The Wiener Riesenrad (German: [ˈviːnɐ ˈʁiːzn̩ˌʁaːd]; 'Vienna Giant [Ferris] Wheel'), or simply Riesenrad, is a 64.75-metre (212 ft) tall Ferris wheel at the entrance of the Prater amusement park in Leopoldstadt, the 2nd district of Austria's capital Vienna. It is one of Vienna's most popular tourist attractions, and symbolises the district as well as the city for many people. Constructed in 1897, it was the world's tallest extant Ferris wheel from 1920 until 1985.
The Wiener Riesenrad was designed by the British engineers Harry Hitchins and Hubert Cecil Booth and constructed in 1897 by the English engineer Lieutenant Walter Bassett Bassett (1864-1907), Royal Navy, son of Charles Bassett (1834-1908), MP, of Watermouth Castle, Devon. Its purpose was to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I, and it was one of the earliest Ferris wheels ever built. Bassett's Ferris wheel manufacturing business was not a commercial success, and he died in 1907 almost bankrupt.
I really enjoyed the whole experience! Before you go on the wheel itself you get to see a room with moving models - perfect for anyone (couples, families, solo-travellers etc). Then you get the option to have your photo taken, I didn't do this but it could be a really nice momento. After that you get to go on the wheel. The models and photo break up the queue making it perfect for families with younger children who may get bored waiting in a huge queue. They also have toilets to use just before you get on the wheel which are handy. The wheel itself gives stunning views and doesn't move too quickly. I would definitely recommend this to everyone.
Georgia MayJan 24, 2018
Going on this giant Ferris wheel is a one of a kind experience, for sure. The wheel turns slowly, so you have time to enjoy a great view of Vienna. The only problem I had with it was the HUGE line of people waiting to get on the Ferris wheel. Seemed like everybody wanted to go on the wheel when we went. 4 stars!
Amin YasheedJan 28, 2018
It's very suitable for adults & old timer to enjoy ferries wheels. For kids, the fun is only when we are up there .... enjoy!!!
Rafida BaanFeb 14, 2018
I didn't actually go into the Ferris wheel but loved walking around. There are so many things to do and look at! The Fair itself is free to go I ...unlike the ones in the states that charge you to just go in. You can really be there all day but make sure to go at night as well.
Alejandra CastroFeb 1, 2018
Well stoping million weird places because someone in the cool part of the wheel was not great
Merve ArslanJan 20, 2018
Probably the best views in Vienna. A bit crowded but quite manageable. Expensive, as even water, but pretty nice view from the top
Roberto M. Alvarez BucholskaApr 1, 2018
Great view from this 65m high wheel! It is perfect both at nights and during daytime. Cabins are very nice with small benches inside. The ride takes around 10-12 minutes with a small break on the top for the great photos! Perfect for the ones who like great photos!
Panta Rhei Samra RibićApr 26, 2018
It is a beautiful experience and it is better to do it at sunset, to buy the ticket it has to be paid in cash, but there is a Vienna Pass that you can buy to access to the Ferris Wheel and many other atractions. Place is very nice and you need a lot of time to go there, not only to the ferris but to the park itself. There are even some museums around that you may find very interesting in case you want to take a break from the roller coasters. I loved the people and the ambience. They made us feel really welcome there and if you have time do not miss the roller coaster restaurant.
Andrea Galindo CortésMay 2, 2018
This is really nice place. There are a lot of rides to experience. There are lot of food items to eat.The Olympic ride will give to best view of city and you will really enjoy the time . The full ride will took 3 minute and you will experience the trill of the ride. The best place of kids and adults.
Vivek ShuklaApr 9, 2018
We are totally disappointed, experience entrance /family 2+2 26€/ and for the price we spend 15-20 minutes in trolley doing nothing, the view would be ok if it would stop on the top but it just passed, so we were always below some others, the same view on open air you can have from other attraction and it will be cheaper. Sorry, but it's nothing interesting. Maybe the history of this place, but we did not found anyone who would be happy to present and build our interest.
