- Historical icon: The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, or Wiener Riesenrad, is a historic landmark and one of the oldest Ferris wheels in the world. Built in 1897, it provides a nostalgic and timeless experience, allowing visitors to be a part of Vienna's history.
- Panoramic views: The ride offers a unique vantage point to see the city's skyline, landmarks like Schonbrunn Palace, and the picturesque landscape of the Prater amusement park.
- Romantic atmosphere: The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel has been featured in numerous films and is often associated with romance. A ride in one of its iconic cabins, especially during the evening when the city lights up, creates a magical atmosphere for visitors.
Top things to do in Vienna
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Visiting the iconic Vienna Ferris Wheel
Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is famous for its charming streets and grand palaces. When planning a visit, make sure to stop by its iconic Ferris Wheel, also called the Wiener Riesenrad. This iconic structure was constructed in 1897 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Joseph I and has since become a symbol of Vienna. Enjoy stunning views of the city and spot other nearby landmarks from the top of the Ferris Wheel. Read on to know more about different Vienna Ferris Wheel ticket options, its duration, opening hours, and other details to make your visit a memorable one.
Why ride on the Vienna Ferris Wheel?
Which Vienna Ferris Wheel ticket is best for you?
If you are short on time
Go for: Skip-the-line admission tickets
Duration: 10 to 20 minutes
Guide: not available
Flexible cancellation policy: not available
- With these skip-the-line tickets, you can avoid long lines and enjoy priority access to the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel.
- Starting from €13.5, this ticket is also budget-friendly and allows you to make the most of your visit.
Recommended tours:
- Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel skip-the-line admission tickets
If you are on a budget
Go for: combo tickets and city card
Duration: 10 to 20 minutes ride and flexible city card validity
Guide: online audio guide in English, German, Chinese, French, Italian, or Spanish
Flexible cancellation policy: not available
City card validity: until 30th July 2024
- With these combo tickets, you can enjoy priority access to the Upper Belvedere Palace and the Vienna Ferris Wheel and enjoy discounts at 200 locations in Vienna. You can also avail of free public transportation in the city.
Recommended tours:
- Combo (Save 10%): Upper Belvedere Palace + Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel skip-the-line admission tickets
- Vienna City Card: Discounts & public transport
If you want to explore in-depth
Go for: Vienna passes
Duration: flexible
Validity: up to 6 days
Guide: online audio guide in English, German, Chinese, French, Italian, and Spanish
Flexible cancellation policy: up to 24 hours before the experience begins
- With these tickets, you can visit around 70+ attractions in the city, allowing you to make the most of your visit.
- On a single purchase, you can make unlimited use of the hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour buses and also get fast-track entry to several iconic landmarks in the city.
Recommended tours:
- Vienna Pass: 70+ attractions
Vienna Ferris Wheel highlights
Operated by hand
The Giant Ferris Wheel can be operated manually in the event of a power outage. This is thanks to the innovative design of Walter Basset and Harry Hitchins, who incorporated a hand-operated drive mechanism into the wheel's design.
Gap-Toothed wonder
The Giant Ferris Wheel, which initially had 30 cars, was scaled down to 15 following World War II due to safety concerns. As a result, the wheel had a "gap-toothed" look, with empty spaces between the remaining cars.
Weighty metal
The Giant Ferris Wheel's metal components have a total weight of around 430 tons, which is an impressive feat of engineering. These heavy components provide the structure and support needed for the wheel to function safely and maintain its iconic appearance.
Directional aid
Vienna's Giant Ferris Wheel is oriented in alignment with the four cardinal directions and rotates specifically in the north-south axis. This unique feature makes it helpful for navigation and getting one's bearings in the city.
Film location
The Prater amusement park, which includes the famous Giant Ferris Wheel, has been featured in various films such as "The Third Man" and "Before Sunrise". The park's nostalgic and historic charm has made it a desirable location for filmmakers over the years.
Sky-high thrills from Platform 9
An exhilarating experience awaits you on Platform 9 of the Vienna Ferris Wheel. This unique platform, made entirely of transparent glass, makes you feel as if you are floating above the city. As the wheel rotates, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Vienna's iconic landmarks, all while feeling a sense of weightlessness.
Dining with a view
Couples can indulge in a romantic candlelit dinner on the Giant Ferris Wheel, where they can enjoy each course while the car slowly descends to the ground. This unique dining experience offers breathtaking views of Vienna from great heights.
Legendary stunt
Back in 1914, a French stuntwoman made headlines by riding a horse on the roof of one of the cars of the Giant Ferris Wheel for a film. This daring feat caused quite a sensation and added to the ride's reputation as an iconic symbol of Vienna.
