The Oath of KÄRNAN

In October 2015, it became clear that Kärnan's impact reached beyond the ride experience itself. Looopings reported that the 85-metre star flyer Torre del Mar would be dismantled because of problems with wind direction.

The arrival of the 73-metre coaster Schwur des Kärnan was cited as a factor in changed wind circulation around the nearby attraction. That gave the new mega coaster an unexpected role in the removal of another major landmark. El Paso Express was also set to disappear as part of Hansa-Park's changing plans.

For Kärnan's history, this is a striking chapter. The coaster was not only a record project in its own right; it also changed the dynamics of the surrounding area. Fans could see how one major investment affected routes, skyline views and the broader attraction mix at Hansa-Park.

Just days after Kärnan opened, Looopings revealed why the tower played such an important role in the experience. Near the top of the dark lift, the train suddenly drops backwards before being hauled up again and released onto the outdoor track.

For visitors, this was exactly the kind of surprise that separated Kärnan from a standard hypercoaster. The ride was not only about height and speed, but also about building tension before the main course began. Because the effect normally takes place in darkness, it became an unpredictable shock for many riders.

The article showed how cleverly Hansa-Park used engineering as part of the attraction's storytelling. The 79-metre tower was not just a structure around a lift; it became a theatrical space for a signature scare. That backwards drop quickly turned into one of the moments fans associated most strongly with Kärnan.

In June 2015, Kärnan moved close to its official debut. Looopings reported that the first test runs had been completed and that an onride video had appeared online. For fans, it was a major moment: the footage finally showed trains leaving the huge tower and racing across the 73-metre layout.

The video confirmed much of the promised force, including a top speed of 127 kilometres per hour and a course filled with sharp turns and hills. At the same time, Hansa-Park kept part of the experience under wraps. A darkride section with an inversion was not shown, and the full scenic treatment was still to come.

The park deliberately chose a two-phase opening. The coaster itself would open in 2015, while additional decoration and theming were scheduled for 2016. Kärnan was therefore already being framed as a project where engineering and storytelling would continue to grow together.