Leitner - Berlin's Only Natural Bobsleigh Run Reopened

Berlin's only natural bobsleigh run is back. From today, residents, Berliners and visitors to the city can once again sled down the Kienberg at speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour. Nadja Zivkovic, district mayor of Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Michael Tanzer, managing director of Leitner Seilbahn Berlin GmbH and Beate Reuber, park ambassador of Grün Berlin GmbH, jointly opened the newly constructed facility today.

Nadja Zivkovic, district mayor of Marzahn-Hellersdorf: "With today's reopening of the new natural bobsleigh run, our district and the Kienbergpark are getting back one of its biggest and most unique attractions. I am delighted that Leitner Seilbahn Berlin GmbH has decided to rebuild it and that tobogganing fun will now be possible again."

Michael Tanzer, Managing Director of Leitner Seilbahn Berlin GmbH: "In the Gardens of the World, there are almost endless opportunities to enjoy your free time. However, about two years ago we were shocked by the news of a fire and the complete destruction of the natural bobsleigh run in Kienberg Park. We are aware that this attraction offers visitors a great experience at Kienberg. Although the insurance sum does not fully cover the costs, the numerous inquiries from guests have encouraged us to invest in reconstruction, including improved technology and an additional roundabout in the route."

Beate Reuber, park ambassador for Grün Berlin GmbH: "We are delighted that the summer toboggan run that was created for the IGA is back for our young and old visitors. The new, improved facility is a special attraction for children and families in particular, and quickly complements the extensive range of games and sports on offer in the Gardens of the World and in Kienberg Park."

22 new bobsleds are available to passengers and can be used individually or in pairs to sled down the 500-meter-long track into the valley. To make the ride even more attractive for young and old, the new facility has been given an additional second roundabout. In addition to a completely new rail system, the natural bobsled run is also equipped with a new lift system for returning the sleds. Instead of a chain drive, the sleds are now transported to the starting point using a conveyor rope, which ensures that the bobsleds are quieter and available more quickly. To ensure safe driving fun, all bobsleds have a driving assistance system for distance control, which allows the bobsled to brake independently and prevent rear-end collisions with sledders driving ahead.

The foundations of the former operating building were renovated and reused for the new mountain and ticket station. The new building will be equipped with a photovoltaic system on the roof over the next few weeks, which will generate around half of the electricity required to operate the bobsleigh run directly on site.

The operator of the natural bobsleigh run is Leitner Seilbahn Berlin GmbH, which is investing around 1.8 million euros in its reconstruction. In addition to the cable car, the natural bobsleigh run was created as a permanent attraction for the International Garden Exhibition (IGA) 2017. The ticket and operating building of the summer toboggan run, including most of the bobsleighs, were destroyed in an arson attack on the night of June 30, 2022. Grün Berlin is developing and operating the former IGA site with the Gardens of the World and the Kienbergpark in the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district.