Wiener Riesenrad, Giant Ferris wheel in Leopoldstadt, Vienna, Austria.
The Wiener Riesenrad is a 64.75 meter tall ride at the entrance of Prater, equipped with 15 wooden cabins on a steel frame. The red cabins move slowly in a circle and offer space for several people per compartment.
Harry Hitchins and Hubert Cecil Booth designed the construction in 1897 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I's accession. A demolition order could not be carried out in 1916 due to lack of funds, allowing the structure to survive.
The wheel ranks among the most recognized symbols of the city and appears on souvenirs and travel guides as an emblem of Prater. Many visitors come here to enjoy the view or ride in the historic wooden cabins.
A complete rotation takes about four minutes and allows views over the city and park. The wheel is open daily and accessible in all weather, though wind may occasionally cause brief interruptions.
Originally the structure had 30 cabins, but after a fire during World War II only 15 were rebuilt. This reduction lengthened the ride time and made the experience calmer than comparable modern wheels.
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