This roller coaster at Skyline Park in Bad Wörishofen, Germany, like all other modern coasters, can trace its lineage back to the engineering work of Russian refugees living in 17th-century Portugal. To recreate the fun of sledding down snow-covered hills, the Russians built ice-bearing wooden platforms and ramps similar to very large playground slides. As the concept of the ‘Russian Mountain’ ride caught on across Europe, mechanical parts came into play, including sled-like vehicles to ride in, and rails to keep the carts on track. Over the centuries, these coaster-like rides grew to resemble the extreme, gravity-challenging thrill rides we see at modern theme parks. Where is your favorite roller coaster?
Keep your hands inside the ride at all times…
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Cape Town at dusk
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Goðafoss waterfall, Iceland
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A stroll above the stratosphere
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Too awesome to be a planet
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Joan charges Riverside Park
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Sailing across the ice
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A fortress in the sky
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Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
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The ruins of a Maya superpower
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The circular castle of Cornwall
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Celebrating World Water Day
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Autumnal equinox
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Badlands National Parks 45th anniversary
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Brown bears, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska
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Kirkjufell, Iceland
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National Bird Day
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Life goes on at the Beatles Ashram
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Cheetah mother and cub
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Rocky mountain pi
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Forward-thinking women of history
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National Lighthouse Day
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Shining like Klondike gold
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National Park Week: Wind Cave National Park
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Fog above the forest
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International Day of Friendship
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Shark Fin Cove, California
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World Water Day
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Celebrating National Panda Day
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World Book Day
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Walton Lighthouse, Santa Cruz, California