The Wiener Riesenrad, aka Vienna’s Giant Ferris Wheel, is the world’s oldest existing ferris wheel.
The Wiener Riesenrad is a giant Ferris wheel located a few blocks from the Danube River in Vienna, Austria. The ferris wheel was built in 1897 to commemorate Emperor Franz Joseph’s 50th year of reign in Austria. It was the world’s tallest ferris wheel until 1985 surviving both World Wars.
The Wiener Riesenrad Ferris Wheel stands 64.75 meters tall (212feet tall) and takes about 20 minutes to enjoy the ride. The Giant Ferris wheel is not the tallest structure in Vienna but it towers over anything near it giving riders a 360 degree view of the area.
The Vienna Ferris Wheel is a symbol of Vienna and has been featured in many movies. Some of the most notable movies that it appeared in are the 1985 James Bond film “The Living Daylights”, Before Sunrise in 1995, Scorpio, Woman In Gold and Letter from an Unknown Woman.
About the Cabins
The wheel was originally built with 30 cabins but the number was reduced to 15 after World War II. The reduced number of cabins give the wheel a gap-toothed appearance. Each cabin can accommodate up to 15 people but they often only have only 10 people making the total capacity between 150 to 225 people.
Views from the top
Many people ride the Wiener Riesenrad because it is a symbol of Vienna but the views from the top of the wheel are also a great reason to take a ride.
The Dust on My Shoes
The movies that have featured the Wiener Riesenrad have romanticized the Vienna Ferris Wheel making it one of Vienna’s most popular tourist attraction. Its architecture makes it look old fashion but it is the world’s oldest ferris wheel so it should have a vintage look. The old fashion style gives it distinctive look from all of the other existing ferris wheels and makes it instantly recognizable from all other ferris wheels.
Taking a 20 minute ride on a 125 year old ferris wheel is not the most exciting activity that will be on your schedule for visiting Austria but the views are nice, the ride is relaxing and it will probably be one of the top memories from visiting Vienna.
Vacations are not only about doing exciting thing or seeing famous place. Doing simple things can be just as enjoyable as the highly anticipated activities and they may be even more memorable.
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