Richard Bannister

Kolmården is a large zoo located roughly two hours south of Stockholm. The admission price is on the high side, but reflects the quality found inside, which is probably the best I've seen in my travels. Coaster enthusiasts attempting a hit-and-run on the park should be aware that Delfinexpressen (#1652) is about thirty minutes walk from the main entrance, but such a short visit could almost be considered criminal, as there is much more to see and do. Those interested in nature would do well to plan at least a full day here.

The park used to be home to a large self-drive safari that staff referred to as a ninety-minute traffic jam. In a novel solution to the problem, this has been replaced by a thirty-minute long cable car ride through the same area which passes close to ground level in areas occupied by the animals. The cars are open-air with more than enough space to poke out a camera lens. The overall experience works so well that it's hard to understand why nowhere else has tried something similar; I'd have happily gone around a second time.

The second park of the day was also a zoo, though in this case a distinctly average one located on an island on the south-east of Sweden. We had been expecting to find two coasters, but despite the picture on the park map it was immediately obvious that the larger of the two had been removed. We did feel slightly embarrassed that we'd driven several hours for Appelmasken (#1653) but it was nevertheless another credit!

We also tried the Ferris Wheel and a pair of rather good dark rides; a haunted house named Spoktag and a multi-purpose ride named Sagolandet. Both were far better on the inside than their facades would have suggested.