A leading Danish theme park is preparing a substantial addition to its ride lineup for the 2027 season.
The multi-million krone investment announced for Djurs Sommerland will introduce a new coaster model to the Nordic region, bringing inversions to the destination for the first time and expanding one of its established themed lands.
Djurs Sommerland has confirmed plans to open Midgårdsormen, an Intamin Amusement Rides Hot Racer roller coaster, in 2027. Representing an investment of more than DKK 100 million, the attraction will reach a top speed of 75 km/h across a 603-metre track. The layout will feature two launches and three inversions, marking the park’s first ride to turn guests upside down.
Operating as the destination’s tenth roller coaster, Midgårdsormen will anchor the Vikingeland area, which is undergoing a 15,000-square-metre expansion. The attraction requires a minimum passenger height of 120cm, aiming to balance family appeal with intense ride dynamics.
The Hot Racer model utilises an Intamin-designed single-rail track design, allowing for faster directional changes and a more dynamic passenger experience compared to traditional twin-rail structures. Guests ride in single-seat rows, experiencing continuous speed shifts and moments of weightlessness throughout the circuit.
Henrik B. Nielsen, CEO of Djurs Sommerland, outlined the strategy behind the new addition. “This is the first time our guests will be turned upside down on a roller coaster here. It’s a milestone and at the same time a significant evolution of our coaster lineup, as we introduce an entirely new ride type,” he explained.
He added, “We have focused on combining intensity with broad appeal. That makes it an experience many people will dare to try, again and again.”
Discovering new Viking territory
The ride’s concept is rooted in Norse mythology, specifically the giant sea serpent said to lie beneath the ocean. The Dutch design firm Leisure Expert Group, a long-term partner of the park, collaborated on the development of the attraction and its surrounding environment. The narrative of the hidden serpent setting the world in motion translates into the coaster’s rapid directional shifts and unexpected movements.
Nielsen highlighted the design’s thematic intent: “You experience a world that, for brief moments, feels out of balance, and that is exactly what makes the ride intense, fun, and different,” he stated.
Addressing the partnership with Leisure Expert Group, Nielsen noted, “We work strategically to develop our experiences together with some of the best experts in the industry. This ensures that we deliver high quality while creating something that stands out.”
Alongside the coaster, the expanded Vikingeland will receive new dining venues, a large playground, and a retail outlet. The existing Thors Hammer roller coaster, which has operated since 2002, will remain a central part of the area.
“We are building on an area that guests already love. This is an upgrade to the entire Vikingeland experience,” Nielsen said. He also emphasised that the development aligns with a broader strategy to increase visitor dwell time and return visits.
“Our most important measure of success is achieving the highest guest satisfaction,” Nielsen concluded. “Everything we develop must be something our guests can truly feel.”
