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That free-as-a-bird feeling isn’t always easy to achieve, but when you do, oh what an adrenaline rush it is! Should jumping out of a plane seem a step too far, and a turn on a swing a little too tame, perhaps a ride on what’s referred to as a zip line, zip wire, flying fox or aerial runway is just the ticket. Did you know what’s billed as the world’s fastest ride of this type is found not in the Himalayas or in a Costa Rican rainforest but right here in good old Europe? To find out where, read on:
Zipline Stoderzinken, Gröbming, Austria
Four parallel wire ropes offer brave riders to simultaneously experience a 2300-foot descent over two sections. The fastest riders will achieve speeds in excess of 70 miles per hour. Riders must be at least 8 years of age and 120 cm in height (3 feet, 11 inches). Prices begin at 42 euros for adults and 27 euros for those ages 8 - 15.
Hirschgrund Zipline Area Schwarzwald, Wolfach, Germany
Soar up to 270 feet above the wooded and peaceful Kinzig Valley in the Black Forest as you experience seven zip lines over the course of a 2.5 hour guided tour. The lines range from 55 to 1870 feet in length, allowing you the chance to start off slowly and gain confidence as you set your sights on the Gründle, billed as the longest nature-zip line in Germany. Prices for adult riders start at 44 euros, and pre-booking is essential. Riders must be at least 12 years of age.
Zipline Elmstein, Elmstein, Germany
This ride gains mention for its proximity to the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC): the park is just over a half-hour drive from Kaiserslautern. After practice runs on two short zip lines, you can conquer the park’s 18 zip lines and four jumps in the company of a guide. The lines here run between platforms built into the treetops. Entry costs 32 euros when booked online in advance and 38 euros on-site. Riders must be 12 years or older.
Volo dell’ Angelo Zip Line, Rocca Massima, Italy
This zip line in the stunning Dolomites links up two small towns: Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa. The name of this ride, “flight of the angel,” is apt as you soar through the skies at speeds close to 70 miles per hour. After zipping from one town to the other, a shuttle service will bring you to the departure station from which you return to your starting point. A single ticket at a cost of 35-42 euros depending on the date is all you need to experience both rides. Book online in advance. Riders must be 16 or over.
Bovec Zipline, Bovec, Slovenia
This park offers 10 zip lines stretching over a total distance of 2.5 miles. Riders sail over the pretty Učja Canyon at a maximum height of 650 feet and reach top speeds of 37 mph as they go. The zip line is suitable for children at least 120 cm in height (3 feet, 11 inches); smaller children can ride in tandem with a guide. The two-hour adventure costs from 59 euros for an adult. Other activities offered on site include rafting and canyoning.
Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda, Wales
Here it is: the ride that bills itself as the fastest zip line in the world since 2013. This zip line stretches over Penrhyn Quarry, once the world’s largest slate quarry. Riders achieve speeds of up to 100 mph, enjoying unforgettable views of Snowdonia’s mountains as they whizz down Europe’s longest zip line. Velocity 2 is made up of four parallel lines, allowing riders to take in the experience in the company of family and friends. Riders must be a minimum of 10 years old, and tickets go from 75 to 109 U.K. pounds. ($104 - $151).
