The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, standing at a height of 64.75 meters, is an iconic landmark of Vienna.
Its distinctive silhouette can be spotted from afar and defines the city's skyline.
Originally opened in 1897 to celebrate Emperor Franz Joseph I's jubilee, the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel held the title of the world's tallest Ferris wheel at that time.
In this guide, you'll find essential information for your visit to the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, located in Vienna's Prater. Discover the attractions, delve into its fascinating history, explore popular ticket options, and learn how to reach this iconic attraction.
Let's dive in!
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Ticket Options for the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
With numerous websites offering tickets for the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, it can be difficult to choose the right tickets. That's why we've taken the time to compare all the available options for you.
Below, you'll find a curated list of the most popular and cheapest ticket options for the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel. Simply click on your preferred choice to purchase your tickets.
- Ticket Overview of Popular Giant Ferris Wheel Ride
- Skip-the-cashier-desk-line Ticket for a Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel ride
- Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel Ride Skip-the Line Ticket + Schönbrunn Zoo Skip-the Line Ticket
- Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel Ride (Skip-the-Line Ticket) + Vienna Prater: Wurstelprater Amusement Park City Exploration Game
- Combo Ticket: Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel Fast Admission Ticket + Big Bus 24/48 hour hop-on hop-off evening tour through Vienna
More Ticket Options for the Prater Amusement Park:
Things to Do during a Visit to the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
See here some of the top things to do and see when visiting the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel. Let's start with the most obvious one:
1. Take a Ride on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel in Prater is one of the most famous sights in Vienna and at the same time the symbol of the Prater.
If you are in Vienna, you should not miss a nostalgic ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel. They say you haven't really been to Vienna if you haven't even ridden the Ferris wheel.
The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel rotates in a north-south direction and takes 4.25 minutes to complete one revolution. However, since passengers board and disembark, the actual circumnavigation takes longer depending on the number of passengers.
An average ride on the famous Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel takes about 12–15 minutes. While sitting in one of the legendary red carriages, the Danube metropolis can be admired from a bird's eye view. Here, unique souvenir photos can be created.
At the highest point of the wheel, at a height of 64.75 meters, you can enjoy an incomparable view over the Austrian capital and the surrounding area.
2. Visit the Panorama Museum
In the entrance area of the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel is the Panorama Museum, which takes you back into Vienna's past. You can immerse themselves in 2000 years of Viennese history and Prater stories.
Eight wagons with artistic-technical installations and a huge diagram offer an exciting insight.
3. Have Dinner on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
For an unforgettable experience, you can hold exclusive dinners, private parties and even weddings in one of the four gourmet carriages. The gondolas can also be booked for incentives in Vienna.
A picturesque dinner on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel promises pure romance. At dizzying heights, you and your better half can enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner in an incomparable atmosphere.
A delicious 3-course meal with a view of Vienna is part of the 90-minute journey in the exclusive carriage.
Technical Specifications of the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
- Height (highest point of the Ferris wheel): 64.5 m
- Wheel diameter: 60.96 m
- Weight of the entire iron structure: 430 t
- Duration of a ride: approx. 12-15 minutes
- Number of wagons: 15
- Speed: 0.75m/sec = 2.7km/h
How to get to the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel?
- By subway (U-Bahn):
Lines U1 and U3 to Praterstern and 5 minutes walk. - By Tram:
Lines O and 5 to Praterstern and 5 minutes walk. - By bus:
Line 80A to Praterstern and 5 minutes walk.
Timetables:
Vienna Network Maps:
High-Speed Connections
Inner Core Zone Vienna
The most popular and best-selling tickets for Vienna
Planning to stay a bit longer in Vienna and explore more of the Austrian capital? We have compiled a list of the most sought-after tickets according to the popular ticket portals GetYourGuide, Headout and Tiqets. Simply click on the description of the ticket that interests you to secure your favorites.
- Skip-the-Line Ticket for Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens + 2-hour Guided Tour in English, Spanish or Italian
- Tickets for the Training at the Spanish Riding School
- Skip-the-Cashier-Desk-Line Ticket for a Ride on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
- Tickets for Vivaldi's Four Seasons concert in Karlskirche
- Tickets for a Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: 24, 48 or 72 hours
- Skip-the-Line Ticket for Schönbrunn Zoo
- Ticket for the Upper Belvedere, including Klimt's Kiss and the Permanent Collection
- Tickets for Belvedere Palace: Lower Belvedere and other Ticket Options
- Albertina: State Rooms, Permanent Collection Batliner, Temporary Exhibitions
- Entrance Ticket to the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna
- Tickets for the Museum of Illusions
History of the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel was constructed in 1897 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I's reign. Even at that time, it stood as one of Vienna's most prominent attractions. The design of the Ferris Wheel was entrusted to Englishmen Basset and Hitchins. Upon its inauguration, the Ferris Wheel held the distinction of being the world's tallest at a height of 64.5 meters, featuring 30 cabins.
Throughout its rich history, the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel has witnessed sensational and tragic events. In 1898, Marie Kindl, a Viennese woman, hung herself from one of the gondolas with a rope to draw attention to the poverty faced by her family and other Viennese citizens. Another remarkable occurrence involved circus director Madame Solange d'Atalide, who rode a horse on the roof of a gondola for a film as the Ferris Wheel rotated.
The Giant Ferris Wheel has served as a backdrop for various films, including the renowned classic "The Third Man," filmed in Vienna in 1948, as well as James Bond's "The Living Daylights."
During World War II, the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel was not spared from bombings and sustained significant damage. Despite the severe fire, the steel structure of the Ferris Wheel miraculously survived. Following the war, it was rebuilt, symbolizing the city's reconstruction efforts. Upon its reopening in 1947, the Ferris Wheel featured 15 cabins instead of the original 30 and had 4 windows instead of the original 6.
Since 2002, the Panorama Museum has offered a glimpse into the captivating history of Vienna and the Prater, utilizing eight of the remaining original cabins. Today, the 430-ton Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel rotates at a leisurely pace of 2.7 km/h, offering visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Traveler's Tip: City Passes for Vienna
Vienna offers several appealing city passes for travelers that can help you save money and time. We highly recommend purchasing one of these cards.
To learn more about the popular tourist cards, including prices and included activities, check out our article "Best City Pass for Vienna: Compare Prices & Included Activities". Alternatively, you can easily compare and purchase the card of your choice by clicking on one of the buttons below the following brief descriptions.
1. Vienna City Card
The Vienna City Card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, providing discounts at 200 attractions, museums, restaurants, theaters, and stores. Additionally, it offers unlimited and free use of public transportation.
2. Vienna Pass
The Vienna Pass is available for 1, 2, 3, or 6 days and grants you free admission to over 60 attractions in Vienna. It often allows you to skip the queues.
3. Vienna Flexi Pass
The Vienna Flexi Pass allows you to choose your favorite 2 to 5 attractions from a selection of over 40 options. You can visit them for free and, if available, enjoy fast-track admission.
4. Go City Explorer Pass
The Go City Explorer Pass enables you to choose your favorite 2 to 7 attractions from over 40 options in Vienna. You can visit them for free and, if available, enjoy fast-track admission.
Address & Map
Address: Prater, 1020 Vienna