One thing is certain – only when one has taken a ride on Riesenrad or the Giant Ferris is one really in Vienna. Forget everything and simply enjoy the view of the city from almost 200 feet up. The Riesenrad, which is open all year round, is one of the most visited sights in Vienna. It was put up in the years 1896-97 by the English engineer Walter Basset.
The Riesenrad offers an attractive adventure world: at the entrance area, a “Panorama” tells the history of this monumental Ferris wheel and the City of Vienna – with nostalgic installations that drift past one in giant Ferris wheel cars. At the Riesenrad Shop, one can buy exquisite Viennese porcelain and crystal, models of the Riesenrad and high-quality textiles in the Riesenrad-Look. A café-restaurant provides culinary delights and pampers one in a cozy ambiance with Viennese specialties.
The Giant Ferris Wheel was erected to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The wheel itself spans 200 feet (about 60 m.). 15 cabins and the upholding structure weigh a total of 430,5 t and rotate at the speed of 0,65 m/sec.
In 1914 the Giant Ferris Wheel was the location of a sensational film stunt: Madame Solange d’Atalide managed to complete one round on horseback on top of one of the cabins. However, it was not the only time when this giant Ferris wheel has been pictured, there are other movies also picturing this picturesque giant wheel.
It is one of Vienna’s landmarks and the central point of the world-famous Prater amusement and Leisure Park in Austria’s federal capital. The wheel offers a magnificent view of Vienna. It has a diameter of 61 meters and 15 cabins, eight of which have been designed in the style of important historic eras ranging from the Roman Empire and the Fin de Siècle to the mid-20th century.
The giant Ferris wheel is a leftover from more genteel times, much like the city itself. These wheels are much larger than the ones in present day’s amusement parks. Each capsule can hold dozens of people as the wheel turns at just 2.5 feet per second. The goal here is to elegantly thrill audiences with the view, not scare them to death. To that end, some of the capsules are formally decorated and can be rented for weddings, dinners, and other occasions. This is appropriate because Prater, the park where the Ferris wheel is located, was once the exclusive domain of the emperor.
The Giant Ferris Wheel can be called trademark of Austria’s capital city and a symbol of Vienna’s world-famous Prater. It creates a very special point of reference for every visitor with its clearly identifiable silhouette, clearly visible even from great distances. A circular trip on one of the most significant and fascinating structures in the world, and the unique view of the city of Vienna, make the Giant Ferris Wheel an absolute cultural and architectural must for every visitor to Austria’s capital.

Anil Gupta recommends that you visit vienna hotels for more information.

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