A view over the rooftops of Vienna without the red-and-white gondolas in the Prater? Completely unthinkable! The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel has towered over the city since 1897 and is one of the oldest Ferris wheels still in operation in the entire world. Originally built as a spectacular attraction to mark the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I’s accession to the throne, the 64.75-meter-tall structure has seen quite a lot over the past 127 years.
Whether it’s devastating fires, Hollywood film shoots, or dramatic renovations, this landmark has made its way through the decades and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Wurstelprater every year.
From a technical masterpiece to a timeless landmark
English engineers Walter Basset and Harry Hitchins designed the gigantic steel wheel, which was considered an absolute feat of modern engineering when it opened. With a total weight of around 430 metric tons, the Ferris wheel demonstrated even back then just how closely technology and entertainment can be intertwined. When you step into one of the cabins today, you not only enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of the capital city, but also feel the historic charm of bygone eras at every turn.
The Mystery of the Missing Gondolas
But if you look at historical photos of the Ferris wheel, you’ll immediately notice one crucial detail. In the past, there were significantly more gondolas rotating in a circle. Why are there actually only 15 gondolas hanging from the massive steel structure today, instead of the original 30?
The solution to the mystery lies in the darkest chapters of Vienna’s history. During World War II, the Prater grounds sustained severe damage. In 1944, the Giant Ferris Wheel went up in flames after a devastating fire caused by bomb strikes, completely destroying all 30 wooden gondolas. When the Viennese rebuilt the landmark in 1947, there was an acute shortage of materials.
In addition, the engineers determined that the entire structure had been severely weakened by the fire. To avoid overloading the structural integrity and to ensure extreme safety standards, they ultimately installed only every other car. What began as a stopgap measure evolved into the distinctive look you know today.
How to Plan Your Trip to the Giant Ferris Wheel
If you’re traveling by public transit, take subway line U1 or U2 to the “Praterstern” station, from where it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Giant Ferris Wheel. If you prefer to drive, the most convenient place to park is the paid Pratergarage on Ausstellungsstraße.
Location: Riesenradplatz 1, 1020 Vienna
Date and time: Open year-round, daily from 9:00 a.m.
Duration: A ride lasts about 12 to 15 minutes
Cost: Adults €14.00 (children receive a discount)
Website: www.wienerriesenrad.com
