Giant Ferris wheel Vienna
The Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater is one of the city’s symbols. Almost 65 meters tall, it offers a breathtaking view of the city on the Danube, Vienna.
The Giant Ferris Wheel was erected in 1897 to mark the 50th year of Emperor Franz Joseph’s accession to the throne. It has been an enduring feature of the city’s skyline ever since. Situated right near the entrance to the Wurstelprater amusement park, its cabins offer a wonderful view of the city and the Prater. The diameter of the wheel is almost 61 meters, the entire iron structure weighs 430 metric tons. The wheel turns at a speed of 2.7 km/h.
The Giant Ferris Wheel has also played the “lead role” in several Hollywood films, such as “The Third Man” with Orson Wells or in the James Bond adventure “The Living Daylights” starring Timothy Dalton. That’s why it was also placed on the list of Treasures of European Film Culture by the European Film Academy in June 2016.
In the entrance area of the Giant Ferris Wheel, eight cabins offer insights into 2,000 years of Viennese history. Individual cabins can additionally be booked for exclusive dinners, cocktail receptions and weddings. The Giant Ferris Wheel is open all year round.
Before you take your trip on the wheel you will go through a panorama museum, which is full of information about the history of the wheel.
Getting there
By Car
From the south:
Autobahn A2 south – Südosttangente A23 in the direction of Prag/Brünn – exit Handelskai/Messezentrum
From the east:
Südosttangente A23 in the direction of Prag/Brünn exit Handelskai/Messezentrum
From the west:
Autobahn A1 west to Steinhäusl junction – Außenringautobahn A21 to Vösendorf junction – Südosttangente A23 in the direction of Prag/Brünn exit Handelskai/Messezentrum
From the north:
Donauuferautobahn A22 to the exit Reichsbrücke
after crossing the bridge, turn left at the first traffic lights onto Vorgartenstraße – continue to the intersection with Ausstellungsstraße
Public transport
– metro: U1, U2 – (Praterstern station)
– urban railway: S1-S3, S7, S15 Wien Nord (Vienna North)
– tramway: O, 5
– bus 80A
Nearby car parks:
– Stuwer-Garage
– Prater parking lot (Ausstellungsstraße)
– Free parking lot (Messeparkplatz A)
– Parkhaus A. Reed Messe AG
Tickets & Opening Times
Adult: 12 EUR or £10 / $13
Child: 5 EUR or £4 / $6
Family tickets
2 Adults + 2 Children: 28,00 EUR or £24 / $31
2 Adults + 3 Children: 31,00 EUR or £26 / $34
2 Adults + 4 Children: 34,00 EUR or £28 / $36
Open daily – 10:00am – 10:00pm
The ride last about 15-20 minutes.
Images
We really enjoyed the Giant Wheel! Be sure to check out the Prater Amusement Park and the rollercoaster restaurant while you are there.
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