TusenFryd amusement park in Norway has broken ground on a unique, water-based attraction.

Due for completion in time for the 2016 season, Rapid River is an exciting river race covering half a kilometre. It will feature several waterfalls and a range of other obstacles.

Supplied by Hafema of Germany, planning for the NOK45m ($5.5m) attraction has been taking place over the past several months, and the artificial river is now under construction.

"In all, 18,000 cubic metres of ground masses are to be removed," TusenFryd said in a statement. "Thereafter, 2,000 cubic metres of concrete will be cast on an area equivalent to 3,500sq.m.

"When the construction is completed, there will be 1.3 million litres of water filling the river bed, and two large pumps that each push 2,200 litres of water per second will create a strong current in the river."

Featuring nine rafts that each takes nine passengers, the Norse-themed Rapid River will have a capacity of approximately 900 guests per hour.

"We are now exploiting the good topographic characteristics on the plot and build an attraction that brings the park something completely new and spectacular," explained TusenFryd marketing manager, Erik Andersen.