Lukasz PiotrowskiMay 3, 2018
Good for a one time gig. Option for a 20minute romantic night. expect a beautiful view of the city but a very boring ride.
Anthony JuryitApr 14, 2018
The must see attraction in Vienna. It's so iconic and if you've seen the film The Third Man then you have to take a ride on the wheel. Trip lasts about 12 - 15 minutes and the views are spectacular.
Julie HardyJun 4, 2018
Offers an aerial view of the city. Good place to get young children fr an outing. There is a history museum located adjacent to this place, offering a good overview of Austrian history. Good place to visit during the summers when the weather is good. A fun place for many entertainment.
Balaji VMay 21, 2018
The wheel turns slowly with a small stops, so you have time to enjoy a great view of Vienna. Before the wheel itself you get to see a museum with moving models describing the history of the wheel. Then you get the option to have your photo taken. Also you can book a whole cabin and have a romantic dinner.
Nikita SokoltchikMay 11, 2018
Worth paying and waiting in line to ride! Great city views. The ride-cars are huge and fit like 10-15 people, so you will ride with others. Have a dinner service that you have to make WAY in advance reservations but you sit in the car alone and get a seven-course meal and have your own waiter and every time around is a different course.
Nicole WittkoppMay 16, 2018
A beautiful old Ferris wheel which takes a look at a Vienna landmark and how it came to be. Loved the exhibit at the base of the wheel (once you have paid to get in). The views of the park from the wheel are wonderful ... especially at night!
Darren SmythJul 13, 2018
I really like ferring wheels. It's amazing to be on the top and see cities from that view. Vienna's wheel is not the highest one but it's a great opportunity to see the entire picture of the city and feel its mood. If you have much time staying in Vienna, I would recommend to order a table in a cabin to take a romantic dinner) It's really cool and unforgettable. We will do next time when visit Vienna again)
Stanislav TimohinJun 20, 2018
Very interesting attraction in Vienna. You can see the city from above while having a feeling of been into the 80's or the 90's when you get into the park. Quite a mix of feelings. I recommend visiting around sunset time for better photos. Entrace to the park is free but for the giant wheel the price is around 10 euros per person
Fabio Pantano de LucaJul 7, 2018
The carriages were spacious and well maintained. The view of the city and the prater was lovely. The miniature history museum is well done. Watching the ferris wheel from the ground at night looks amazing. You even have the opportunity to have a candlelight dinner in one of the gondolas for a special price. Only improvement would be to extend the ride time from one round to two.
Majid AzimianAug 3, 2018
It's definitely not the most exciting one on Prater. The wheel takes you on a 15 min long ride - it's just one round. The view is great and you'll definitely have plenty of time to take a picture, but that's all. The whole experience was quite disappointing. The most interesting part of it was for me the small exhibition of miniature dioramas showing the wheel in different decades, that can be seen before entering the wheel itself.
Lidka RadzioJul 28, 2018
I had seen lots of negative reviews about the Wheel before we went to Vienna, but I thought the price point was about right. 10 euros each gets you access to a nice exhibition which tells you some of the history of Vienna and the wheel, and then we joined a very short queue to have a ride on the wheel with stunning views over the city! We were temped to try the 'Dinner on the Wheel' but we couldn't fit it into our travel plans - the carriages set aside for this looked nice and if I return I'd be tempted to give it a go!
Clare SmalleyAug 15, 2018
I really enjoyed the whole experience! Before you go on the wheel itself you get to see a room with moving models - perfect for anyone (couples, families, solo-travellers etc). Then you get the option to have your photo taken, I didn't do this but it could be a really nice momento. After that you get to go on the wheel. The models and photo break up the queue making it perfect for families with younger children who may get bored waiting in a huge queue. They also have toilets to use just before you get on the wheel which are handy. The wheel itself gives stunning views and doesn't move too quickly. I would definitely recommend this to everyone.
Georgia MayJan 24, 2018
Going on this giant Ferris wheel is a one of a kind experience, for sure. The wheel turns slowly, so you have time to enjoy a great view of Vienna. The only problem I had with it was the HUGE line of people waiting to get on the Ferris wheel. Seemed like everybody wanted to go on the wheel when we went. 4 stars!
