The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel (in German: Wiener Riesenrad) is one of the symbols of the city of Vienna and one of the oldest operating attractions. The Giant Ferris Wheel is located in the heart of the famous Prater Park, where the city’s amusement park operates with a variety of experiential rides for all ages. The square in the park where the Giant Ferris Wheel stands is even named Riesenradplatz (Giant Ferris Wheel Square).
In this article, you can learn about the interesting (and Jewish) history of the Giant Ferris Wheel and read everything you need to know to plan your visit to this enjoyable attraction, including romantic entertainment options that only the locals know about.
This is what the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel in Prater Park looks like:
Click to purchase skip-the-line tickets for the Giant Ferris Wheel
The Story of the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel – From its Inception to Today
The Giant Ferris Wheel was opened to the public on July 3, 1897, as part of the jubilee celebrations for the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I (who ruled the empire for 68 consecutive years). The construction was entrusted to the British engineer Walter Basset Basset, and the design was done by Hubert Cecil Booth of the British company Maudslay. The construction of the Giant Ferris Wheel, which rises to a height of 64.75 meters, took 8 months.
From its very beginning, the Giant Ferris Wheel became a symbol of the city and a major attraction for many visitors. In 1914, as part of the filming of the movie “Der Todesritt auf dem Riesenrad” (freely translated as “The Death Ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel”), the stuntwoman Madame Solange d’Atalide stood on top of one of the Ferris wheel’s cabins while riding a horse. She completed a full circle on the Giant Ferris Wheel, a feat that went down in history.
The Giant Ferris Wheel During the World Wars
During World War I, the Giant Ferris Wheel was nationalized from its owner, who was a British citizen. In 1916, a local ruling decided on the immediate demolition of the Giant Ferris Wheel. Fortunately, in 1919, a successful Jewish businessman named Eduard Steiner purchased the Giant Ferris Wheel and returned it to regular operation. Under Steiner’s ownership, for about 20 years, the Giant Ferris Wheel operated without interruption for the enjoyment of park visitors. During the Holocaust, the Giant Ferris Wheel was confiscated from Steiner by the Nazis, and in 1942 he was sent to Theresienstadt. In 1944, he was murdered along with his wife in the Auschwitz extermination camp. In 1953, ownership was returned to Steiner’s three daughters. During World War II, the Prater Park was bombed, and a large part of the Giant Ferris Wheel was destroyed. All 30 cabins were completely burned, and it took many years until all the burnt cabins were replaced.
The Giant Ferris Wheel Today
In 2016, most of the cabins were upgraded, and today the cabins are modern but with a design similar to the original. A small museum was established at the entrance level of the Giant Ferris Wheel, with historical exhibits from the park and the history of the wheel itself.
For about 73 years after the war, the Giant Ferris Wheel operated without interruption, but during the Corona period, it ceased operation for a long time. Today, the Giant Ferris Wheel has returned to full activity and is open to all visitors to Prater Park throughout the year.
The most beautiful time to visit the Giant Ferris Wheel is during the Christmas season. At this time, when the charming Christmas markets are operating throughout the city, the Giant Ferris Wheel is decorated with lights and holiday ornaments. Definitely worth it!
How to Ride the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel and What You’ll See
As mentioned, the Giant Ferris Wheel is located in the heart of Vienna’s amusement park. Fortunately, unlike other amusement parks in the world, this amusement park is not surrounded by a fence, and you do not need to purchase a ticket to enter its grounds. In this park, you pay per ride, so you can pay only for a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel without paying for other rides. From the Giant Ferris Wheel, you can see the city of Vienna spread out at your feet and look out over the city’s buildings and the nature that surrounds it. Whether by day or by night, the view from the Giant Ferris Wheel is absolutely beautiful.
Since this attraction is one of the most popular in Vienna, there may be long queues during peak times. It is possible to purchase a ticket in advance online and bypass the queue at the ticket office.
How much time to dedicate to a visit to the Giant Ferris Wheel?
The ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel lasts between 12 and 15 minutes. With the arrival and waiting time in line, you can calculate about an hour for a visit to this attraction. Each cabin can hold up to 12 people, so even if you come as a group, you can ride together. After the ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel, you can continue to enjoy the variety of amusement rides in the Prater Park, so you can easily turn the outing into one of several hours. A tip from locals: in the heart of the Prater, there is a famous restaurant called Schweizerhaus, which is worth stopping at for lunch or dinner.
Romantic Dinner on the Giant Ferris Wheel
A romantic experience on the Giant Ferris Wheel is the option to book a private cabin for two with an elaborate chef’s meal. You can choose a romantic breakfast or dinner. In the evening, you can enjoy the rides illuminated in many colors. In the morning, you will enjoy the wonderful view of the city and can clearly see the city’s buildings. The duration of the meal is between an hour and 90 minutes. You can find more information on the official website of the Giant Ferris Wheel restaurant.
How to get to the Giant Ferris Wheel by public transport from the center of Vienna?
The closest station to the Prater is called Praterstern. The subway lines U1 (the red line) and U2 (the purple line) stop at this station. The red line passes through the city center, so you can take it from the Stephansplatz station in the old city, while the purple line passes through the Jewish quarter, and you can get on it at the Taborstrasse station. The Praterstern station has many exits, but you should look for the exit on the upper floor with an illustration of the Giant Ferris Wheel on it. From there, you will have to cross the road and continue with the crowd towards the heart of the park. As soon as you exit the station, you will see the Giant Ferris Wheel from a distance, so you can find your way to it easily.
Other Essential Information for Visiting the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
Opening Hours:
Every day from 10:00 AM to 9:45 PM. In case of problematic weather, there may be changes in the operating hours. It is recommended to check the official website for updates.
Cost:
- Adult – €14.50
- Child – €6.50
- The price for a romantic meal is around €130 per person.
Address: Riesenradplatz 1, 1020 Vienna
Map:
Other Attractions Near the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
Since the Giant Ferris Wheel is located right in the heart of the Prater Park, you can continue to spend time in the park and go on other rides. If you feel like continuing to museums in the area, you can visit the famous Madame Tussauds Museum, where a variety of famous wax figures are displayed. Alternatively, you can visit the nice Chocolate Museum of Vienna.
Another Observation Point over Vienna – The Danube Tower
If you are looking for another place from which you can see a great view of the city and the entire region, it is worth visiting the Danube Tower. This is the tallest structure in Austria, and from it, you can see a 360-degree view that you won’t see anywhere else. You can read comprehensive and up-to-date information about the Danube Tower in the detailed article we have prepared about this wonderful attraction. Enjoy!
