PortAventura, the theme park located in Salou, Spain, has revealed that Europe's tallest rollercoaster is to open this spring, although it will not be ready for the start of the season on 30 March.

The park has invested more than EUR25m (£21m, US33m) in developing Shambhala, which features more than 1,650m (5,413ft) of track and comprises more than 1,600 tonnes of steel.

According to PortAventura, the ride will be a "hypercoaster" and will be 76m (249ft) at the highest point, while its drop of 78m (256ft) will also be a new European record.

The experience includes five camelback elevations, the shortest of which will be as high as a seven-storey building. The ride's three 32-seater trains can all operate at the same time.

Shambhala will be located in the China area of the theme park, with Bollinger and Mabillard involved in its design. It will be situated next to the existing Dragon Khan ride.

A PortAventura spokesperson said: "This new attraction is set to become the new icon of PortAventura, rising up in a svelte and majestic steel formation that will completely change the park skyline."

Details: www.portaventura.co.uk

Image: PortAventura