Name: Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel
Address: Gaudeegasse 1, 1020 Wien, Austria
Telephone: 01 7295430
Rating: 4.5

Fairground attraction rebuilt in 1945, with wooden cabins offering dining & an exhibition.

Schönbrunn Palace

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Prater

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Belvedere Palace

Schönbrunn Palace Park

The Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel has been a fixture in the city since 1897, offering stunning views for over a century.

First Spin

The Ferris Wheel was designed with a backup system, allowing it to be operated manually in case of a power outage.

Power Outage Backup

The Giant Ferris Wheel reaches a height of 65 meters, providing panoramic views of Vienna.

Sky-High Views

In 1914, a French trick rider rode a horse on top of one of the Ferris Wheel cars, creating a sensation for film audiences.

Stunt Sensation

Enjoy a romantic dinner with a view at the Giant Ferris Wheel, with each course served as the gondola reaches ground level.

Romantic Dining

A restaurant was built at the base of the Ferris Wheel for a scene in the James Bond film "The Living Daylights," inspiring a real restaurant to be built on the spot.

Film Set

The Ferris Wheel rotates at a leisurely pace of 2.7 kilometers per hour, allowing ample time to enjoy the views.

Gentle Ride

Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel

The Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel, or Wiener Riesenrad, distinguishes itself not merely by its height, but by its historical significance and unique cabin structure. Unlike modern Ferris wheels with open seating, the Riesenrad features enclosed, railway-car-like cabins, some of which have been transformed into miniature restaurants or event spaces. Originally constructed in 1897 to celebrate Emperor Franz Joseph I's Golden Jubilee, it remarkably survived near-total destruction during World War II, becoming a symbol of Vienna's resilience. Its reduced number of cabins, only fifteen remain from the original thirty, is a direct consequence of the war damage. The wheel's slow, deliberate rotation offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city, but perhaps less known is its cinematic history, prominently featured in films like "The Third Man," forever linking it to espionage and post-war intrigue. The Riesenrad is not just an amusement ride; it's a tangible piece of Viennese history, offering a unique perspective on both the city and its past.

Introduction

The Wiener Riesenrad, a 64.75-meter Ferris wheel, stands as a testament to late 19th-century engineering. Designed by British engineers Harry Hitchins and Hubert Cecil Booth, and constructed in 1897 by Lieutenant Walter Bassett Bassett, its creation marked Emperor Franz Josef I’s Golden Jubilee. Bassett's Ferris wheel manufacturing business was not a commercial success. The wheel's structure employs a circumferential cable driving mechanism, passing through the base, with steel cables providing spoke tension. Originally built with 30 gondolas, it faced severe damage during World War II, leading to its reconstruction with only 15 gondolas.

The Riesenrad's design reflects the engineering practices of its time, evidenced by the train carriage-like cabins, influenced by Britain's railway obsession. The structure miraculously survived bombings during World War II, reportedly spared due to its utility as a landmark for pilots. Its enduring presence embodies Vienna's resilience. The Prater’s rich history is showcased in the "Panorama Museum" with eight original carriages, offering visitors a journey through time. The blend of historical design and ongoing operation underscores its status as a unique engineering marvel.

Engineering Marvel

The Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel, or Wiener Riesenrad, has secured its place in cinematic history through memorable appearances in several films. Its role in the 1949 film "The Third Man" is particularly iconic, featuring prominently in a pivotal scene between Orson Welles' and Joseph Cotten's characters, set within one of the wheel's cabins. This appearance significantly boosted the Ferris wheel's international recognition, intertwining it with the film's themes of intrigue and moral ambiguity.

Later, the Riesenrad appeared in the James Bond film "The Living Daylights" (1987), where James Bond and Kara Milovy share a ride, further cementing its status as a romantic and adventurous film location. More recently, the Ferris wheel made an appearance in "Woman in Gold," where the protagonists await a crucial decision with the Riesenrad in the backdrop, and in the romantic comedy "Sachertorte," paying homage to its cinematic predecessors with a ride on the landmark.

Beyond cinema, the Riesenrad has also featured in television productions, including the German-Austrian series "Vienna Blood," where the first episode culminates at the Ferris wheel. These appearances highlight the Riesenrad's versatility as a filming location, capable of evoking romance, suspense, and historical context, solidifying its legacy as a sought-after site for filmmakers.

Film Legacy

As a world-famous symbol of the Wurstelprater, the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel stands as a prominent landmark, drawing approximately ten thousand visitors annually. Erected in 1897 to honor Emperor Franz Joseph's 50th jubilee, it quickly became a defining feature of the Prater. Its silhouette is visible from afar, guiding visitors to the heart of the amusement park.

Originally featuring 30 gondolas, the Giant Ferris Wheel suffered severe damage during World War II. Rebuilt in 1947 with only 15 gondolas, it retained its iconic status within the Prater. The wheel's enduring presence has made it a must-see attraction for visitors to the Prater and Vienna.

Adjacent to the Giant Ferris Wheel, the Panorama Museum offers a historical journey through Vienna, enhancing the overall Prater experience. Housed in eight original-style carriages, the museum provides insights into the Prater's rich history. The Giant Ferris Wheel's location at the entrance of the Wurstelprater ensures its continued significance as a central landmark within the amusement park. Its image is inextricably linked with the Prater, symbolizing both the district and the city.

Prater Landmark

The Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel, or Wiener Riesenrad, stands as a prominent symbol of Vienna, deeply embedded in the city's cultural identity and history. Erected in 1897 to celebrate Emperor Franz Joseph I's Golden Jubilee, it quickly became an iconic landmark, representing Vienna's innovative spirit. Its silhouette against the skyline serves as a visual shorthand for the city, instantly recognizable even from afar.

Beyond its physical presence, the Ferris wheel embodies Vienna's resilience. Miraculously surviving the bombings of World War II, when it was even listed as a historical monument, it became a symbol of hope and reconstruction for the Viennese people. The restoration of only half of the original gondolas after the war further cemented its status as a reminder of the city's endurance.

The Wiener Riesenrad's cultural significance extends to the realm of cinema, famously featured in the classic film "The Third Man." This appearance solidified its place in popular culture, associating it with Vienna's intrigue and timeless appeal. Today, a ride on the Ferris wheel offers not only panoramic views of the city but also a connection to its rich past, making it an essential experience for anyone seeking to understand the essence of Vienna. The enduring appeal of the Wiener Riesenrad ensures its continued role as a beloved symbol of the Austrian capital.

Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel

Did You Know?

First Spin

Power Outage Backup

Sky-High Views

Stunt Sensation

Highlights from Reviews

Location