Tier- und Freizeitpark Thüle has expanded its attraction lineup with Maui’s Peak, a new family launch coaster supplied by German manufacturer ART Engineering. The roller coaster opened on 11 July 2026 and has become the latest addition to the park’s existing Tiki-themed area.
Maui’s Peak is a custom-built Family Spike Launch Coaster designed to combine several distinctive ride elements within a relatively compact footprint. Rather than following a conventional continuous circuit, the train changes direction during the experience and travels across parts of the track both forwards and backwards.
The project was first announced in September 2023, when the German park confirmed during IAAPA Expo Europe that it had ordered a new roller coaster from ART Engineering. After several years of development, construction and installation, the ride has now been completed and opened to visitors.
Multiple Launches and a Reversing Track
The experience begins with the train launching forwards out of the station. Riders pass through a series of turns before reaching a second launch section, which accelerates the train towards the attraction’s most recognisable feature.
The train climbs a spike consisting of an open-ended section of track. As it loses momentum, it rolls backwards and crosses a switch track, which redirects the train onto a different section of the layout.
Another friction-wheel launch then sends the train backwards towards the spike before it changes direction once again. The final acceleration carries the train forwards and back into the station.
The combination of launches, backwards movement, an open track ending and a switching section allows ART Engineering to create a longer and more varied experience without requiring the space needed for a large traditional coaster.
Compact Coaster Reaches 45 Kilometres per Hour
Maui’s Peak has approximately 260 metres of track and reaches a maximum height of around 16 metres. The train can reach speeds of up to 45 kilometres per hour.
The complete installation occupies an area measuring approximately 76 by 30 metres. Its single train consists of six cars with two seats in each car, allowing up to twelve guests to ride together.
ART Engineering estimates that the attraction can accommodate approximately 400 passengers per hour. The coaster is accessible to children measuring at least 90 centimetres, making it suitable for younger riders while still providing launches and reversing movements that can appeal to older family members.
Integrated into Thüle’s Tiki Area
The new roller coaster was developed specifically for Tier- und Freizeitpark Thüle rather than being installed as a standard off-the-shelf model. Its train, colours and decorative elements were designed to connect the attraction with the park’s tropical Tiki environment.
Maui’s Peak joins Tiki-Tahiti-Adventure, a dark ride that opened in the themed area in 2024. Together, the two attractions strengthen this section of the park and create a more complete themed experience built around tropical landscapes, island imagery and Polynesian-inspired decoration.
The coaster’s placement also turns the track and spike into prominent visual elements within the area. Blue track winds between the surrounding pathways and scenery, while the elevated spike can be seen from other parts of the park.
Major New Attraction for the German Family Park
Located near Friesoythe in Lower Saxony, Tier- und Freizeitpark Thüle combines animal exhibits with a collection of family rides and larger amusement attractions. Maui’s Peak becomes one of the park’s most technically ambitious roller coasters.
The park already operates several coasters, including the Lost World mountain coaster, Drachen-Achterbahn and the smaller Hilly-Billy-Race. Maui’s Peak adds a different type of experience through its powered launches, switch track and backwards sections.
With the ride now operating, ART Engineering has completed another compact launch coaster intended for smaller and medium-sized parks. Maui’s Peak demonstrates how several modern coaster elements can be combined in a relatively limited area while maintaining a low minimum height requirement for families.
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