Prater & Giant Ferris Wheel
Ideal: Good for families, photos, and easy city entertainment.
The Riesenrad was built in 1897 for the 50th anniversary of Franz Joseph's accession; the 65-meter wheel originally had 30 cabins and reopened with 15 after the 1944 bombing. The surrounding park dates to 1766, when Joseph II opened the imperial hunting grounds to the public. The wheel's cabins also appear in a famous scene from Orson Welles's The Third Man, giving it a place in cinema history.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1897
- Opened
- 3 July 1897
- Architect
- Walter Bassett Basset
- Height
- 64.8 m
- Heritage status
- Listed objects in Austria
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
How old is the giant Ferris wheel?
The Riesenrad opened in 1897 and is one of the oldest still operating in the world. After heavy war damage it was rebuilt with 30 cabins — the original had 30 more.
How did the Prater become a public park?
It was an imperial hunting ground until Joseph II opened it to the public in 1766 — a decision that caused considerable outrage among the nobility of the time.
Is there an entrance fee for the park?
No — entry to the Prater is free and each ride is paid for separately, so you can simply walk through in the evening or try a single attraction.
Why go?
- To ride Vienna's iconic giant Ferris wheel
- For a lighter walk and park atmosphere
- To add a playful break to a Vienna itinerary
Travel tip
The lights are strongest in the evening; it pairs well with the main sights on the same day.
