The Wiener Riesenrad is a roughly 65-metre-tall giant Ferris wheel built in 1897 for the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I, making it one of the oldest Ferris wheels still operating in the world. Immortalised on screen in The Third Man (1949), the James Bond film The Living Daylights and Before Sunrise, it has become an enduring symbol of Vienna. Its 15 red gondolas turn slowly at about 2.7 km/h over the Prater amusement park and the old town, and in 2026 the wheel still runs year-round as a must-see Vienna landmark.
Sweeping panorama of Vienna's skyline, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Danube from the top
The classic red gondolas, reduced from 30 to 15 after the wheel was rebuilt following a 1944 fire
Its cameo in The Third Man, cementing the wheel as one of Vienna's most iconic film locations
The retro, free-to-enter Wurstelprater amusement park spread out directly beneath the wheel
The eight miniature panorama cabins at the base tracing the history of the wheel and the city
Good to know
CautionPickpockets work the crowds around Praterstern station and in the boarding queue. Wear your bag in front and keep passport and wallet in an inner pocket.
SafetyThe area near Praterstern station can feel busy and rowdy late at night. After dark, stick to main, well-lit routes with plenty of people around.
RulesVienna's metro and trams have no ticket barriers, but you must still buy and validate (stamp) a ticket before boarding. Fare-dodging fines are 100+ euros if you are caught.
SeasonQueues get long on summer evenings and weekends, so booking online via the official site is convenient. Winter hours are shorter and rides may pause in bad weather.
MannersIn Austrian restaurants and cafes it is customary to tip around 5-10% or round up the bill. Inside the gondola, avoid running or rocking the cabin for safety.
RulesThe wheel itself needs no reservation, but the in-gondola dining and event experiences (zumriesenrad.at) must be booked in advance.
Practical info
It sits at the entrance of the Prater, about a 5-minute walk from Praterstern station on metro lines U1 and U2. The wheel runs year-round, but opening times vary with the season and weather, so always confirm current hours and prices on the official website (tickets are sold on-site and online).
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