Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel is an iconic attraction that has been a symbol of the city for over a century. Standing at a height of 65 meters, it offers panoramic views of Vienna's stunning skyline and the surrounding areas. Riding this historic Ferris wheel is a must-do experience for visitors, choose from our list of ticket options.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Breeze past ticket queues with skip-the-line access to Vienna’s historic Giant Ferris Wheel and soak in 360° views of the UNESCO-listed cityscape from 200 feet above the ground.
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Spot landmarks like the Vienna Woods, Danube River, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the mountains to the west as you float above the city in the iconic 19th-century red carriages.
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Journey through 2,000 years of Vienna’s history at the Panorama Museum, where artistic and audio-visual exhibits are displayed in eight of the Ferris Wheel’s former wagons.
More details
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Breeze past ticket queues with skip-the-line access to Vienna’s historic Giant Ferris Wheel and soak in 360° views of the UNESCO-listed cityscape from 200 feet above the ground.
-
Spot landmarks like the Vienna Woods, Danube River, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the mountains to the west as you float above the city in the iconic 19th-century red carriages.
-
Journey through 2,000 years of Vienna’s history at the Panorama Museum, where artistic and audio-visual exhibits are displayed in eight of the Ferris Wheel’s former wagons.
- Unlimited sightseeing and hops! Enjoy a hop-on hop-off bus tour zipping to sights like Upper Belvedere, and Hundertwasser House on 2 routes and 27 stops.
- Hop on, tune in, geek out! These double-deckers arrive every 20-30 minutes with audio guides in 8 languages weaving tales as you pass by sights.
- Elevate your Vienna visit with a 15-minute spin in red cabins of the famed Giant Ferris Wheel, savoring bird's-eye vistas as you circle lazily atop the city.
- Soar over Vienna's terracotta tiles, spying the serpentine Danube, stately Augarten, and towering Danube Tower from your lofty perch.
- Fun fact: The Ferris Wheel is featured in iconic movies including The Third Man, The Living Daylights, Before Sunrise, and Woman in Gold.
More details
- Unlimited sightseeing and hops! Enjoy a hop-on hop-off bus tour zipping to sights like Upper Belvedere, and Hundertwasser House on 2 routes and 27 stops.
- Hop on, tune in, geek out! These double-deckers arrive every 20-30 minutes with audio guides in 8 languages weaving tales as you pass by sights.
- Elevate your Vienna visit with a 15-minute spin in red cabins of the famed Giant Ferris Wheel, savoring bird's-eye vistas as you circle lazily atop the city.
- Soar over Vienna's terracotta tiles, spying the serpentine Danube, stately Augarten, and towering Danube Tower from your lofty perch.
- Fun fact: The Ferris Wheel is featured in iconic movies including The Third Man, The Living Daylights, Before Sunrise, and Woman in Gold.
16% off
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Experience the grandeur of Vienna's Baroque era with direct entry to the opulent Upper Belvedere Palace, an architectural marvel.
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Revel in the beauty of Gustav Klimt's masterpiece The Kiss and other celebrated works housed in the Palace's permanent collection.
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Enjoy swift, queue-free access to Vienna's Giant Ferris Wheel, an iconic symbol of the city since 1897.
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Soar 65 meters above ground for a panoramic view of landmarks like Schönbrunn Palace, and the Danube Tower during a 10-20 minute ride.
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Did you know? The Upper Belvedere Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site, that houses the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt's works.
More details
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Experience the grandeur of Vienna's Baroque era with direct entry to the opulent Upper Belvedere Palace, an architectural marvel.
-
Revel in the beauty of Gustav Klimt's masterpiece The Kiss and other celebrated works housed in the Palace's permanent collection.
-
Enjoy swift, queue-free access to Vienna's Giant Ferris Wheel, an iconic symbol of the city since 1897.
-
Soar 65 meters above ground for a panoramic view of landmarks like Schönbrunn Palace, and the Danube Tower during a 10-20 minute ride.
-
Did you know? The Upper Belvedere Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site, that houses the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt's works.
9% off
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Explore Vienna hassle-free with discounts at 200+ partners, including popular museums, attractions, activities, and more with this city card.
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Save big – up to 50% and explore popular attractions like Madame Tussauds, Leopold Museum, and Mozarthaus at discounted rates.
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Depending on the option selected, get unlimited access to Vienna’s public transport network – effortlessly ride on trams, buses, S-bahn, and metros.
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Book one pass and forego the hassle of buying multiple tickets. Breeze past ticketing queues and save valuable time with a handy mobile pass.
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Get a 24/48/72-hour or 7-day pass and enjoy a hassle-free sightseeing experience at a flexible pace.
More details
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Explore Vienna hassle-free with discounts at 200+ partners, including popular museums, attractions, activities, and more with this city card.
-
Save big – up to 50% and explore popular attractions like Madame Tussauds, Leopold Museum, and Mozarthaus at discounted rates.
-
Depending on the option selected, get unlimited access to Vienna’s public transport network – effortlessly ride on trams, buses, S-bahn, and metros.
-
Book one pass and forego the hassle of buying multiple tickets. Breeze past ticketing queues and save valuable time with a handy mobile pass.
