Wiener Riesenrad, Vienna Overview

Vienna Giant Wheel is an incredible Ferris Wheel surrounded by a rich history and a dynamic past that offers scenic rides in its red gondolas. Visitors can hop onto this 15-minute delight taking in the stunning views of Vienna city. It is located in the Prater Amusement Park.

Prater and the ferris wheel offer fun activities for family and friends. Visitors make it a point to ride the Giant Wheel during sundown to get the most awe-worthy shots of the city and Danube River. Though the wheel is open all year round, except for a few days in January, the best time to visit is during summer. The Ferris Giant of Vienna City popularly makes its appearance on every travel brochure and even Hollywood flicks. As a historical landmark constructed to pay tribute to Vienna’s earlier Emperor, the Wiener Riesenrad is one of the most unique highlights of the country. Visitors can not only explore Vienna from the best way possible but also treat themselves to a deluxe cabin while sipping coffee at the height of their ride. This circular ride takes visitors on a soothing adventure, cruising through all the important landmarks of the city. Apart from riding the Wheel, visitors can explore the nearby wax museum, art installations, delightful street food stalls, and soak in the calmness of Prater Park.

History of Wiener Riesenrad

Wiener Riesenrad or the Vienna Giant Wheel is a unique element of Vienna city’s cityscape. At almost 65 meters in height, the Wiener Riesenrad is neatly tucked into the Prater amusement park. Interestingly enough, until 1985, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. Established in 1897, the Wiener Riesenrad was constructed by Walter Bassett after his great success at the Ferris wheel of London. The Wheel was constructed to celebrate the Emperor’s Golden jubilee. The initial Wiener Riesenrad contained 30 gondolas. However, the history of the Vienna Giant Wheel was filled with trouble and turmoil.

After the disasters of World War II, Wiener Riesenrad was severely damaged. The Wheel was reconstructed by 1945 with only 15 gondolas. Today, the Wiener Riesenrad is a star on the Viennese skyline and is a popular sight in pop culture. Everywhere from the James Bond film, The Glass Room, Woman in Gold, and more, the Wiener Riesenrad has made its stunning appearance.

Popular Activities and Highlights in and Around Wiener Riesenrad

Wiener Riesenrad, centrally located in the Prater Amusement Park, has a plethora of activities and fun experiences to offers. The red gondolas are a major highlight of the city and offer an exhilarating experience. Whether riding the Giant Ferris Wheel during the day or night, the views are equally breathtaking and make for a complete postcard-worthy shot.

First and foremost, visitors can take a 15 minute right at the Wiener Riesenrad offering the best view to the Vienna skyline. A ride at the Wiener Riesenrad is more than just an amusement highlight as the wheel represents the cultural lineage of the city. Visitors can take photographs from the top of the wheel and take in the panoramic landscape.

Many tourists or even regular visitors make it a point to enjoy coffee at the top of the wheel. With special arrangements at the booking centre, tourists can turn their 15-minute ride into an experience of a lifetime.

The Wiener Riesenrad also features the Wheel of History. This experience allows visitors to cruise through the historical periods of which Vienna and Wiener Riesenrad were a part of. From Roman beginnings to the tragedy of World War II, and now to its restoration, visitors can know the Wheel history and emergence.

Right across the Wiener Riesenrad is the renowned Madame Tussauds wax museum. Since 2011, the Museum has been a popular attraction for visitors passing by the Prater Park. Tourists can explore the Museum featuring famous European artists and scholars, including Beethoven and Sigmund Freud.

While you’re there, it is hard to miss the site of the Prater Tower. This chain carousel ride is almost as famous as the Ferris wheel, offering a chance to an adventurous tour across Vienna’s skyline. Travellers can hop onto the carousel and grasp the 360 views of the city.

One of the best and most popular restaurant/ cafe dons the vicinity of Wiener Riesenrad. Schweizerhaus is the one-stop destination to try everything from its famous beer, delicious coffee, and authentic cuisine. The restaurant attends to its customers in a large garden set up enough for 3000 people to dine at once. Since the Schweizerhaus is only open during particular months of the year, lucky visitors can get the chance to taste its signature Schweizerhaus Stelze.

This recreation park area is the perfect destination to kick back, relax, and take a break from the mainstream sightseeing. Visitors enjoy lounging around the lush greenery, soaking in some sun, taking photographs, and also trying the Viennese street food.

Especially for visitors travelling with family or kids, the Liliputbahn is an excellent mini-adventure. Situated along a close vicinity to the Vienna Giant Wheel, this railway takes children and parents around the Prater Park. In a 20 minute ride, the Liliputbahn takes the young tourists across the Hauptallee, Ernst Happel Stadion, Giant Ferris Wheel, and other park highlights. The best part about this railway ride is the tour through a dark tunnel!

Tips When Visiting Wiener Riesenrad

For visitors planning to spend the day at the Prater Park, it is cheaper to purchase combination tickets which offer discounts on several rides clubbed together.
When booking the tickets for Madame Tussauds, online purchases will save 25%.
Travellers can consider purchasing the Vienna Card offering free tours and rides on some of the main highlights of the city
The park also offers bicycle renting for visitors planning to ride around the greenery.

How to Reach Wiener Riesenrad

Subway: Several lines of the U-Bahn cross Wiener Riesenrad, including U1 and U2 where visitors can get off at the Praterstern station. Additionally, Praterstern also connects through the airport line and city train lines including S1, S, S3, S4, and S7.

Tram and Bus: Visitors can take the tram lines 5 and O to get off at the stop Praterstern. Bus lines 5B, 80A, and 82A also stop at Praterstern.

Hop On Hop Off: Another popular tourist mode of transportation is the Hop on Hop Off which stops at the Wiener Riesenrad on the Blue line. Visitors can get off at Prater/ Riesenrad.