Linnanmäki is a theme park in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, and it is the most popular in the country. It includes more than 40 rides and attractions.

New for 2019, their largest roller coaster project ever, Taiga.

We were invited to a media event that began with a press conference hosted by Pia Adlivankin, managing director of the theme park, and Tobias Jeck from ride manufacturer Intamin.

The project has taken around two and a half years, with much of the design work done in-house, but with the support of many partners.

Intamin were the park's first choice as ride manufacturer, following their huge success with launch coasters such as Taron at Phantasialand. 

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Taiga has been designed so you that cannot see the complete circuit before you ride, which keeps it a mystery and builds suspense. 

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The story of the ride is that a daring eagle has found a new nesting place at Linnanmäki, and from its nest it takes regular observation flights. The queuing area for Taiga first takes you underground through a dark forest then up to the station via light and airy steps.

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Taiga features two launch sections and four inversions; a 360° Twisted Dive Drop, an Inverted Airtime Hill, an Immelmann Loop and a Twisted Zero-G Roll, plus a 52 m (180 ft) high Top Hat. This blend of elements delivers an exceptional ride and provides a great mix of airtime and hangtime.

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The track length of 1104 m (3622 ft) is completed in just 65 seconds, with a top speed of 106 km/h (66 mph). It crosses over four other rides, and although built on challenging terrain the coaster fits beautifully into the park.

It's intense until the very end because it doesn't slow down until the final brakes, so you feel totally exhilarated getting off!

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The new Taiga shop has a selection of ride merchandise but on-ride photos and videos won't be available for a couple of weeks.

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The day before the launch of Taiga, the park gave us time to explore everything else on offer. We had a fantastic day in the sunshine trying out all of the rides. 

We started the day with the oldest but still most popular ride at the park, and what a gem it was. The classic Vuoristorata wooden coaster that opened at Linnanmäki in 1951 has a brakeman riding at the back of each train to show it down when necessary. It was a joy to experience and it's surprisingly smooth.

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Linnanmäki's SkyLoop coaster Ukko is brilliant, with a top speed of 105 km/h (65 mph). It feels really forceful and is such an thrilling ride given its tiny footprint. After a signature vertical lift into a heartline roll the train sends you forward and back through the U-shaped course multiple times.

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Kirnu is a rare ZacSpin 4D coaster, with riders sitting back to back either side of the track, during a tightly packed vertical course. Riders swing on each curve then flip over at the end. It was way more fun than we expected it to be!

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A trio of family coasters were next, all located next to each other, and offering different sensations. First up, the fairly rough Tulireki that has wild mouse elements throws you around hairpin turns and down steep drops. You need to hold on tight and brace yourself for this one! Pikajuna is a typical powered runaway train except for its unusual location on top of a rocky cliff edge which definitely enhances the ride. The great spinning coaster Salama is by far the best of the three, it's a thrilling and unpredictable ride that slings you in all directions but is smooth throughout.

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Linnunrata eXtra is an indoor coaster like no other as it's inside what was once a water tower. It now offers riders a choice of three virtual reality experiences on the VR headsets provided, and although we liked that you have a choice (of space, horror or sky dive) with selection made on screen, we found the graphics basic and synchronisation poor. Without VR headsets it's a fun ride in the dark with various planets to spot along the way.

Hurjakuru is a river rapids ride with indoor sections, water and fire effects. The 53m (174 ft) observation tower Panoraama gives passengers a wonderful view of the park and Helsinki. It's also free to access, not requiring a ticket or wristband. The dark ride Kyopelinvuoren Hotelli was an unexpected treat, with various special effects built into the ghost train carriages.

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Linnanmäki's highest ride is the 75 m (246 ft) tall freefall tower Kingi, but not far behind is the 60 m (197 ft) Raketti launch tower. Both are definitely worth riding if you don't suffer from vertigo!

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There are plenty more thrill rides, including Kieputin, Kehra and Magia, plus a variety of family friendly attractions for all ages. 

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One of the defining features of the park is the way that many rides pass over and under one another. There are no themed areas as such, but some attractions do have some decoration.

Admission to the park is free, with an all day and all ride wristband being the best value for experiencing all the attractions.

On top of all the rides and attractions we found all the playful spaces and features at Linnanmäki utterly charming. There's always something to entertain or amuse plus a lovely friendly atmosphere thanks mainly to the great staff.

There are lots of food and drink options - make sure you try Popparisoftis at Kiosk Strosseli, and for a meal we recommend the Keidas terrace restaurant. However, watch out for the aggressive seagulls that plague Helsinki during summer and may steal your treats!

Linnanmäki is easy to reach from any part of Helsinki, thanks to the excellent public transport network. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Helsinki Expo with modern and stylish rooms, just a 20 minute walk or tram ride from the park. Book here.