of the riverside loading structures, and characteristic industrial design elements that will remain visible within the future park layout.

“Our goal is adaptive reuse, not erasure,” the statement clarifies. “Where preservation is structurally and environmentally viable, we will retain and restore.”

A detailed architectural preservation plan is expected to be released as part of the upcoming public FAQ.

Traffic and Environmental Considerations

Concerns regarding traffic and environmental impact were also addressed. The developers confirmed that independent traffic flow studies and environmental assessments are currently underway.

“The Hexenberg site will not simply absorb visitors without preparation. Infrastructure upgrades, access planning, and sustainable transport options are part of the phased development strategy.”

The project team also emphasized that sections of natural woodland and riverbank areas will remain protected and that environmental compensation measures will be implemented where required.

Economic Impact and Employment

Regarding employment, the developer stated that the project is expected to generate a mix of permanent and seasonal positions, including technical, operational, hospitality, and administrative roles.

“Our intention is long-term viability, not short-term activity. The Hexenberg development is designed as a sustainable destination that will contribute to the regional economy for decades.”

Discussions with local training institutions and suppliers are reportedly already in progress.

Commitment to Public Dialogue

The developer confirmed that the upcoming FAQ will include:

• Detailed preservation outlines

• Construction phase timelines

• Environmental findings summaries

• Traffic planning information

• Employment projections

“We welcome critical questions,” the statement concludes. “Constructive dialogue strengthens projects. Hexenberg deserves thoughtful transformation, and we are committed to transparency every step of the way.”

The FAQ platform is scheduled to launch in the coming weeks, with opportunities for residents to submit additional questions directly.

I've been playing with NoTrackLimits and would have never thought of what you did with the monorail, that is just brilliant (and I love how you supported it.) That encourages me to explore that mod some more.

On 2/28/2026 at 10:06 PM, JPTV said:

I've been playing with NoTrackLimits and would have never thought of what you did with the monorail, that is just brilliant (and I love how you supported it.) That encourages me to explore that mod some more.

I cant „ignore“ the station track because there will be a track to load no matter what im trying. So i use the part as some kind „Anti Swinging“ mechanic so the Suspended Monorail would not Swing. But besides that it works fine and give an nice RCT2 touch :)

Ive seen you did the same for your Gnome Land. But i struggle to keep it at a decent speed for now 😂 its rushing threw it like an speed boat haha

Oh, if you are in the workshop file for that all the LSM speeds got messed up. I'm hoping to upload a new version soon. Possibly because it was uploaded without the mod, which means people not using the mod might end up with the speeds messed up also, I need to test that.

Yeah, stations do kill the illusion. Altho one thing you could do is layer the suspended track over it (unconnected to the main track loop of course.) I usually do it from the main track but the game is fidgety when unconnected track pieces are touching, you never know which one it's going to use. So I guess it might be easier to build a track section from a separate version of the ride. Sorry if that isn't what you were talking about, I would need to see your station.

18 hours ago, JPTV said:

Oh, if you are in the workshop file for that all the LSM speeds got messed up. I'm hoping to upload a new version soon. Possibly because it was uploaded without the mod, which means people not using the mod might end up with the speeds messed up also, I need to test that.

Yeah, stations do kill the illusion. Altho one thing you could do is layer the suspended track over it (unconnected to the main track loop of course.) I usually do it from the main track but the game is fidgety when unconnected track pieces are touching, you never know which one it's going to use. So I guess it might be easier to build a track section from a separate version of the ride. Sorry if that isn't what you were talking about, I would need to see your station.

That’s the station for now. Nothing too crazy planned for it — just adding a few small details like a ticket machine and some extra touches.

I think I made the best out of it! As far as I know, this might actually be the first monorail in Planet Coaster 2 I’ve seen so far 👀

With the elevated track continuing through the station like that, the illusion is not destroyed at all. The lower rail can easily be explained away as part of the necessary mechanics. I don't think you need to change anything!

55 minutes ago, JPTV said:

With the elevated track continuing through the station like that, the illusion is not destroyed at all. The lower rail can easily be explained away as part of the necessary mechanics. I don't think you need to change anything!

I would liked it more if it were more decent but yes.. there is no other way for me but it will work :)