Amin YasheedJan 28, 2018
It's very suitable for adults & old timer to enjoy ferries wheels. For kids, the fun is only when we are up there .... enjoy!!!
Rafida BaanFeb 14, 2018
I didn't actually go into the Ferris wheel but loved walking around. There are so many things to do and look at! The Fair itself is free to go I ...unlike the ones in the states that charge you to just go in. You can really be there all day but make sure to go at night as well.
Alejandra CastroFeb 1, 2018
Well stoping million weird places because someone in the cool part of the wheel was not great
Merve ArslanJan 20, 2018
Probably the best views in Vienna. A bit crowded but quite manageable. Expensive, as even water, but pretty nice view from the top
Roberto M. Alvarez BucholskaApr 1, 2018
Great view from this 65m high wheel! It is perfect both at nights and during daytime. Cabins are very nice with small benches inside. The ride takes around 10-12 minutes with a small break on the top for the great photos! Perfect for the ones who like great photos!
Panta Rhei Samra RibićApr 26, 2018
It is a beautiful experience and it is better to do it at sunset, to buy the ticket it has to be paid in cash, but there is a Vienna Pass that you can buy to access to the Ferris Wheel and many other atractions. Place is very nice and you need a lot of time to go there, not only to the ferris but to the park itself. There are even some museums around that you may find very interesting in case you want to take a break from the roller coasters. I loved the people and the ambience. They made us feel really welcome there and if you have time do not miss the roller coaster restaurant.
Andrea Galindo CortésMay 2, 2018
This is really nice place. There are a lot of rides to experience. There are lot of food items to eat.The Olympic ride will give to best view of city and you will really enjoy the time . The full ride will took 3 minute and you will experience the trill of the ride. The best place of kids and adults.
Vivek ShuklaApr 9, 2018
We are totally disappointed, experience entrance /family 2+2 26€/ and for the price we spend 15-20 minutes in trolley doing nothing, the view would be ok if it would stop on the top but it just passed, so we were always below some others, the same view on open air you can have from other attraction and it will be cheaper. Sorry, but it's nothing interesting. Maybe the history of this place, but we did not found anyone who would be happy to present and build our interest.
Lukasz PiotrowskiMay 3, 2018
Good for a one time gig. Option for a 20minute romantic night. expect a beautiful view of the city but a very boring ride.
Anthony JuryitApr 14, 2018
The must see attraction in Vienna. It's so iconic and if you've seen the film The Third Man then you have to take a ride on the wheel. Trip lasts about 12 - 15 minutes and the views are spectacular.
Julie HardyJun 4, 2018
Offers an aerial view of the city. Good place to get young children fr an outing. There is a history museum located adjacent to this place, offering a good overview of Austrian history. Good place to visit during the summers when the weather is good. A fun place for many entertainment.
Balaji VMay 21, 2018
The wheel turns slowly with a small stops, so you have time to enjoy a great view of Vienna. Before the wheel itself you get to see a museum with moving models describing the history of the wheel. Then you get the option to have your photo taken. Also you can book a whole cabin and have a romantic dinner.
Nikita SokoltchikMay 11, 2018
Worth paying and waiting in line to ride! Great city views. The ride-cars are huge and fit like 10-15 people, so you will ride with others. Have a dinner service that you have to make WAY in advance reservations but you sit in the car alone and get a seven-course meal and have your own waiter and every time around is a different course.
Nicole WittkoppMay 16, 2018
A beautiful old Ferris wheel which takes a look at a Vienna landmark and how it came to be. Loved the exhibit at the base of the wheel (once you have paid to get in). The views of the park from the wheel are wonderful ... especially at night!
