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| "Wiener Riesenrad" (Giant Ferris Wheel) |
The giant Ferris wheel of Vienna, or the ‘Wiener
Riesenrad’ has been one of Vienna’s great landmarks, rising up above the
Viennese rooftops since its construction over 100 years ago. The Riesenrad
charm obviously hasn’t worn off, as it has been consistently popular across the
decades. It was among one of the first buildings to be reconstructed after the
Second World War. Aside from being burnt to the ground and re-built, the wheel
has been witness to numerous historical events and dramas, and often features
in panoramas of Vienna and films including ‘The Third Man’ and ‘James Bond’.
The wheel has more recently been adorned with
golden lighting and is spectacular after sunset. Enjoy the city from almost
200ft up and even find plenty to do from the ground, as the wheel is surrounded
by shops, cafés, bars and sideshows, including installations in antiquated
Ferris wheel waggons that float past, telling the story of the beautiful wheel
that has now come to be part of a larger amusement park. Some tourists find the
wider amusement park a little seedy and overrated, but none can deny the charm
of the old wheel itself.
At the gift shop
you can buy precious models of the Ferris wheel, or beautiful porcelain and
crystal mementos. This is a great day out for families and couples alike, it’s
easy to get to on the U-Bahn, and inexpensive. On the classic ride (in fact on
one of the earliest wheels of its kind ever built) you can even privately rent
a vintage wagon in which to enjoy champagne and a gourmet Viennese dinner, if
you’re planning to pop the question, this is an extremely popular spot for
proposals and you will be following in the footsteps of countless
nervous individuals before you.
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