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Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel: A Timeless Icon

Ride a piece of history! The Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel offers panoramic views and a unique cultural experience in the heart of Vienna's Prater.

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The Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel, or Wiener Riesenrad, is a historic Ferris wheel in Vienna's Prater amusement park. Erected in 1897 to celebrate Emperor Franz Joseph I's Golden Jubilee, it offers panoramic views of the city and has become a beloved symbol of Vienna.

A brief summary to Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel

  • Monday 9 am-11:45 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-11:45 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-11:45 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-11:45 pm
  • Friday 9 am-11:45 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-11:45 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-11:45 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in the evening for a romantic experience as the city lights up.
  • Explore the Panorama Museum to learn about the history of the Ferris wheel and Prater amusement park.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the Wurstelprater for a full day of fun.
  • Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the line, especially during peak season.
  • Thrill-seekers should try 'Platform No. 9' for an open-air glass platform experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Praterstern station, accessible via U1 and U2 metro lines, S1-S3, S4, S7, and S15 train lines, and tram lines 5 and O, the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel is a short, easily walkable distance. Follow the signs towards the Prater or the Giant Ferris Wheel. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. A single ticket for Vienna's public transport costs €2.40.

  • Taxi

    A taxi or ride-sharing service from Vienna city center to the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel typically costs between €15-€25, depending on traffic. The journey usually takes around 10-15 minutes. Taxi basic fee is €3.80, plus metered fare based on distance. Confirm the fare before starting your trip.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow signs towards 'Prater/Messezentrum'. Paid parking facilities are available near the Vienna Ferris Wheel. Hourly rates typically range from €2-€4. Parking spaces for the handicapped are available near the Schweizerhaus and in Tiefweg, close to the Ferris wheel.

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Discover more about Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel

The Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel, standing at nearly 65 meters, offers a breathtaking view of Vienna. Constructed in 1897 to honor Emperor Franz Joseph I's 50th year as emperor, it has since become an iconic feature of the city's skyline. Located near the entrance to the Wurstelprater amusement park, its cabins provide stunning views of the city and the Prater. The Giant Ferris Wheel was designed by British engineers and has a diameter of almost 61 meters, with the entire iron structure weighing 430 metric tons. The wheel turns at a leisurely pace of 2.7 km/h, offering a relaxing 15-minute ride. For a long time, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world until the London Eye claimed the top spot in 1999. The Giant Ferris Wheel has also played a role in film classics such as "The Third Man" and the James Bond film "The Living Daylights". In June 2016, the European Film Academy placed it on the list of Treasures of European Film Culture. Since May 2022, visitors can experience "Platform No. 9," a steel construction with a glass bottom for an adrenaline-filled ride with sightseeing. The Panorama Museum in the entrance area offers insights into the history of the Giant Ferris Wheel and the Prater.

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