Darren SmythJul 13, 2018
I really like ferring wheels. It's amazing to be on the top and see cities from that view. Vienna's wheel is not the highest one but it's a great opportunity to see the entire picture of the city and feel its mood. If you have much time staying in Vienna, I would recommend to order a table in a cabin to take a romantic dinner) It's really cool and unforgettable. We will do next time when visit Vienna again)
Stanislav TimohinJun 20, 2018
Very interesting attraction in Vienna. You can see the city from above while having a feeling of been into the 80's or the 90's when you get into the park. Quite a mix of feelings. I recommend visiting around sunset time for better photos. Entrace to the park is free but for the giant wheel the price is around 10 euros per person
Fabio Pantano de LucaJul 7, 2018
The carriages were spacious and well maintained. The view of the city and the prater was lovely. The miniature history museum is well done. Watching the ferris wheel from the ground at night looks amazing. You even have the opportunity to have a candlelight dinner in one of the gondolas for a special price. Only improvement would be to extend the ride time from one round to two.
Majid AzimianAug 3, 2018
It's definitely not the most exciting one on Prater. The wheel takes you on a 15 min long ride - it's just one round. The view is great and you'll definitely have plenty of time to take a picture, but that's all. The whole experience was quite disappointing. The most interesting part of it was for me the small exhibition of miniature dioramas showing the wheel in different decades, that can be seen before entering the wheel itself.
Lidka RadzioJul 28, 2018
I had seen lots of negative reviews about the Wheel before we went to Vienna, but I thought the price point was about right. 10 euros each gets you access to a nice exhibition which tells you some of the history of Vienna and the wheel, and then we joined a very short queue to have a ride on the wheel with stunning views over the city! We were temped to try the 'Dinner on the Wheel' but we couldn't fit it into our travel plans - the carriages set aside for this looked nice and if I return I'd be tempted to give it a go!
Clare SmalleyAug 15, 2018
I really enjoyed the whole experience! Before you go on the wheel itself you get to see a room with moving models - perfect for anyone (couples, families, solo-travellers etc). Then you get the option to have your photo taken, I didn't do this but it could be a really nice momento. After that you get to go on the wheel. The models and photo break up the queue making it perfect for families with younger children who may get bored waiting in a huge queue. They also have toilets to use just before you get on the wheel which are handy. The wheel itself gives stunning views and doesn't move too quickly. I would definitely recommend this to everyone.
Georgia MayJan 24, 2018
Going on this giant Ferris wheel is a one of a kind experience, for sure. The wheel turns slowly, so you have time to enjoy a great view of Vienna. The only problem I had with it was the HUGE line of people waiting to get on the Ferris wheel. Seemed like everybody wanted to go on the wheel when we went. 4 stars!
Amin YasheedJan 28, 2018
It's very suitable for adults & old timer to enjoy ferries wheels. For kids, the fun is only when we are up there .... enjoy!!!
Rafida BaanFeb 14, 2018
I didn't actually go into the Ferris wheel but loved walking around. There are so many things to do and look at! The Fair itself is free to go I ...unlike the ones in the states that charge you to just go in. You can really be there all day but make sure to go at night as well.
Alejandra CastroFeb 1, 2018
Well stoping million weird places because someone in the cool part of the wheel was not great
Merve ArslanJan 20, 2018
Probably the best views in Vienna. A bit crowded but quite manageable. Expensive, as even water, but pretty nice view from the top
Roberto M. Alvarez BucholskaApr 1, 2018
Great view from this 65m high wheel! It is perfect both at nights and during daytime. Cabins are very nice with small benches inside. The ride takes around 10-12 minutes with a small break on the top for the great photos! Perfect for the ones who like great photos!
Panta Rhei Samra RibićApr 26, 2018
It is a beautiful experience and it is better to do it at sunset, to buy the ticket it has to be paid in cash, but there is a Vienna Pass that you can buy to access to the Ferris Wheel and many other atractions. Place is very nice and you need a lot of time to go there, not only to the ferris but to the park itself. There are even some museums around that you may find very interesting in case you want to take a break from the roller coasters. I loved the people and the ambience. They made us feel really welcome there and if you have time do not miss the roller coaster restaurant.
