Aqua Chimp on the Nesselwang reservoir A trailblazing project in summer tourism

The Alpspitzbahn Nesselwang was looking for a new attraction to enhance the region’s summer offerings and boost tourism beyond the winter season.

Together with Ralf Speck, the managing director of Alpspitzbahn, we developed the concept of a floating climbing park to be built on a reservoir. Speck explained his vision: “Using the reservoir in summer was an obvious choice. It allows for a more efficient use of infrastructure and staff outside the winter season.”

From the start, it was clear that the project needed to meet both technological challenges and sustainable, tourism-related requirements. The goal was to create a climbing experience tailored to families, children, school groups, and ambitious climbers, offering varying levels of difficulty while respecting the natural environment.

The Aqua Chimp is the world’s first climbing park built on a snowmaking reservoir – a technical innovation that presented us with several challenges. To ensure the structure remains stable even when the reservoir is drained in winter, we developed specially designed support feet. These allow the park to stand securely on the lakebed, even as water levels drop. The entire structure is flexibly anchored, enabling it to adapt to the natural movements of the water – adding an extra thrill for visitors.

In addition to its technical sophistication, we focused on ensuring the park’s tourist appeal. The climbing park features five courses with varying levels of difficulty, including classic obstacles, a Ninja Line, and a zipline for added excitement. Aqua Chimp delivers adventure for all ages, from children and families to seasoned climbers seeking a challenge.

The Aqua Chimp is a cornerstone of the Alpspitzbahn’s future strategy, marking a shift towards summer tourism in response to climate change and the decreasing number of snow days. Set idyllically on the reservoir, this floating climbing park offers visitors an unforgettable experience above the water – complete with the refreshing possibility of falling in if a challenge proves too tricky!

Thanks to its innovative and flexible design, Aqua Chimp makes use of existing infrastructure without sealing additional ground or impacting the natural environment. The structure remains in the reservoir year-round and is unaffected by winter snow conditions.

As part of the Alpspitzbahn’s summer offering – which also includes the Alpspitz Coaster and the thrilling Mega Zipline Alpspitzkick – Aqua Chimp contributes to the development of year-round tourism in Nesselwang. Already a magnet for visitors, Aqua Chimp highlights the importance of sustainable tourism for the region’s future.

Conclusion: a pioneering solution for alpine summer tourism

The Aqua Chimp in Nesselwang is more than just a new attraction; it demonstrates how innovative technical solutions and sustainable concepts can shape the future of alpine tourism. By efficiently utilising existing infrastructure and offering a diverse range of activities, Aqua Chimp delivers value to visitors of all ages while ensuring that Nesselwang remains an appealing destination beyond the winter season.