Regrettably, Heide Park has marked the close of a significant chapter.
In a move that marks the end of an era, Heide Park in Soltau has officially announced the retirement of its beloved Oldtimer ride. The classic attraction, which has been a staple of the park since its inception in 1978, will no longer be in operation due to lack of interest, according to a Heide Park employee.
The Oldtimer ride offered a unique experience for guests, allowing children to "drive" the ride by themselves while adults sat behind. Over the years, the ride has served as a significant first experience for many families visiting the park, providing a calm and relaxing contrast to the park's other more thrilling attractions.
The Oldtimer featured five Ford models for guests to choose from, and has been a traditional experience for many families. With its retirement, Heide Park bids farewell to a piece of its history that spanned 47 years.
Although Heide Park has not announced a specific new attraction to replace the Oldtimer, theme park experts suspect that technical wear and replacement part scarcity may have contributed to its retirement. Recent updates from the park mention only minor new playground equipment and facility improvements in 2025, with no major new rides since the 2014 "Flug der Dämonen" coaster.
Heide Park fans are speculating about what will take the place of the Oldtimer, with possibilities including a new family attraction, a round course with new cars, or a large-scale new creation like the "Krake" or "Colossos" relaunch. The park may also be considering new projects for the central area previously occupied by the Oldtimer, in order to modernize the space.
The retirement of the Oldtimer comes as visitor expectations have changed, requiring theme parks to offer modern and interactive attractions rather than relying on pure nostalgia. Heide Park has a history of creating large-scale new attractions, such as the "Krake" and "Colossos" relaunch, and it remains to be seen what the park has in store for the future.
As the Oldtimer fades into memory, a new era is likely to begin at Heide Park, with potential new attractions on the horizon. The park continues to be a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike, and the excitement of what's to come is sure to keep visitors coming back for more.