Andrea Galindo CortésMay 2, 2018
This is really nice place. There are a lot of rides to experience. There are lot of food items to eat.The Olympic ride will give to best view of city and you will really enjoy the time . The full ride will took 3 minute and you will experience the trill of the ride. The best place of kids and adults.
Vivek ShuklaApr 9, 2018
We are totally disappointed, experience entrance /family 2+2 26€/ and for the price we spend 15-20 minutes in trolley doing nothing, the view would be ok if it would stop on the top but it just passed, so we were always below some others, the same view on open air you can have from other attraction and it will be cheaper. Sorry, but it's nothing interesting. Maybe the history of this place, but we did not found anyone who would be happy to present and build our interest.
Lukasz PiotrowskiMay 3, 2018
Good for a one time gig. Option for a 20minute romantic night. expect a beautiful view of the city but a very boring ride.
Anthony JuryitApr 14, 2018
The must see attraction in Vienna. It's so iconic and if you've seen the film The Third Man then you have to take a ride on the wheel. Trip lasts about 12 - 15 minutes and the views are spectacular.
Julie HardyJun 4, 2018
Offers an aerial view of the city. Good place to get young children fr an outing. There is a history museum located adjacent to this place, offering a good overview of Austrian history. Good place to visit during the summers when the weather is good. A fun place for many entertainment.
Balaji VMay 21, 2018
The wheel turns slowly with a small stops, so you have time to enjoy a great view of Vienna. Before the wheel itself you get to see a museum with moving models describing the history of the wheel. Then you get the option to have your photo taken. Also you can book a whole cabin and have a romantic dinner.
Nikita SokoltchikMay 11, 2018
Worth paying and waiting in line to ride! Great city views. The ride-cars are huge and fit like 10-15 people, so you will ride with others. Have a dinner service that you have to make WAY in advance reservations but you sit in the car alone and get a seven-course meal and have your own waiter and every time around is a different course.
Nicole WittkoppMay 16, 2018
A beautiful old Ferris wheel which takes a look at a Vienna landmark and how it came to be. Loved the exhibit at the base of the wheel (once you have paid to get in). The views of the park from the wheel are wonderful ... especially at night!
Darren SmythJul 13, 2018
I really like ferring wheels. It's amazing to be on the top and see cities from that view. Vienna's wheel is not the highest one but it's a great opportunity to see the entire picture of the city and feel its mood. If you have much time staying in Vienna, I would recommend to order a table in a cabin to take a romantic dinner) It's really cool and unforgettable. We will do next time when visit Vienna again)
Stanislav TimohinJun 20, 2018
Very interesting attraction in Vienna. You can see the city from above while having a feeling of been into the 80's or the 90's when you get into the park. Quite a mix of feelings. I recommend visiting around sunset time for better photos. Entrace to the park is free but for the giant wheel the price is around 10 euros per person
Fabio Pantano de LucaJul 7, 2018
The carriages were spacious and well maintained. The view of the city and the prater was lovely. The miniature history museum is well done. Watching the ferris wheel from the ground at night looks amazing. You even have the opportunity to have a candlelight dinner in one of the gondolas for a special price. Only improvement would be to extend the ride time from one round to two.
Majid AzimianAug 3, 2018
It's definitely not the most exciting one on Prater. The wheel takes you on a 15 min long ride - it's just one round. The view is great and you'll definitely have plenty of time to take a picture, but that's all. The whole experience was quite disappointing. The most interesting part of it was for me the small exhibition of miniature dioramas showing the wheel in different decades, that can be seen before entering the wheel itself.
Lidka RadzioJul 28, 2018
I had seen lots of negative reviews about the Wheel before we went to Vienna, but I thought the price point was about right. 10 euros each gets you access to a nice exhibition which tells you some of the history of Vienna and the wheel, and then we joined a very short queue to have a ride on the wheel with stunning views over the city! We were temped to try the 'Dinner on the Wheel' but we couldn't fit it into our travel plans - the carriages set aside for this looked nice and if I return I'd be tempted to give it a go!
Clare SmalleyAug 15, 2018
Monday | 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM |
Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM |
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM |
Sunday | 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM |
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