12. February 2025
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Wiener Riesenrad at Vienna Prater

Florian Buechtingby Florian Buechting

Wiener Riesenrad

14.50 EUR
Wiener Riesenrad
3.9

Rating

 3.9/5

Flyctory.com Pros

  • Classic and nostalgic attraction
  • Nice views of the Prater region
  • Panorama Museum at the beginning of your visit
  • Very reasonable price

Flyctory.com Cons

  • Not that suitable to have a view of the city center
  • Potentially long lines
  • Overpriced souvenir store

The Wiener Riesenrad (“Vienna Ferris Wheel”) is one of the classic and most famous attractions in the Austrian capital. The original observation wheel has already opened in 1897 and is in the state as it is today after a 1945 renovation. With a height of 64.75 meters, it is obviously not the tallest of its kind nowadays. However, its classic charm attracts many visitors every year. I take you on a ride.

 

Wiener Riesenrad – Location & Admission

The Wiener Riesenrad is located on the very West of the Vienna entertainment district and amusement park Prater. It is right next to the main entrance, where also the Prater Train departs and Madame Tussauds Vienna is located. The easiest way to get there is Praterstern station, which is featured by multiple regional trains and S-Bahn commuter rail trains. The directions to the Prater and the Ferris Wheel are well signed from there.

 

The observation wheel is opening daily. Currently during winter time, opening times are 10:00 to 19:45. There are intermediate periods, when you can visit between 10:00 and 21:45. The summer opening times are 9:00 to 23:45. The ride is a full round in clockwise direction, which takes roughly 15 minutes. Adult admission is 14.50 EUR. The Vienna Pass is accepted. Especially during peak times in summer, the waiting lines can be very long.

 

Wiener Riesenrad – The Visit

Before you do the in fact ride, you visit the Panorama Museum. In cabin-alike displays, there are scale models about the history and development of Vienna and the Prater region. Thereafter, you enter the cabin of the wheel, which is coming with a diameter of 200 British feet (i.e. roughly 61 meters). With the wooden interior, the Ferris Wheel does spread a traditional touch There is a legend at the top of the cabins which illustrate the key attractions and sights you can see from above.

The cabins offer very good views into the Northern and Southern direction. Due to the construction, the East and West view is a bit limited. The best views are of the Prater region, of course. At the beginning, you also have some nice views of the city center of Vienna. In the second half of the trip, you also have nice views of the Praterstern station and Northern Vienna. Towards the end, you also see the main entrance of the Prater area and the attractions around Madame Tussauds.

 

Wiener Riesenrad – Services

Apart from the services provided by the Prater itself, there is also a restaurant next to the Wiener Riesenrad. At the end of the visit, you also pass a souvenir store. I felt this place is massively over-priced.

 

Wiener Riesenrad – My View

The Wiener Riesenrad is one of these bucket list place you likely are not just taking a rational decision whether to ride it or not. The classic cabins with the wooden interior have a classic style, which you don’t get in too many other places. In order to have a view of the city, though, the location is not ideal. Visiting it in peak times might be a nightmare because of the crowds. I did like the ride due to two key reasons, though. First of all, there is the nostalgic charm of the place. Secondly, I just love the Prater and enjoyed viewing it in a somehow relaxed way from that perspective.

 

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