Shaman - The Pioneer of Italian Roller Coasters

Shaman, known for decades as Magic Mountain, is the oldest roller coaster at Gardaland. Built in 1984, it stands as the first fixed steel roller coaster ever constructed in Italy. For over forty years, it has been delivering adrenaline rushes to generations of visitors on the shores of Lake Garda.

In 2025, the ride hit a massive milestone: 50 million passengers. More than any technical spec, this record highlights the legendary status this attraction holds in the park's history.

A Landmark in Gardaland’s History

When Magic Mountain opened in 1984, Gardaland had already been operating for nine years, but it lacked a steel coaster with inversions. The arrival of this ride completely redefined the park’s skyline, transforming it from a family-oriented park into a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers.

The model was a total novelty for Italy, and today, only three other units of this specific design remain in Europe. For many years, Magic Mountain was the ultimate symbol of Gardaland—the centerpiece of the park's thrill-ride lineup.

The Shaman Experience

The layout of Shaman is compact yet punchy, featuring 4 inversions packed into a 2-minute and 10-second ride—the longest ride duration of any coaster in the park.

Here is what to expect during the circuit:

• The Lift Hill: The train climbs to a height of 30 meters. Unlike "Dive Coasters", there’s no dangling at the top; the action starts the moment you crest the hill.
• The First Drop: A 25-meter drop plunges the train toward the first inversions, quickly reaching a top speed of 70 km/h.
• The Double Loop: The heart of the ride consists of two consecutive vertical loops, famously known among fans as the "killer loops". This has been the ride’s signature element since day one and remains its most intense moment.
• The Double Corkscrews: Following the loops, the track transitions into two lateral corkscrews, spinning the train through a high-speed rotation.
• The Final Helix: The ride concludes with a 360-degree helix before hitting the brake run and returning to the station.

The entire experience is set against a lush backdrop: the area features a man-made lagoon with waterfalls, streams, and thick vegetation—a beautifully themed natural setting that is quite rare for a classic roller coaster.

Shaman by the Numbers

Opening Year	1984
Type	Steel Roller Coaster
Max Height	30 meters
Main Drop	25 meters
Max Speed	70 km/h
Inversions	4 (2 loops + 2 corkscrews)
Duration	2 minutes and 10 seconds

Is Shaman Right for You?

Shaman is perfect for visitors with a decent tolerance for inversions, though it doesn't reach the extreme intensity levels of Oblivion or Raptor. The speed is moderate compared to modern hyper-coasters, and the four inversions are spaced out fairly evenly without overly aggressive G-forces.

It is an excellent choice for those looking to conquer their very first inversions, or for anyone wanting to experience a piece of Italian amusement park history.

Access Requirements:

• Minimum Height: 120 cm
• Maximum Height: 205 cm
• Safety Restrictions: Not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with heart, back, or neck problems, or those who have recently undergone surgery.

Practical Tips

• When to Ride
  Like all major attractions, wait times peak during the middle of the day. The best strategy is to head there during the first hour after opening or in the late afternoon for shorter queues.
• Is it Worth the Wait?
  While Shaman might not be the most "extreme" ride at Gardaland anymore, it is undoubtedly the most historic. For first-time visitors, it’s a recommended stop—not just for the loops, but for the atmosphere. It’s 40 years of Italian theme park heritage packed into a 2-minute-and-10-second thrill ride.