Discover Desert Race
Our tips:
- Head against the headrest
- Short but powerful
- Express Ticket
Desert Race
Desert Race is the launch coaster at Heide Park Resort, in Land der Vergessenen. It was the first roller coaster with a catapult launch in Germany. The ride opened in 2007 and was built by Intamin. It is one of the "Big 7", the park's seven big roller coasters and thrill rides.
The concept
Desert Race is a race through the desert. The yellow supports and the red train stand among sand dunes and rocks. There's no long lift hill: the train is fired off from a standstill, like a racing car at the start.
The Experience
In under two seconds you go from 0 to 100 km/h, with a top speed of 102 km/h. You feel up to 4.7 G, a force you would otherwise only experience in Formula 1. After that you shoot over a 19-metre hill and through a few fast turns. The track is 650 metres long.
Discover Desert Race
Head against the headrest
Rest your head against the headrest at the start. The launch comes hard and fast.
Short but powerful
A ride lasts just 49 seconds. If the queue is short, it's worth going again straight away.
Express Ticket
Desert Race is included in the Express Ticket Silber (from €39), Gold and Platin, as of November 2026.
Visitor information
You must be at least 1.40 metres tall and 10 years old, with a maximum height of 1.95 metres and a maximum weight of 130 kilos. The ride is not suitable if you are pregnant or have heart problems, back problems or high blood pressure. Wheelchair users enter via the exit; report to a member of staff first. Do you have a child aged three or younger with you? Then pick up the free Baby-Switch-Pass at the Service Center. This lets you as parents ride one after the other without queuing again (only on days with Express Ticket).
Racing for the little ones
While you ride Desert Race, children aged 4 to 9 can take the wheel themselves at Wüstenflitzer, the children's driving school right next to the coaster.
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