Description
The walkable roller coaster sculpture Tiger & Turtle – Magic Mountain is not only one of the most fascinating landmarks in the Ruhr area but also a major crowd-puller. With its impressive architecture, it has become one of the most photographed and published motifs in recent times. Perched on Heinrich-Hildebrand-Hill, a former spoil heap in the southern part of Duisburg, it offers visitors a truly unique experience.
With its sweeping, silvery curves, the 20-meter-high sculpture draws attention from afar and invites visitors to explore it on foot. Those who climb the steps are rewarded with a spectacular view: on clear days, you can see across the Duisburg city center, along the Rhine River, all the way to Düsseldorf – and sometimes even spot the airport tower. Surrounding the sculpture, you’ll catch glimpses of the bustling activity at the steelworks, expansive logistics hubs, and untouched forest areas.
At night, Tiger & Turtle transforms into a spectacular work of art. With 880 LEDs tracing its winding curves in the night sky, it creates a mesmerizing light display, making the sculpture unique at any time of the day. Entrance is free, and the attraction is accessible around the clock.
Historical Information
Tiger & Turtle – Magic Mountain was inaugurated in November 2011 and has since gained worldwide attention. This unique structure was designed by artists Heike Mutter and Ulrich Genth and is the only walkable roller coaster in the world. The name "Tiger & Turtle" symbolizes the contrast between speed and slowness – a dynamic roller coaster that is climbed at a leisurely walking pace. The sculpture is a stunning example of how industrial relics can be transformed into works of art: its placement on a former spoil heap makes it a symbol of structural change in the Ruhr area.
Guided tours offer a special way to delve into the history and significance of the artwork. Visitors can learn fascinating background stories – from the artists' vision to the realization of the sculpture. The latest dates for tours can be found on the official website.
How to get there
By car, you can reach the sculpture via the A59 or B288 highways, which lead to Ehinger Straße or Kaiserswerther Straße in Duisburg (47249). Although there are no parking spots directly at Angerpark, you can usually find ample parking in the surrounding residential areas.
For buses, parking is available along Ehinger Straße between Hermann-Rinne-Straße and Richard-Seiffert-Straße. If you’re using public transportation, take tram line 903 and get off at the "Tiger & Turtle" stop – from there, you’ll be right at the site.