Russian mountains

Montagne Russe

(Inviata da Alberto)

Perhaps not everyone knows that

To this day, a number of languages (e.g. French and Italian montagne russe, Portuguese montanha-russa, Spanish montaña rusa) use the equivalent of “Russian Mountains” to refer to roller coasters. Interestingly, when “true” roller coasters appeared in Russia in the 19th century, they became known as “американские горки” [Amerikanskie gorki], or “American mountains”. For example, Gagarin Park, the second largest amusement park in St. Petersburg has an “Amerikanskie gorki” ride. (wikipedia)