Rappbode Dam Megazipline

The opening of Europe’s longest double zip line on 11 November 2012 at 11.11 a.m. at the Rappbode Dam in the Harz Mountains (Elbingerode) was certainly no carnival joke. Participants can now ‘fly’ down a 1,000-metre-long zip line from a launch tower at speeds of up to 100 km/h, either individually or in pairs side by side, using a pulley system (OC Falcon). Wearing a reclining harness designed by us in cooperation with the manufacturer, participants “whizz” headfirst over treetops and across water to arrive safely at the landing point 120 metres below at the other end of the reservoir.
We at hochkant supported the event company “Harzdrenalin” by taking on the complete design and project management. Through close collaboration with the operators, various partners and suppliers, the high standards for functionality and safety were met.
A particular technical challenge was spanning the steel cable over such a great distance. The cable was pulled into place with the help of one of Germany’s largest civilian transport helicopters. Using two special winches, we can adjust the cable sag and thus counteract weather-related changes in the material.
The launch tower was designed so that it can be expanded to include further attractions, such as a freefall ride.

Rappbode Dam (Saxony-Anhalt)
www.harzdrenalin.de