The giant ferris wheel in Vienna

If you have ever had the privilege of traveling to Vienna, I am convinced that you will have seen it. his giant ferris wheel is the symbol of the Prater, a work inaugurated in 1897 thanks to the English engineer Walter B. Basset, who together with a group of operatives was able to raise a spectacular attraction to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Crown of Francisco José I.

Strong like none

Unlike what happened with the London, Paris, Blackpool and Chicago ferris wheels, which were also built by Basset, the one in Vienna was able to stand up despite the wars and natural disasters that came years after he saw the light. Of course, in 1945 the WWII it was primed with the technical installation and the cabins, which had to be rebuilt at the same rate as the rest of the city.

If we get carried away by the figures, it must be said that the Ferris wheel in the Austrian capital measures 64.75 meters high, with a wheel diameter of 60.96 meters and with an axial center height of 34.20 meters. It weighs 430 tons, rotates at 0.75 meters per second, and houses a total of 15 cabins (before 1945 there were 30).

A piece of history and various services

Some of the cabins that were lost due to the war are located at the foot of the facility, away from the rotations of the Ferris wheel. They are used to illustrate your story through handmade figures and mechanical installations that evoke past times.

There's also a restaurant Cafe with the culinary specialties of the area, a store full of craft products to give away and a photoshop it's worth it. You can take a picture with the giant Ferris wheel in the background just before entering one of its cabins.

To this we must add a service that is working quite well for them. You may rent a cabin with catering included to enjoy a romantic evening. When I had the opportunity to go up during my trip to Vienna, I saw a couple enjoying the best views of the city between glasses of champagne and canapés that I couldn't decipher what they were made of.

Prices

In short, you cannot miss this 19th century engineering work of art that has been a symbol of Vienna for more than 100 years. Entry costs 9 euros for adults and 4 euros for children between 3 and 14 years old.

Opening times

- From January to February from 10:00 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.

- From March to April from 10:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.

- From May to September from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.

- In October from 10:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.

- From November to December from 10:00 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. (during the Christmas market It is open until 9:45 p.m.)

Recommended article: What to see in Vienna.

First photo: Wikimedia.

Riesenrad im Wiener Prater | Vienna's Giant Ferris Wheel (April 2024)