Janne Käpylehto’s latest creation in Lappajärvi, Finland has been recognized as the largest rotating ice circle in the world, reclaiming the title from the United States.
With a diameter of 516 meters, 42 centimeters in thickness, and estimated to weigh 78,000 tonnes, Käpylehto’s ice carousel can hold up to 100,000 people.
The previous record was held by Chuck Zwilling’s 405-meter diameter ice carousel in Little Falls, Minnesota. Zwilling and his team traveled to Finland to assist Käpylehto with his project.
Despite setbacks from machine failures and sawing errors in January, the team resumed construction in secret and successfully gave the carousel its first spin on February 6th.
“We wanted to keep this secret for two reasons; working in peace and the surprise element,” Käpylehto said.
The carousel is located in Lappajärvi, Southern Ostrobothnia. Image: Janne Käpylehto
