Alton Towers, Thorpe Park Offer Some of Europe's Best Roller Coasters

Contrary to popular belief, not all of the world's best roller coasters find themselves operating in North America. Europe easily boasts roller coasters to rival the best in North America. Here are 5 of the record-breaking, thrill-giving scream machines that reside in Europe. All information was found at The Roller Coaster Database.

Nemesis
Alton Towers

Located in the UK, Nemesis at Alton Towers is one of the most innovative and thrilling inverted roller coasters in the world. Because Alton Towers deals with a surrounding community that does not appreciate seeing a 100 foot tall roller coaster in their back yard, the park built ravines for this roller coaster to run in. The four inversions of the roller coaster dodge and weave around the terrain to give the rider many near-ground experiences. Thetheming and tunnels of Nemesis give a ride that had never been seen before it opened in 1994. For more information visit www.altontowers.com

Oblivion
Alton Towers

Another wonder created by B&M (the roller coaster manufacturer that also built nemesis), Oblivion was the world's first vertical drop coaster. It was the first coaster by B&M to drop riders at a near 90 degree angle; straight down. As the riders are dropping, they plunge into a complete underground tunnel, disappearing from sight. This gave Oblivion yet another claim to fame, and also helped keep the noise level down for the citizens around Alton Towers. For more information about the world's first vertical drop roller coaster, visit www.altontowers.com.

Colossus
Thorpe Park

In record breaking fashion, Thorpe Park requested the Intamin build them a roller coaster. This roller coaster has 10 inversions. This is the world record for the most inversions on one roller coaster. The roller coaster's signature element is four in-line twists in a row. This inverts the rider four times in a row, back to back. Colossus was built in 2002. For more information about the record breaker, visit www.thorpepark.co.uk.

Nemesis Inferno
Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park followed up it's smash hit Colossus with Nemesis Inferno, another Inverted coaster created by B&M. Built in 2003 and featuring 4 inversions, Thorpe Parks follow up to Colossus packs a punch. Nemesis Inferno features inter-locking corkscrews; this means that two corkscrews pass over each other, creating a cool visual appeal for the roller coaster. The ride is themed around a volcano. For more information, visit www.thorpepark.co.uk.

Expedition GeForce
Holiday Park

Expedition GeForce is widely considered one of, if not the best, roller coaster that Europe has to offer. Located in Germany and built by Intamin, Holiday Park's Expedition GeForce reaches a height of over 170 ft, taking riders for multiple turns and hills at nearly 75 m.p.h. The ride was built in 2001, this roller coaster features bright orange track that weaves around a forest. For more information, visit www.holidaypark.de.

All of these popular roller coasters overseas were created by manufacturers that create the popular, record breaking coasters in North America. While many may not be able to visit these parks, those who have a chance will be amazed by the precision and thrills of Europe's roller coasters.