Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel

The Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad) is one of the most famous landmarks of Vienna and ranks among the city's most important tourist attractions. It is located in the Wurstelprater, a traditional amusement park in Vienna's 2nd district, Leopoldstadt. The Ferris wheel was built in 1897 to mark the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I’s reign. The impressive structure was designed and constructed by the English engineer Walter Basset. With a height of around 65 meters, it was one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world at the time – and remains a symbol of the technological innovation of the turn of the century. The Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel not only survived two world wars, but was also rebuilt after being heavily damaged in World War II. Originally, it had 30 gondolas, but today there are 15, which regularly circle the wheel and offer a spectacular view over the city. Today, the Wiener Riesenrad is considered a romantic spot and a popular destination for both tourists and locals. It is not only a technical monument, but also a place of nostalgia, history, and unique panoramic views.