Experience only the best of Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel

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Book Vienna Ferris Wheel Tickets
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From happy customers

Loved by 50 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Thomas E

Couple
2 weeks ago
The highlight was the visit to the Votivkirche. The show is quite an experience. A must-see for anyone who enjoys classical music paired with a light show.

Manuela P

Couple
3 weeks ago

+1 more

Wow, that was really awesome! There's so much to see in Vienna—we'd love to come back, and Headout offers so many more options.

Mariana K

Argentina
Family
2 weeks ago
It's a beautiful gallery. Inside, you can see not only wonderful works of art but also get a sense of the imperial palaces. It's beautifully preserved, and the on-site displays provide clear explanations. Plus, there's a beautiful view from the top. Highly recommended. Don't miss it if you're visiting Vienna.

Maria R

Couple
2 weeks ago

+4 more

Visiting Vienna’s Belvedere Palace was simply an extraordinary experience. This magnificent Baroque complex is a true gem: the two palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, are connected by spectacular gardens, impeccably maintained and offering views that look like something out of a painting. Strolling among the fountains, statues, and geometric pathways is a unique experience in itself. Inside, you enter a world of pure art and history: elegant halls, ornate ceilings, and an incredible collection that includes masterpieces like Klimt’s The Kiss. Every room tells a story and makes you feel part of Vienna’s imperial grandeur. A very special thank you also goes to the receptionist, who was incredibly kind and helpful: he helped me fix a mistake in my reservation (I had the wrong date!) and managed to reschedule it without any issues. A gesture that truly made a difference and made the visit even more enjoyable. Highly recommended to anyone passing through Vienna: it’s a must-see!

Tim D

Solo
Mar 2026
It's something you have to experience at least once. There wasn't much of a wait. It was a wonderful experience that we'll remember for a long time to come.

Marco B

Group
Jan 2026
A breathtaking view of Vienna's historic center, fun and exciting, with the skip-the-line ticket we got in very quickly. Ease in planning the visit.

Mahmoud R

Saudi Arabia
Solo
Mar 2026
It was a beautiful trip, but the time spent at each site was short. If the sites visited were closer to each other, there would have been enough time for each site. Best regards.

Nadine G

Germany
Couple
Jan 2026
Very nice Vienna Pass ! Easy to get into lots of places!! we were able to do lots of things in a short time thanks to the Vienna pass!!!

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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?

Vienna Ferris Wheel
  • 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.

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

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

Detailed Vienna Ferris Wheel timings

Vienna Ferris Wheel

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.
Vienna Ferris Wheel parking details
Vienna 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.
Vienna Ferris Wheel
  • 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.
Things to note when visiting the Vienna Ferris Wheel

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.

Belvedere Palace tickets

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.

Tutanchamun exhibition tickets

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.

Schonbrunn Palace tickets

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.

Sigmund Freud Museum tickets

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.