Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel — Attraction in Vienna

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.

A permit for its demolition was issued in 1916, but because of a lack of funds with which to carry out the destruction, it survived.

It was built with 30 gondolas, but was severely damaged in World War II and when it was rebuilt only 15 gondolas were replaced.

The wheel is driven by a circumferential cable which leaves the wheel and passes through the drive mechanism under the base, and its spokes are steel cables, in tension.

When the 64.75-metre (212 ft) tall Wiener Riesenrad was constructed in 1897, both the original 80.4-metre (264 ft) Ferris Wheel in the US (constructed 1893, demolished 1906) and the 94-metre (308 ft) Great Wheel in England (constructed 1895, demolished 1907) were taller. The 100-metre (328 ft) Grande Roue de Paris, constructed in 1900, was taller still. However, when the Grande Roue de Paris was demolished in 1920, the Riesenrad became the world's tallest extant Ferris wheel, and it remained so for the next 65 years, until the construction of the 85-metre (279 ft) Technostar in...

A Must-Visit Landmark in Vienna!

The Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad) is an absolute must-see if you're visiting Vienna. The views from the top are nothing short of spectacular! You get a panoramic view of the entire city, including iconic landmarks like St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Danube River. It’s especially magical at sunset or nighttime when the city is beautifully illuminated.

Even the waiting line was a delightful experience. They have large diorama-style displays inside makeshift Ferris wheel cars, each depicting different historical moments of Vienna. This interactive queue made the wait much more enjoyable and informative, offering a unique way to learn about the city’s rich history.

Pro Tip: Definitely buy your tickets online in advance. This will help you skip the ticket line, though you will still need to queue for the ride itself. The wait can get long, but the historical displays make it worthwhile.

For those looking to make the experience even more special, they offer a private car option where you can enjoy a meal with your date. This service, although pricey, seemed like a fantastic option for a romantic evening. The idea of having a car to yourselves for 90 minutes, with stunning views and a meal, is truly appealing.

Overall, the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel is a fantastic blend of history, breathtaking views, and a bit of romance. Highly recommended for anyone...

A fun place overall, but be prepared for some inconveniences

This is a great place to enjoy yourself while on holiday—there’s plenty to do and the atmosphere is lively. Most of the rides are reasonably priced, which is a plus. However, a major downside is that many places only accept cash, so make sure to carry enough with you.

Be cautious when making payments in some areas, especially around the arcade. We had a disappointing experience with a staff member (who didn’t seem to be a local). We had over 180 tickets and asked for a prize (a toy plane), but he gave us a lollipop instead and refused to change it, claiming it was already put through the system. That felt unfair and frustrating.

The toilets also require coins for access, which can be really difficult when you’re with kids. There were no changing rooms either, which made it a bit inconvenient for families.

On the brighter side, the roller coaster restaurant was a highlight—such a fun and unique experience! Most of the staff spoke English, which made things easier for us. The local people we interacted with were very friendly and honest. You can tell the difference when someone is not local, so just stay alert when dealing with unfamiliar vendors.

Overall, it’s a fun destination, especially for families, but be ready for cash-only payments and some minor challenges with facilities and...