A relaxed ride to the top
At a gentle speed of 2.7 km/h, the Vienna Ferris Wheel allows you to savor the breathtaking views of the city at a comfortable pace. A complete revolution takes approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Look out for the intricate details on St. Stephen's Cathedral, the grandeur of the Hofburg Palace, and the iconic stretch of the Danube River.
Plan your visit to Vienna Ferris Wheel
- 3 February to 24 February: 10am to 7:45pm
- 14 February: 10am to 9:45pm
- 25 February to 28 April: 10am to 9:45pm
- 29 April to 3 September: 9am to 11:45pm
- 3 February to 24 February: 10am to 7:45pm
- 14 February: 10am to 9:45pm
- 25 February to 28 April: 10am to 9:45pm
- 29 April to 3 September: 9am to 11:45pm
- 3 February to 24 February: 10am to 7:45pm
- 14 February: 10am to 9:45pm
- 25 February to 28 April: 10am to 9:45pm
- 29 April to 3 September: 9am to 11:45pm
- 3 February to 24 February: 10am to 7:45pm
- 14 February: 10am to 9:45pm
- 25 February to 28 April: 10am to 9:45pm
- 29 April to 3 September: 9am to 11:45pm
Address: Gaudeegasse 1, 1020 Wien, Austria
Find on maps
- By metro: U1, U2
Nearest stop: Praterstern station - By train: S1-S3, S7, S15
Nearest stop: Wien Nord (Vienna North) - By bus: 80A
Nearest stop: Praterstern - By car: The nearest airport to Vienna's Giant Ferris Wheel is Vienna International Airport (VIE), which is about 20 km (12.5 mi) away. It takes about 30 minutes by car to reach the Ferris wheel
Car parking: Stuwer-Garage, Prater parking lot (Ausstellungsstraße), Free parking lot (Messeparkplatz A), Parkhaus A. Reed Messe AG - By Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours:
Big Bus Tours: The nearest stop is "Praterstern," providing easy access to the Ferris wheel.
Vienna Sightseeing: The closest stop is "Praterstern," situated near the Ferris wheel.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited on the Ferris wheel.
- Visitors must follow the safety instructions provided by the staff before and during the ride.
- Professional photography equipment such as tripods is not allowed on the Ferris wheel, but visitors can take pictures with their mobile phones or cameras.
- Children must be accompanied by adults while on the ride.
- Visitors are expected to follow the dress code, which means wearing appropriate clothing that covers the body appropriately.
- Visit in the evening to enjoy the spectacular view of Vienna's city lights.
- Dress appropriately for the weather, as the Ferris wheel is open-air and exposed to the elements.
- Be prepared for long queues during peak tourist season and weekends.
- Bring your camera or smartphone to take photos of the amazing view from the top.
- Take a ride on the Ferris wheel during the Christmas season when it is beautifully decorated and offers a festive atmosphere.
- Consider purchasing a Fast Lane ticket to avoid long queues.
- Plan to spend at least 30 minutes at the attraction to fully enjoy the ride and the view from the top.
- Check the opening hours and special events before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Explore beyond the Vienna Ferris Wheel
The Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace in Vienna, Austria, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Its Upper and Lower Palaces house an impressive art collection, including works by Klimt and Schiele.
Tutanchamun Immersive Exhibition
The Tutanchamun Immersive Exhibition in Vienna transports visitors to ancient Egypt. Through immersive displays, it unveils the treasures and mysteries surrounding the famous pharaoh Tutankhamun.
Schonbrunn Palace
Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna's imperial summer residence is famous for its Rococo design and vast gardens. The palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflects the splendor of the Habsburg dynasty.
Sigmund Freud Museum
The Sigmund Freud Museum in Vienna is located in Freud's former residence. It preserves the psychoanalyst's legacy, showcasing his life, work, and the development of the theory of psychoanalysis.
Frequently asked questions about Vienna Ferris Wheel tickets
The Vienna Ferris Wheel tickets start from . Enjoy skip-the-line access and breathtaking views of the city's historic skyline. As you ascend high above the city, marvel at iconic landmarks like St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace.
You can buy Vienna Ferris Wheel tickets online. Online ticket bookings are convenient and ensure guaranteed access, no matter the crowd on the day of your visit.
Yes, if you book Vienna Ferris Wheel tickets online, you may chance upon exclusive discounts and complimentary add-ons. When booking tickets online, you can browse through a variety of ticket options and book combo deals, which help you save almost 10% as compared to individual ticket prices.
Yes, the Vienna Ferris Wheel is wheelchair accessible and offers automatic sliding doors and parking spaces for people with disabilities.
Yes, you can click pictures at the top of the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel. As the wheel rotates, you will be treated to sweeping views of the entire city. Spot iconic landmarks like the St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and more.
Certainly, the Vienna Ferris Wheel is worth a visit due to its magnificent city vistas and exclusive features such as the world's oldest wooden slide and a vintage roller coaster.
