Giant Ferris Wheel
According to the unwritten rule for all visitors to Vienna, if you haven't done a round on the Giant Ferris Wheel, you haven't been in 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 features of the city's skyline ever since. Situated right near the entrance to the Wurstelprater amusement park, its cabins offer wonderful views of the city and the Prater.
The diameter of the wheel is almost 61 meters, the entire iron structure weighs 430 metric tons. A colossus that's not in any rush: The wheel of the Giant Ferris Wheel turns at a speed of 2.7 km/h. This Viennese sight is the oldest ferris wheel of its type still in existence anywhere in the world. And famous throughout the world.
The Giant Ferris Wheel as a movie backdrop
The Giant Ferris Wheel has often played an important role in film classics like "The Third Man" (1949) with Orson Wells or in the James Bond adventure "The Living Daylights" (1987) starring Timothy Dalton. And Richard Linklater also shot scenes for "Before Sunrise" (1995) here. That's why the Giant Ferris Wheel was also placed on the list of Treasures of European Film Culture by the European Film Academy in June 2016. In recent decades, Vienna has generally developed into an extraordinarily popular filming location. Above all Hollywood really appreciates Vienna's backdrop.
Sightseeing for those without vertigo
Since May 2022, the Giant Ferris Wheel has served up a special attraction in the form of "Platform No. 9", although it does require a total lack of vertigo: On a specially constructed platform, Giant Ferris Wheel visitors looking for a special shot of adrenalin can enjoy an exciting feeling of height on an airy ride. "Platform No. 9" is a steel construction with a glass bottom. There are neither side walls nor a roof. In this way, secured only to harnesses, the daring can go on a unique high-altitude rush with sightseeing qualities. This action-packed offer can be booked on the website of the Giant Ferris Wheel.
Experience history in the Panorama Museum
If you want to know everything about the Giant Ferris Wheel, head to the Panorama Museum in the entrance area of the Giant Ferris Wheel. Eight cabins based on the those of the Giant Ferris Wheel provide insights into the history of the Giant Ferris Wheel and of the Prater, and 2,000 years of Viennese history are also presented. Acoustic impressions with artistic and technical installations full of tricks convey Vienna's history in a very impressive way. And there also something special on the Giant Ferris Wheel itself: The cabins can additionally be booked for exclusive dinners, cocktail receptions and weddings. The Giant Ferris Wheel is open all year round.
