📰 Construction Challenges at Hexenberg: Remediation Issues Slow Early Development

Industrial Legacy of Gruben Anlage Hexenberg 3 Forces Adjustments to Opening Plans

Hexenberg – Progress continues at the future site of the Hexenberg Freizeitpark, though recent developments reveal that the transformation of the former Gruben Anlage Hexenberg 3 industrial complex is proving more complicated than initially expected.

One of the most visible changes so far is the sealing of a former mine shaft located within the site. The shaft has been permanently closed with a reinforced concrete cap, marking one of the first major safety measures during the redevelopment of the historic industrial grounds.

Nearby, visitors and observers may notice several large metal containers positioned around the area. Contrary to speculation, these are not waste containers, but rather part of the original pumping station used for groundwater management during the operation of the mining facility. According to project sources, at least one of these pumping systems will remain operational, as it may be required to support groundwater control for one of the two roller coasters planned for the park’s opening phase.

Attractions Announced — But Plans Adjusted

Developers have confirmed that the park is intended to feature three major attractions and several smaller rides designed to fill out the themed environment. However, geological studies conducted during demolition and soil testing have revealed significantly higher levels of contamination than originally estimated.

As a result, the park’s initial opening phase will be smaller than planned. Several sections of the property will remain undeveloped for the time being and instead be accessible as natural walking paths, allowing visitors to explore the landscape while long-term remediation work continues.

Project officials acknowledged that the extent of industrial contamination was fundamentally miscalculated, leading to a substantial increase in cleanup costs and delays to certain construction plans.

Limited Visible Construction So Far

At present, visible progress remains relatively modest. Aside from the secured shaft installation and the industrial ruin located to the left of the park entrance, which is scheduled to be converted into administrative offices and a souvenir shop, little large-scale construction has begun.

Even the future parking area remains temporary. Due to the deteriorated condition of the existing concrete surface — originally part of the industrial facility — the parking lot will initially consist of compacted gravel, as engineers determined that the old concrete slabs would not withstand the weight of heavy transport vehicles delivering upcoming ride components.

Temporary Bridge Planned for Heavy Transport

To address logistical challenges, the project team has commissioned a temporary steel bridge, currently under construction at a nearby metal workshop. Once completed in the coming months, this improvised structure will allow oversized transport vehicles to safely deliver the large ride components required for the park’s attractions.

First Finished Building: “After Work Restaurant”

Despite the slower progress elsewhere, one building appears close to completion. The former harbor bunker, located near the riverbank and within view of the monorail station, has been converted into what will become the park’s “After Work Restaurant.”

From outside, the building already appears nearly finished. Interior furnishings are visible through the windows, and according to observers, the first staff members have already begun training inside the restaurant.

If construction continues as expected, the After Work Restaurant may become the first facility on site to open its doors, even before the park itself officially welcomes guests.

What Happens Behind the Scenes?

How far the redevelopment of the administrative offices has progressed remains unclear, as much of the work is currently taking place out of public view. However, several photographs have recently surfaced showing the sealed mine shaft installation, offering a rare glimpse into the ongoing safety and remediation efforts taking place at Hexenberg.

For now, the future of the park remains a mixture of visible progress, industrial legacy, and the challenges that come with transforming a historic mining site into a modern leisure destination.

📰 Construction Advances at Hexenberg Site

Temporary Bridge Installed as First Major Attractions Begin to Rise

Hexenberg – Construction work at the future Hexenberg Freizeitpark, located on the grounds of the former Gruben Anlage Hexenberg 3, continues to move forward as new developments become visible across the site.

As reported in earlier articles, the redevelopment of the former industrial complex has faced several challenges, including unexpected soil contamination and the need for careful remediation work. Despite these complications, progress over the past weeks suggests that the project is gradually entering a more visible phase of construction.

Temporary Bridge Now in Place

One of the most notable recent additions is the installation of a temporary transport bridge, which now spans the narrow river channel at the edge of the property. The bridge was specially commissioned to allow heavy transport vehicles to access the construction site without putting additional stress on the aging industrial infrastructure that remains beneath parts of the terrain.

With the bridge now fully installed, oversized delivery vehicles can begin bringing in ride components and construction materials required for the park’s upcoming attractions.

Large construction cranes have also appeared on site, now dominating parts of the skyline above the former industrial grounds.

Clearing Work Around the Industrial Ruin

The old industrial structure located near the park entrance, which earlier reports identified as a future office and souvenir shop, appears to have undergone its first phase of cleanup. Observers note that much of the overgrown vegetation surrounding the building has been removed.

Early pathway layouts can now be seen forming around the structure, suggesting that the area will soon become part of the main guest circulation routes within the park.

Entrance Plaza Taking Shape

Meanwhile, the ticket area and entrance courtyard appear to be largely completed from a structural standpoint. Landscaping work has already begun, and newly planted greenery is visible throughout the forecourt.

