Vienna
Giant Ferris Wheel - To some this giant wheel
typifies Vienna, the Vienna of The Third Man film
– remember Orson Welles and Joseph Cotton taking
the ride while looking down at post-war Vienna? The
Wheel is situated in The Prater district of Vienna,
towards the north of the city.
The “Wurstelprater” was built at the
end of the 19th Century for the 1897 Universal Exhibition.
The Wheel was destroyed almost completely by 1945
bombing but has been faithfully restored.
The Prater Wheel has 15 cabins and
they move slowly around affording excellent views
of Vienna in a gentle romantic way. A ride on the
London Eye is on the same principle as the Prater
Wheel, you enter your cabin and after 14 stops, it
will be your turn to exit.
The Prater park was formerly the hunting ground of
the Emperor but opened to the public and now incorporates
a funfair, amusements, hunting, sports stadium, swimming
pool, miniature train, etc.
One of the Avenues in the Park is lined with Chestnut
Trees and was laid out by Emperor Ferdinand II –
a beautiful sight at any time of the year. Beware
in September/October – sitting on one of the
many seats on this beautiful avenue may mean a huge
chestnut dropping on your head.
It is simple to get to The Prater Park
from any part of Vienna. Take the red underground
line towards Kagran, get off at Praterstern/Wien Nord
(also the stop for Wien Nord Railway Station) come
out of the station and a five minute stroll through
the Park will bring you to the Giant Prater Wheel.
