Tiger & Turtle, the strange roller coaster to climb just a stone’s throw from the Netherlands

Tiger & Turtle, the strange roller coaster to climb just a stone’s throw from the Netherlands

Half an hour’s drive from the Netherlands stands a spectacular work of art in the shape of a loop. No, it’s not a fairground ride… but a giant staircase to climb on foot. Welcome to Tiger & Turtle, a place as absurd as it is fascinating.

A roller coaster that doesn’t move

Located on an artificial hill in the city of Duisburg, Tiger & Turtle – Magic Mountain is a monumental sculpture designed by artists Heike Mutter and Ulrich Genth. What makes it unique? It is shaped exactly like a roller coaster loop… but you walk through it. Only the complete loop is inaccessible for obvious reasons.

A unique view of the Ruhr region

From the top of the structure, you can enjoy an impressive panorama of the Ruhr region. The site is particularly popular at sunset, when the lights come on and the loop is silhouetted against the horizon. The atmosphere is strange, somewhere between industrial wasteland and poetic artwork.

Free access all year round

Access to Tiger & Turtle is completely free, with no tickets or reservations required. Simply climb the hill (parking is available nearby) and start your ascent. The site is open 24 hours a day, and nighttime lighting makes it a photogenic spot even in the evening. Be careful in case of rain, as the metal steps can be slippery.

How to get there from the Netherlands?

From Venlo or Nijmegen, it takes about 30 to 45 minutes by car. You can combine this visit with a trip to Duisburg, a city marked by its industrial past but undergoing a cultural transformation. It’s an excellent idea for a day trip if you like unusual places and architectural curiosities.

A perfect place for the curious and photographers

With its contemporary art, optical illusions, and absurd architecture, Tiger & Turtle attracts lovers of offbeat places. It’s also a very popular photo spot on Instagram and TikTok. Whether you’re with family, friends, or your significant other, the experience is worth the detour.

Not to be confused…

Despite its roller coaster appearance, Tiger & Turtle does not move. It is not a ride or an amusement park. It is a monumental work of art, accessible free of charge, and designed for walking—not for doing loops at 50 mph!

Summary

  • Location: Duisburg (Germany), 30 minutes from the Dutch border
  • Access: free, open 24 hours a day
  • Interest: giant sculpture in the shape of a loop, to be climbed on foot
  • What to bring: good shoes, camera, timing for sunset