Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel

The time-honored Giant Ferris Wheel is one of Viennas landmarks and also the world-famous symbol of the Wurstelprater. Its silhouette is visible afar and attracts some ten thousand visitors from all over the world every year.

The Giant Ferris Wheel was planned in 1897 by the Englishmen Basset and Hitchins and built to mark Emperor Franz Joseph's 50th jubilee. Already one year later, this Viennese attraction was inaugurated. At this time, the Giant Ferris Wheel was the largest of its kind and was deemed modern and groundbreaking with its 30 gondolas.

During the war, fire and bombs almost completely destroyed the Giant Ferris Wheel in 1944. Yet not more than one year later, it was one of the first objects besides the St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Vienna State Opera, to be restored. In 1947, it was put into operation again with 15 gondolas.

Visitors to the Danube metropolis must not miss a ride on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel. For unique celebrations high above the city, anniversaries or a romantic dinner for two, the two luxury gondolas "Jubiläum“ and "Kaiserwaggon“ can be rented.

For more information, please visit www.wienerriesenrad.com

Prater Tip: Right by the Giant Ferris Wheel, the Panorama Museum invites you to take a historic walk across Vienna. In eight wagons modeled on originals, visitors experience an interesting time travel that takes them to the Prater as well.