Interestingly, developers seem to have taken a restrained approach to clearing the land. Large portions of the existing vegetation have been preserved, allowing the park to maintain much of the natural atmosphere that has developed around the former industrial site over the decades.

Ferris Wheel from Oberhausen Becomes Centerpiece

However, the most striking new feature for visitors arriving by the park’s distinctive suspension railway will likely be the installation of a large Ferris wheel, reportedly acquired from Oberhausen.

The structure is currently under construction and already rising above the surrounding trees, making it visible from several vantage points across the site. Once completed, it will likely serve as one of the park’s first prominent landmarks.

More Attractions Expected Soon

With transport access now secured through the newly installed bridge, it is expected that additional ride components and attractions will begin arriving in the near future.

While the overall scope of the initial opening phase was previously reduced due to environmental remediation requirements, recent developments indicate that construction is steadily moving toward the next stage.

For now, the transformation of Gruben Anlage Hexenberg 3 continues to unfold — gradually turning a once-forgotten industrial landscape into what developers hope will become a new regional destination.

📰 Major Attraction Revealed at Hexenberg Freizeitpark

“Blast Furnace” Coaster Confirmed After First Track Sightings

Hexenberg – After weeks of speculation and subtle hints, the developers behind Hexenberg Freizeitpark have officially confirmed the park’s first major attraction: a custom-built roller coaster named “BLAST FURNACE.”

The announcement follows several days of growing curiosity among observers, after large steel track segments and support structures were spotted on the park’s front parking area, clearly visible even from the nearby access road and the park’s suspension railway.

First Sightings Spark Speculation

Eyewitnesses reported the arrival of multiple transport trucks carrying dark-colored track pieces and heavy support columns. The components were temporarily stored on the front lot, drawing attention from passersby and fueling speculation about the type of ride being installed.

Photos circulating locally show distinctive track elements consistent with a modern launch coaster, leading enthusiasts to quickly connect the dots.

Official Confirmation: “BLAST FURNACE”

The park has now confirmed that the attraction will be a custom old-school Vekoma Double LSM Launch Coaster, marking a significant investment and positioning it as one of the headline rides for the park’s opening phase.

According to early information, the coaster will be heavily themed around the site’s industrial past, specifically drawing inspiration from a reactivated steelworks and blast furnace facility.

A Ride Through a Failing Steel Plant

Under the name “BLAST FURNACE,” the attraction will immerse guests in a dramatic scenario:

Visitors are sent into an aging industrial complex that has been brought back online — but the system quickly spirals out of control. Rising pressure, overheating machinery, and structural instability turn what was meant to be a controlled test run into a chaotic escape through the facility.

The double launch system is expected to simulate bursts of acceleration through different sections of the plant, while dynamic elements and rapid transitions enhance the feeling of losing control inside an unstable industrial environment.

Construction to Begin Soon

With track pieces now confirmed on site, assembly of the coaster is expected to begin in the coming weeks, likely making it one of the most visible construction projects within the park.

The use of cranes already present on the property suggests that groundwork and preparation for installation may already be underway.

A Statement for the Park’s Future

The reveal of BLAST FURNACE marks an important milestone for Hexenberg Freizeitpark, signaling a clear direction for the park’s identity:

A blend of industrial heritage, immersive storytelling, and modern attractions.

As construction continues and more details emerge, the coaster is expected to become one of the park’s defining experiences — and a key draw for visitors once Hexenberg opens its gates.

First Layout and Photo being teased for the Upcoming Main Coaster

More artwork for Blast Furnace has surfaced, and once again it really shows the level of theming they’re aiming for.

So far, almost everything we’ve seen focuses heavily on this one major attraction, while the rest of the park is still pretty much under wraps. It’s clear they’re putting a lot of attention into their current headliner.

Whether that’s a good or bad sign in the long run remains to be seen—but judging by these images, there’s definitely a lot of potential here. It doesn’t look like they’re going for a simple, generic “fairground-style” park at all.

Honestly, if they keep this level of detail and atmosphere, Blast Furnace could turn out to be something really special.

Lovely work! Very atmospheric

Nice lighting, looks very nice and realistic!

On 4/13/2026 at 7:28 PM, Dutchie said:

Lovely work! Very atmospheric

Thanks ! :) i try to spoil more details soon but there is so much going on in the Park

On 4/19/2026 at 1:16 AM, DanielDikay said:

Nice lighting, looks very nice and realistic!

Thank you ! I think i have over 40 light cues and a tried to do not too much for permance reasons .. maybe i have to do a video with some shots to get the „vibe“ right :)

📰 Trouble at Hexenberg? Ferris Wheel Faces Certification Problems

Meanwhile, More Attractions and Entire Themed Areas Begin to Emerge

Hexenberg – While construction at Hexenberg Freizeitpark continues to move forward at an impressive pace, new information suggests that not everything is going according to plan behind the scenes.

