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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Wartburg Castle overlooking Thuringian Forest in Germany
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Misool, Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
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When in Rome...celebrate Saturnalia
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Big wheels on a big mountain
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On this shore, history was made
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National Roller Coaster Day
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Jamaica celebrates its independence
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Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
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National Trails Day
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Celebrating National Panda Day
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Happy New Year!
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A lofty lighthouse and a little ocean spray
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Gentoo penguins in Antarctica
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Cordouan Lighthouse, France
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Whoopin it up!
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A sleeping green giant
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Is that a face in the sand?
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Celebrating Bike to Work Week, May 14-18
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The confluence of the Arve and Rhône Rivers
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What happened to these clouds?
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May the Fourth be with you…
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Hemakuta Hill, Hampi, India
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Perfect timing
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Tegallalang terrace farms in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
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Party like it’s 5779
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Punakaiki on South Island, New Zealand
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A special day for a special cat
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Eastern grey kangaroos in Australia’s Kosciuszko National Park
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A century since Tut s tomb was discovered
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Class, please take out a No. 2 pencil…