Posted by The Giant Ferris Wheel Vienna (Wiener Riesenrad) is one of the city’s most famous landmarks
and a symbol of the Prater amusement park.
Built in 1897, it offers classic views over Vienna from historic wooden cabins
and is a popular attraction for first-time visitors.
What Is the Giant Ferris Wheel Vienna?
The Giant Ferris Wheel is located in Vienna’s Prater park and is one of the oldest
Ferris wheels in the world still in operation.
Originally built to celebrate Emperor Franz Joseph I’s golden jubilee,
it has become a timeless symbol of Vienna.
With a height of around 65 meters,
the wheel offers panoramic views over the Prater,
the Danube, and parts of Vienna’s historic skyline.
Historic Cabins and Ride Experience
Unlike modern Ferris wheels, the Wiener Riesenrad features enclosed wooden cabins.
These give the ride a nostalgic atmosphere and make it suitable in almost all weather conditions.
- Slow, relaxed rotation
- Wide views without motion discomfort
- Classic cabins instead of open gondolas
A full rotation usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
Fares 2026 Giant Ferris Wheel Vienna
The entrance fee for the Giant Ferris Wheel in Prater Vienna is currently (January 2026) about 14 Euro. Children pay a fare of about 6,50 Euro. For such an important sight this entrance fee is appropriate in our opinion. Tickets for 15 Euro are available on the Internet at Getyourguide. The journey takes about 15 minutes.
You can ride a Ferris wheel for free with the great Vienna Pass Vienna. This ticket is also valid for sightseeing buses and about 60 other sights in and around Vienna such as the wax museum in the Prater. More about the Vienna Pass on the well-known website Getyourguide.
How Much Time Should You Plan?
Including waiting time, plan about 30 minutes for a visit.
During busy periods or weekends, queues can be longer.
The Ferris wheel fits easily into a half-day visit to the Prater.
Views from the Top
From the highest point, you can see:
- The Prater park and amusement rides
- The Danube and Danube Island
- Vienna’s skyline on clear days
For even higher panoramic views, many visitors also visit
the Danube Tower.
Location and How to Get There
The Giant Ferris Wheel is located at the entrance of the Prater,
near Praterstern.
It is very easy to reach by public transport.
- Metro: U1 or U2 to Praterstern
- Train: S-Bahn to Praterstern
- Tram: Lines stopping at Praterstern
See the
Vienna local transport guide
for route planning.
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon and early evening are popular,
especially around sunset.
Night rides offer illuminated views of the Prater.
Morning visits are usually quieter and have shorter queues.
Vienna Prater & Sightseeing Tickets
The Giant Ferris Wheel is often included
in sightseeing passes and Prater visits.
Combine the Ferris Wheel with Other Attractions
The Prater area offers many easy combinations:
- Prater Vienna amusement park
- Hard Rock Cafe Vienna
- A walk or bike ride on the Danube Island
Hotels Near Prater or City Center
Staying near Praterstern or the city center
makes it easy to reach the Ferris wheel by metro.
Conclusion
The Giant Ferris Wheel Vienna is a classic sightseeing attraction
with historical charm and great views.
Its gentle ride, central location, and iconic design
make it a must-see for visitors exploring the Prater
and one of Vienna’s most recognizable landmarks.
Vienna Travel Guides – Useful Before Your Visit
Nearby
The wax museum Vienna is also only a few hundred metres away in the Prater amusement park.
The Wheel of Venice in Lido di Jesolo has about the same hight as the one in the Prater Park Vienna.