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Prater & Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad) — ParkPhoto: reivax · BY-SA 2.0

Prater & Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad)

Riesenradplatz 1, Vienna$
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The Prater is Vienna's vast public park and historic amusement ground in Leopoldstadt, open since 1766. Its centrepiece, the Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel, 1897), rises nearly 65 m above the city and is one of Austria's most iconic landmarks. Park entry is free; the Riesenrad charges per ride.

Key facts

Hours
Daily 00:00–23:59
Price$
Phone—
Website—
Nearest transitPraterstern (U1, U2, trams O & 5, buses 5B/80A/82A, S-Bahn S1/S2/S3/S7) — 3-minute walk to Riesenradplatz
Time needed30–45 min for the Riesenrad (including Panorama Museum); half a day to explore the full Wurstelprater; a full day if walking the 4 km Hauptallee green park
Best time to goWeekday afternoons in spring or early autumn for thinner crowds; evenings in summer for the illuminated amusement park atmosphere
Last verifiedJuly 12, 2026

Locals Score

  • Value7.0
  • Freshness5.9
  • Crowd level6.0
  • Authenticity7.0
  • Accessibility9.0
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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Prater and the Wurstelprater?
The Prater is a large public park (formerly a Habsburg hunting ground, opened to the public in 1766) covering green meadows, forests, and the 4 km chestnut-lined Hauptallee. The Wurstelprater is the historic amusement park within it, home to the Riesenrad and dozens of rides and attractions.
How much does the Wiener Riesenrad cost?
Standard dated tickets (booked online) cost €14.50 for adults (15–99) and €6.50 for children (3–14); children under 3 ride free. A flexible ticket valid for 365 days costs €17 (adult) / €8 (child). Family cash-desk tickets start at €36 for 2 adults + 2 children. Prices include the Panorama Museum. (Source: ticketlens.com / wienerriesenrad.com)
What is the history of the Wiener Riesenrad?
The Riesenrad was built in 1897 by English engineer Lieutenant Walter Bassett Bassett to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I. It survived a near-demolition in 1916 and was rebuilt after WWII damage — but with 15 gondolas instead of the original 30. It famously appeared in the 1949 film noir The Third Man.
How do I get to the Prater and Riesenrad by public transport?
Take U1 or U2 to Praterstern station — it is a 3-minute walk straight to Riesenradplatz. Trams O and 5, buses 5B, 80A, and 82A also stop at Praterstern, as do S-Bahn lines S1, S2, S3, and S7. From Stephansplatz the U1 journey takes about 6 minutes.
When is the Riesenrad open?
The Riesenrad opens at 09:00 daily. Closing times vary by season — roughly 22:00 in standard season and later in summer peak months. Closing times can also shift due to private events, so check wienerriesenrad.com before visiting.
Is entry to the Prater and Wurstelprater free?
Yes — the Prater park and the Wurstelprater amusement grounds are freely accessible 24 hours a day, all year round. There is no single entrance ticket; visitors pay individually for each ride or attraction they choose.
How long does a ride on the Riesenrad take?
One revolution of the Giant Ferris Wheel takes approximately 15 minutes. The wheel has 15 enclosed gondolas, each shared with other visitors. Allow extra time to walk through the small Panorama Museum at the base before boarding.
What else is there to do in the Prater besides the Ferris Wheel?
The Wurstelprater has dozens of rides ranging from classic carousels to modern roller coasters, plus ghost trains, a planetarium, the newly reopened Pratermuseum (2024), and Madame Tussauds Vienna. The green Prater offers cycling, jogging, and the iconic Schweizerhaus beer garden famous for its pork knuckle and foaming beer.

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