According to several sources close to the project, the park’s large Ferris wheel — previously reported to have been acquired from a well-known American Disney park installation — is currently facing serious approval issues in Germany.

Ferris Wheel May Require Major Reconstruction

The attraction, which has already become one of the most recognizable structures on the site, reportedly does not meet current German TÜV certification standards in its original configuration.

Insiders claim that extensive technical modifications may now be necessary before the ride can operate legally. The scale of the required changes is still unclear, but there are growing concerns regarding the financial impact this could have on the already strained project budget.

Whether the park’s operators still have enough reserve funding available to complete the reconstruction remains uncertain.

Blast Furnace Building Nearly Complete

Despite the Ferris wheel complications, visible progress across the rest of the park continues rapidly.

The large show building for BLAST FURNACE, the park’s upcoming Vekoma indoor double-launch coaster, now appears to be nearing structural completion. Most major attractions are also believed to have already reached the site and found their final positions within the park layout.

First Details About the Park Layout Leak

At the same time, more information about the overall structure of the park has started to emerge.

Sources suggest that guests will enter through a main boulevard lined with half-timber-style buildings, leading toward a large central floral plaza that acts as the heart of the park.

From there, visitors will reportedly branch off into several themed areas:

• Harbor Town – likely focused on the waterfront and restaurant district

• Industrial District – the already well-known thrill-focused area containing BLAST FURNACE

• Dreamland – a more family-oriented area currently receiving the installation of a cable car system

• Mexican Area – a section still largely unknown, with very little information currently available

Cable Car Raises Questions

One of the more surprising developments is the construction of a cable car system leading up the mountainside behind the park.

So far, no details have surfaced regarding what exactly guests will find at the top. However, due to the difficult terrain and limited accessibility, many speculate that whatever is planned there is unlikely to be a large-scale attraction.

Still, the secrecy surrounding the mountain area has already sparked significant curiosity among enthusiasts following the project.

Attractions Currently Spotted on Site

Based on visible ride parts, transport deliveries, and leaked information, the following attractions are believed to be part of Hexenberg Freizeitpark’s opening lineup:

• BLAST FURNACE – Vekoma Indoor Double LSM Launch Coaster

• Wild Water Ride – Mack Rides

• Zierer Family Coaster

• HUSS Pirate Ship

• HUSS Enterprise

• HUSS Top Spin

• Zierer Flying Carpet

• Mack Bumper Cars

• Cosmont Musik Express

• Cable Car System (manufacturer unknown)

• Heyn Carousel

• Continuous Chain Dark Ride by Schwarzkopf, reportedly purchased from a former amusement park

At this stage, however, much remains speculation.

The park itself continues to reveal very little officially — leaving fans and observers to piece together the future of Hexenberg from leaked sightings, construction progress, and the occasional teaser image.

Community Day at Hexenberg – First Impressions from Inside the Park

Recently, a small number of selected guests were invited to attend a Community Day at the future Hexenberg Freizeitpark, offering one of the first opportunities to see parts of the park beyond the construction fences.

Photography was heavily regulated throughout the visit. Only specific scenes and attractions approved by the park were allowed to be photographed, meaning visitors were not able to take general construction photos or document unfinished areas. The focus was clearly on showcasing what the park wants guests to see rather than the current state of construction.

First Look at The Grand Illusionist

Without question, the highlight of the event was the opportunity to see the park's dark coaster and the first completed sections of its accompanying dark ride experience.

Named The Grand Illusionist, the attraction appears to be far from a traditional ghost train. Instead, it embraces a much stronger fantasy and illusion-based theme, creating an atmosphere that feels mysterious and magical rather than frightening.

To our surprise, not only were several show scenes already completed, but the queue line itself appears to be largely finished. The level of detail on display suggests that this attraction has become one of the park's current priorities.

Main Street Still a Construction Zone

Outside of the completed attraction areas, however, the reality of the project is much more apparent.

The future Main Street currently consists largely of unfinished concrete façades surrounded by scaffolding. While the overall layout and architecture are becoming visible, most buildings remain shells awaiting theming, interiors, and finishing work.

That said, everyone invited was grateful for the opportunity to visit the site and see the progress firsthand.

Opening Still Appears Distant

Despite the encouraging progress inside certain attractions, the overall impression is that Hexenberg is still a considerable distance from opening.

Several major projects remain outstanding, and sources suggest that construction delays continue to affect parts of the development. The park's planned water ride, for example, is reportedly experiencing significant setbacks due to ongoing permitting and approval issues.

While some areas are clearly advancing quickly, others appear to be waiting for administrative approvals before construction can fully proceed.

A Promising Vision – But Patience Required

The Community Day demonstrated that Hexenberg's developers are capable of delivering highly themed experiences, particularly with attractions such as The Grand Illusionist and Blast Furnace.

However, it also highlighted the scale of the task still ahead.

For now, Hexenberg remains a fascinating construction project full of ambition and potential—but visitors hoping for an imminent opening may need to remain patient a little while longer.