Riesenrad vienna description

The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater is one of Austria’s best-known landmarks and a world-famous symbol of the federal capital, Vienna. Since its construction in the late 19th century, the structure has weathered wars, fires and political upheavals, and remains to this day the centrepiece of the Wurstelprater.

1. History and Construction

The Giant Ferris Wheel was built in 1897 to mark the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I’s accession to the throne. The designs were created by the English engineers Walter Basset Basset and Harry Hitchins. Basset had previously constructed similar rides in London, Blackpool and Paris.

Opening: The iron structure was officially opened on 25 June 1897.

Design features: The wheel is designed as a spoked wheel supported by a truss structure. Upon its completion, it was one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world.

Height: The structure reaches a height of just under 65 metres.

2. Disaster during the Second World War and Reconstruction

Towards the end of the Second World War, the Prater was severely damaged during the Vienna Offensive. In September 1944, following a bombing raid and subsequent fires, the Giant Ferris Wheel was engulfed in flames. The wooden gondolas were completely burnt out, and the metal structure sustained severe damage.

Reconstruction: After the war ended, the decision was quickly made to rebuild it as a symbol of the Austrian spirit.

Reduction in the number of gondolas: For safety and material reasons, the original 30 gondolas were not reinstalled during reconstruction; instead, only 15 were fitted (one at every second suspension point).

Reopening: As early as May 1947, the Giant Ferris Wheel was back in operation as one of Vienna’s first landmarks.

3. Technical data at a glance

Total height: approx. 64.75 metres

Wheel diameter: approx. 60.96 metres (equivalent to 200 English feet)

Total weight of the steel structure: approx. 430 tonnes

Rotational speed: approx. 2.7 km/h (one revolution takes around 4 minutes, but the wheel stops regularly to allow passengers to board and alight)

Number of gondolas: 15 (originally 30)

4. The Giant Ferris Wheel in Art and Popular Culture

The Giant Ferris Wheel also gained international fame through its role in film and literary history:

The Third Man (1949): This classic film starring Orson Welles features one of the most famous scenes in cinema history, set in one of the Giant Ferris Wheel’s gondolas.

James Bond 007 – The Living Daylights (1987): Timothy Dalton, in his role as a secret agent, visits the Ferris wheel during a romantic stay in Vienna.

Further appearances: The Ferris wheel features in numerous international documentaries, feature films and novels as a symbol of Vienna.

5. Current use and visitor attractions

Today, the Giant Ferris Wheel is operated by Vergnügungsbetriebe Riesenrad Dr. Lamac GmbH. It has long since ceased to be merely a traditional fairground ride and now offers additional attractions:

Panorama Museum: In the entrance area, there are replicas of historic gondolas (carriages) in which the history of Vienna and the Prater is presented through display cases (dioramas).

Exclusive rides: Some gondolas are specially equipped and can be hired for private events such as romantic dinners, birthdays or weddings.

Viewing platform: The ride offers visitors a panoramic view over the Vienna Prater, the city and, on a clear day, as far as the foothills of the Vienna Alps.