-
Get a 24/48/72-hour or 7-day pass and enjoy a hassle-free sightseeing experience at a flexible pace.
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Get ready to explore Vienna in a hassle-free way with this city card offering free access to 90+ sights in the city.
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Head to just 3 or 4 popular attractions like the Schönbrunn Zoo, Mozarthaus, and the Upper Belvedere and save your wallet with this pass.
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Enjoy a hop-on hop-off bus ride with Vienna Sightseeing for the validity period of your pass, and access cruises, guided tours & more.
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Skip ticketing queues and forget juggling multiple attraction tickets – get this one physical pass and gain smooth entry to the sights on your list.
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Choose between 1/2/3/6 consecutive calendar days to visit as many attractions as you can fit within your schedule and budget.
More details
-
Get ready to explore Vienna in a hassle-free way with this city card offering free access to 90+ sights in the city.
-
Head to just 3 or 4 popular attractions like the Schönbrunn Zoo, Mozarthaus, and the Upper Belvedere and save your wallet with this pass.
-
Enjoy a hop-on hop-off bus ride with Vienna Sightseeing for the validity period of your pass, and access cruises, guided tours & more.
-
Skip ticketing queues and forget juggling multiple attraction tickets – get this one physical pass and gain smooth entry to the sights on your list.
-
Choose between 1/2/3/6 consecutive calendar days to visit as many attractions as you can fit within your schedule and budget.
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Similar things to do in Vienna
About Vienna: Giant Ferris Wheel
The Vienna Ferris Wheel is an enduring symbol of the city’s past. It was built in 1897 to commemorate the golden jubilee of Emperor Franz. It was once the highest Ferris Wheel in the world and has since survived World War II bombings and natural disasters. Whether it's admiring the sunset or enjoying a romantic dinner, the Vienna Ferris Wheel promises an unforgettable experience steeped in history and charm.
A symbol of Vienna’s cultural heritage: The Vienna Ferris Wheel, also known as the Wiener Riesenrad, was constructed in 1897 to celebrate the golden jubilee of Emperor Franz Joseph I. It was one of the world's tallest Ferris wheels at the time and quickly became an iconic symbol of Vienna’s cultural landscape.
Featured in movies: The Vienna Ferris Wheel gained international fame when it was featured prominently in the 1949 film ‘The Third Man’. The iconic scene where Orson Welles' character, Harry Lime, meets with Joseph Cotten's character, Holly Martins, takes place in one of the Ferris wheel's cabins, adding to its cultural significance.
Survived World War II: During World War II, the Vienna Ferris Wheel miraculously survived bombings that devastated much of the city. It is said that the Vienna Ferris Wheel was spared because it served as a useful landmark for pilots navigating the area. Its survival became a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of Vienna.
Welcomed several royal officials: Over the years, the Vienna Ferris Wheel has welcomed numerous royal and celebrity passengers, including Queen Elizabeth II, Emperor Hirohito of Japan, and Grace Kelly. Its elegant cabins and panoramic views have made it a favorite attraction for dignitaries visiting Vienna.
Witnessed countless romantic proposals: Couples from around the world choose the iconic Ferris Wheel cabins as the perfect setting to pop the question. Its romantic ambiance, combined with stunning views of Vienna, makes it a popular spot for couples celebrating special milestones.
Why visit Vienna: Giant Ferris Wheel?
Highlights
Panoramic views
The Vienna Ferris Wheel offers scenic views of the city. From the top, you can see iconic landmarks such as the Danube River, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Vienna Prater amusement park.
Classic interiors
Unlike modern Ferris wheels, the Vienna Riesenrad features classic wooden cabins with elegant interiors. Each cabin provides a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their ride.
Dining experience
You can book a dinner or cocktail party in one of the Ferris wheel's exclusive cabins. You can enjoy a meal or drink Enjoying a meal or drink while overlooking the city makes for a unique experience.
Panorama Museum
Right by the Vienna Ferris Wheel, there is a small museum showcasing the history of the wheel and its significance to the city. At the Panorama Museum, you can learn about the wheel’s construction, its famous passengers, and its cultural impact over the years.
Prater Park
Located in the Prater amusement park, the Ferris Wheel is surrounded by a variety of attractions, including roller coasters, bumper cars, and funfair games. You can complement your visit to the Vienna Ferris Wheel with other attractions in the park.
Romantic atmosphere
The Vienna Ferris Wheel has been featured in numerous movies, including ‘The Third Man,’ adding to its romantic allure. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a date with a loved one, have a romantic dinner on top of the Ferris Wheel, and catch panoramic views of the city.
Plan your visit
- 31 December: 10am to 2pm
- 24 December: 10am to 4:45pm
- 14 February, 23 February to 28 April, & 7 October to 10 November: 10am to 9:45pm.
- 16 November to 22 December, 23 December, 25 to 30 December, & 1 January to 7 January: 10am to 10:15pm
- 9 September to 6 October: 10am to 10:45pm
- 29 April to 8 September: 10am to 11:45pm
All wooden cabins of the Vienna Ferris Wheel are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
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