The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater
Visitor information
Opening hours vary depending on the season. The ticket prices can also be found on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel website
The touring bike since 1897
The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater, in Vienna’s 2nd district of Leopoldstadt, is not only an important sight, but also one of the city’s most famous landmarks. It was built in 1897 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I. At the time it was built, it was one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world and has retained its symbolic significance for Vienna to this day.
Construction and height
The construction of the Ferris wheel was designed by the English engineers Walter Bassett Basset and Harry Hitchins. It was built on a plot of land in the Prater that was leased from Gabor Steiner, the actual “father of the Ferris wheel”. Steiner was an important Viennese entrepreneur and made a significant contribution to the creation of the Prater amusement park. Originally, the Giant Ferris Wheel had 30 gondolas, 15 of which are still in operation today. These gondolas offer a magnificent view over Vienna and are a popular tourist attraction.
The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel is constructed in the shape of a thirty-corner, which gives it its special stability and architectural uniqueness. The total diameter of the wheel is 60.96 meters, which goes back to the original unit of measurement of 200 English feet. The outer diameter of the wheel is 55.78 meters, while the inner diameter is 49.68 meters. The highest point of the Ferris wheel rises 64.75 meters above the ground, offering passengers breathtaking views of the city.
The Giant Ferris Wheel survived several historical events, including the destruction of the Second World War. It was restored after the war and has been a symbol of Vienna’s resilience and reconstruction ever since. In addition to its tourist significance, the Giant Ferris Wheel has also played a role in popular culture – it served as a backdrop in films such as “The Third Man” and stands for the charm and history of the Austrian capital.
Today, the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel is an indispensable landmark that fascinates both locals and visitors and attracts thousands every year.
Special features
- Total diameter of the wheel 60.96 meters
- 15 gondolas
- Weight: approx. 430 tons
More Vienna information on activities, tours and museums can be found on Kayak‘s extensive website.
