Austria is known to be a nation proud of its roots in culture, music and the arts. Its capital, Vienna, is nothing short of cultural experiences that many tourists enjoy every time. One of these iconic cultural destinations you shouldn’t miss is the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel, also known as the Wiener Riesenrad, which is the German translation. Located in the world-famous Prater, Vienna’s top amusement park, Wiener Riesenrad is a 65-meter (212-foot) tall structure towering over the Viennese skyline as a symbol of its culture and city. The iconic Ferris wheel was built in 1897 and at one point was the tallest of its kind in the world. It has also appeared in several films during the 1940s and in one James Bond film in the 1980s. If you plan on visiting Vienna soon, best to stop by Prater to check out this amazing structure and be sure to check out our guide to the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel below.
Things to do / Highlights
Private breakfast and dinner
The cabins of the Ferris wheel are quite big and can easily accommodate two to four people. It is the perfect place for a romantic date or double date, even. Enjoy the picturesque views of Vienna as your cabin climbs to the top, while a candle-lit dinner is being prepared and served before you. It becomes even more exquisite when the three-course menu comes out along with sparkling wine as your aperitif. You will get to enjoy this exclusive dining experience for one and a half hour atop one of the most iconic places in Austria. Ticket prices range from 365 EUR or 405 USD for two persons and 530 EUR or 588 USD for four persons.
Weddings and events
Yes, you can spend your special day in the sky! The Weiner Riesenrad offers its wedding cabin along with special packages for the aspiring couple and help them make their “I do” moment more memorable. The cabin can fit up to ten guests, with the bride, groom and registrar included. You can even choose whatever time you wish to get married from their opening hours. Just take note that the cabin rental rate per hour is 320 EUR or 355 USD. This excludes a handling fee and a separate charge for cocktails after the ceremony.
Panoramic shots of the city
If you’re just an ordinary tourist going for sightseeing and want to see Vienna in the best possible way, don’t worry, there’s room for you here, too. The Weiner Riesenrad doesn’t just do events but its primary purpose is to be a tourist attraction for visitors in the city. You should not miss the panoramic view of Vienna when you reach to the top of the Weiner Riesenrad. Take as many photos as you can, but don’t forget to enjoy the moment and admire the beauty before you. Whether you choose to go in the day or at night, the Weiner Riesenrad promises you a view and experience you won’t forget.
Travelers tips
Opening hours
Before heading to the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel, it’s best to check the attraction’s website for their operating hours. These are usually subject to change and would depend on the season. The usual times are from 10am to 8pm but during some seasons and on some days, they are closed completely. Other times, they extend their closing hours. So to avoid ruining your experience, check your itinerary and how it will fit with the operating hours of the Ferris wheel.
Accessibility
The Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel is accessible to everyone. The cabins are wide enough to accommodate a group of 12 people sitting comfortably. For the cabin itself, there are no steps and you can easily board a wheelchair via a special ramp. The special cabins for events are also wide enough for wheelchair accessibility. The restrooms at the attraction are also wheelchair accessible.
How to get there
The key station you have to remember when visiting the Wiener Reisenrad is the Praterstern station. Nearly all subway and tram lines will stop by this station. When you exit the station, you will immediately find yourself at the entrance of Prater Park, which is the site of the Ferris wheel.
Subway and train
For the subway, you can take the U1 and U2 lines. City train lines also pass by here, so you can take either of the lines: S1, S2, S3, S4, and S7, which is the airport line.
Trams and buses
For the tram lines, you can take lines 5 and O, while on the other hand, if you’re taking a bus, 5B, 80A, and 82A will all stop at Praterstern station.
How to book tickets
Usually, for top tourist attractions such as the Wiener Riesenrad, tickets would be sold online as an offer of convenience for the guests. You can purchase them at their official website. However, if you’re not so techie or decided to stop by the attraction at the last minute, you can also purchase your tickets onsite at the entrance. Just be prepared for queues, though. Single tickets are 12 EUR (13 USD) for adults and 5 EUR (6 USD) for children.
Some third-party sites offer tickets, as well. These usually come with other inclusions or a VIP lane, where you can skip the line as you enter. Alternatively, you can also purchase the Vienna Pass, especially if you’re planning to see a lot in Vienna. These include admission to the Wiener Riesenrad and other attractions in Vienna.
Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel information
Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel
Address: Prater, Riesenradplatz 1, 1020 Wien, Austria
Official Website: Wiener Riesenrad
Department of Tourism: Austria
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily, but will also depend on the season)
Price: 13 USD (adults), 6 USD (kids)
Wiener Riesenrad Giant Ferris Wheel Admission Ticket in Vienna
Duration: 12 to 20 minutes
History
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