Oblivion Gardaland – The Black Hole

Oblivion: The Black Hole stands as the tallest roller coaster at Gardaland and ranks among the most intense thrill rides in Italy. Launched in 2015, it was the first Dive Coaster ever built in Italy and still holds the prestigious title of the longest Dive Coaster in Europe, boasting a track length of 566 meters.

Engineered by the world-renowned Swiss firm Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), Oblivion is famous for its exceptional build quality, smooth ride profile, and an adrenaline level that is hard to match anywhere else in Europe.

What is a Dive Coaster?

A Dive Coaster is a specialized type of roller coaster defined by one signature move: a near-vertical drop preceded by a suspenseful "holding brake" right at the edge of the abyss.

Unlike traditional coasters where the drop follows the lift hill immediately, a Dive Coaster reaches the summit, crawls forward, and then stops for several seconds at the very brink. Passengers are left literally hanging over the edge, staring straight down. This forced moment of anticipation, with nothing but empty air between you and the ground, is what makes the experience unlike any other coaster.

The Oblivion Experience: From NASA Prep to Freefall

The mission begins long before you board the train. The queue winds through a massive, NASA-themed structure filled with visual and sound effects that simulate training for a deep-space mission. LED screens and futuristic lighting set the stage for your journey into the "Black Hole."

Once you board the floorless trains, your feet dangle freely in the air, removing any sense of solid ground.

• The Ascent: The train slowly climbs the lift hill to a height of 42.5 meters (roughly 15 stories high). From this vantage point, you get a breathtaking view of the park and Lake Garda—if you can keep your eyes open!
• The Holding Brake: At the summit, the train inches forward and locks into place at the edge of the drop. For a few agonizing seconds, the brakes hold you suspended over the vertical plunge. This is the peak of the adrenaline rush.
• The Drop: As the brakes release, you plummet down an 87-degree drop—nearly perfectly vertical—reaching a top speed of 100 km/h almost instantly. The drop leads directly into a subterranean tunnel, heightening the sensation of speed and total disorientation.
• The Layout: After emerging from the tunnel, the mission continues with an Immelmann loop, an air-time hill, a 270-degree helix, and a final zero-g roll inversion before hitting the brake run. The total ride time is approximately 70 seconds of pure intensity.

Oblivion by the Numbers

Inauguration Year	2015
Type	Dive Coaster
Max Height	42.5 meters
Track Length	566 meters
Top Speed	100 km/h
Vertical Drop Angle	87°
Inversions	2
Max G-Force	4.5 G

What does it feel like?

Riding Oblivion is the closest a guest can get to the feeling of free-falling like a skydiver or bungee jumper. The floorless design is crucial here: the lack of a floor beneath your feet removes all visual reassurance, leaving you with the raw perception of being suspended in a vacuum even during the inversions.

During the ride, you will pull a maximum of 4.5 Gs, a significant force that is felt most intensely as you pull out of the tunnel and head into the Immelmann loop.

Who is it for?

Oblivion is designed for the bravest thrill-seekers. While no previous coaster experience is required, it is a significant step up from the park's "Family" attractions. If you've never faced a vertical drop, you might want to "warm up" on Blue Tornado or Raptor before taking on the Black Hole.

Access Requirements:

• Minimum Height: 140 cm
• Maximum Height: 195 cm
• Restrictions: Not suitable for pregnant women or guests with cardiovascular, back, or neck issues, or recent surgeries.

Practical Tips for the Mission

• When to ride: As one of Gardaland's "Big Three," queues peak between 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM. Ride it immediately at park opening or in the late afternoon to save time.
• Where to sit? The front row offers the most terrifying, unobstructed view of the drop. The back row provides a more aggressive "whipping" sensation as the train pulls you over the edge. Both are elite experiences.
• Secure your gear: Loose items, glasses, and hats must be stored before boarding. Use the lockers provided near the attraction entrance.