Präter in Vienna

Präter is one of the most incredible areas in Vienna, the capital of Austria. If you don't like heights, roller coasters, or adrenaline, you should probably go for a walk in the city center instead, but if you want some action, Präter is the place to go.

One of the most famous sights and activities in Präter is the so-called Riesenrad, also known as the Vienna Ferris Wheel. It is an iconic landmark and a symbol of Vienna's rich history and culture.

The Ferris Wheel

It was constructed in 1897 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I's ascension to the throne. Designed by the English engineer Walter Basset, the Ferris wheel quickly became a popular attraction and a symbol of Vienna's technological progress.

The Riesenrad stands at a height of 64.75 meters (212 feet) and has a diameter of 60 meters (197 feet). It was one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world when it was built and is still one of the most famous examples of its kind today.

The wheel consists of 15 cabins or "gondolas," each with a capacity of up to 30 passengers. These cabins are suspended from the wheel's outer rim and offer panoramic views of Vienna and its surroundings. A complete rotation takes approximately 20 minutes, allowing visitors to enjoy breathtaking vistas of the city's skyline, including landmarks like St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Danube River, and Prater itself.

Other activities

There are lots of fantastic activities besides the Ferris Wheel in Präter. If you are an adrenaline freak and don't fear heights, the Prater Tower is the most stunning experience. Here you sit in a chair 117 meters up in the air and enjoy the most stunning view in Vienna. Of course, if you dare to open your eyes and enjoy the scenery instead of fighting your fears.

Would you rather travel at more than 100km per hour instead of sitting in a chair 100 meters above the ground? The Olympia Loopring is a symbol of Präter, and in this rollercoaster, you can experience a top speed above 100km per hour, and it loops several times during the ride. Besides all the crazy activities, there are many family-friendly activities in Präter, making it ideal for everyone between 2 years and 100 years!

You can buy tickets for Präter activities here. If you'd rather read more about Vienna and what the city has to offer, visit https://www.viennawien.net/