1897
The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel was built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I’s reign—and became a symbol of an entire city.
1898
The Viennese woman Marie Kindl leans out of the cabin window during a ride to draw attention to her family’s social hardship.
1914
Circus director Madame Solange d'Atalide rides on a horse atop a Ferris wheel cabin for a film scene.
1916
A demolition permit was granted—but due to lack of funds, it was never carried out. The Ferris wheel remained standing.
1944
Severe fire damage destroyed almost the entire Ferris wheel. Only the steel structure remained intact.
1945
Reconstruction began—at the same time as the restoration of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the State Opera, and the Burgtheater.
1947
The Ferris wheel resumed operation—now with 15 instead of the original 30 cabins. For cost reasons, only 4 instead of 6 windows were installed.
2002
A new era begins: On May 1, 2002, eight lost cabins returned. They form a “Wheel of Time” in the Panorama Museum—a journey through the stories of Vienna and the Prater.
2008
Step right up to Vienna’s gateway to fun! The new Riesenradplatz combines tradition with modernity, where culinary delights meet entertainment—a place full of Viennese charm and joie de vivre.
2016
The Ferris wheel shines in new splendor: 15 faithfully recreated cabins take their place. The original six windows are reinstalled in the cabins, restoring the Ferris wheel’s authentic charm that enchants visitors from all over the world.
2020
For the first time in 73 years, the Ferris wheel stood still due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 29, 2020, it was ceremoniously reopened by Vienna’s mayor, Michael Ludwig, sending a signal for Vienna’s revival.
2022
With the opening of the unique Platform 9, the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel revives the sensation of height that only the builders experienced back in 1897 during its construction. On an airy ride along a steel structure with a glass floor, you can enjoy stunning views over the city of Vienna—adrenaline rush included.