Immerse yourself in the vibrant city of Vienna, Austria, and you’ll find a plethora of historic landmarks and modern attractions. Among these is an iconic feature that towers above the cityscape – the Praterturm. This thrilling ride offers not only heart-pounding excitement but also unrivaled panoramic views over the picturesque Austrian capital.
A Brief History
The Praterturm was opened to public on July 1, 2010, making it a relatively new addition to Vienna’s portfolio of attractions. However, its home – The Wiener Prater – has been a beloved recreational area for centuries. Once imperial hunting grounds in the 16th century, Emperor Joseph II later donated this land to the people of Vienna as a public leisure space in 1766.
The tower itself was designed by Funtime Handels GmbH and manufactured by Australian company Ride Trade (a division of global entertainment leader SkyFun). Standing at an impressive height of 117 meters or approximately 384 feet tall; it proudly holds the title as one of world’s tallest flying swing rides.
An Unforgettable Ride Experience
Once securely strapped into your seat on this towering carousel-style ride, prepare for an exhilarating ascent towards the skies! As you rise higher and higher above ground level, enjoy breathtaking views across Vienna’s skyline with sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral and Schönbrunn Palace coming into view. Then feel your pulse quicken as you begin to rotate around Praterturm’s central column at speeds up to sixty kilometers per hour!
This unique experience combines thrill-seeking adventure with awe-inspiring vistas – giving riders ageless fun while offering photographers stunning opportunities for capturing unforgettable shots from high above this beautiful European city.
Safety First
Your safety is paramount when you visit Praterturm. All riders must be at least 120 cm tall and are securely fastened into their seats with double safety restraints before the ride begins. The ride is also equipped with a weather station, which can automatically shut down the system if wind speeds exceed safe levels.
Convenient Location
The Praterturm is located in Vienna’s second district within the Wiener Prater amusement park, an attraction that boasts more than 250 stands and attractions including roller coasters, ghost trains, restaurants, and much more. It’s easily accessible by public transport – just take U-Bahn line U1 or U2 to the “Praterstern” station.
When To Visit?
The best time to visit Praterturm depends on your personal preferences. If you’re a fan of warm weather and long days filled with sunshine, summer would be ideal for you as it offers extended operating hours from March through October. However, do keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season so expect larger crowds during this period.
In contrast, winter visits offer fewer crowds but shorter opening hours due to early sunsets and cold temperatures. Nonetheless visiting during Christmas season offers its own charm when Vienna transforms into a magical wonderland adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations.
To Sum Up
No trip to Vienna would be complete without experiencing the exhilarating rush of soaring above cityscape on Praterturm! Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures or simply wish to admire panoramic views over Austria’s capital – there truly is something for everyone at this iconic landmark nestled within historic heart of Viennese culture!
Frequently asked questions
What is the Praterturm and where is it located?
The Praterturm, also known as the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, is a popular tourist attraction in Austria’s capital city of Vienna. It stands tall in the heart of the Wiener Prater amusement park. The address for this landmark is Riesenradplatz 1, 1020 Wien, Austria.
What are the opening hours and ticket prices for visiting the Praterturm?
The operating hours of Praterturm can vary depending on seasonality and weather conditions. Generally speaking, it operates from 10:00 AM to midnight during summer months (March to October), whereas winter timings may be shorter or subject to change due to weather conditions. Always check ahead before planning your visit.
As for tickets, adults usually pay around €12 while children between ages 2-14 years old have an entry fee of approximately €5. Prices might slightly differ based on whether you choose a cabin with or without a table.
How high is the Praterturm and what views does it offer?
The iconic Praterturm stands at an impressive height of about 117 meters (384 feet) making it one of Europe’s tallest swing rides! From its peak point during rotation – visitors can enjoy panoramic views over Vienna including sights like St Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace and even far off hills surrounding Vienna when visibility permits.
Is there any historical significance associated with Praterturm?
No specific historic events are tied directly to the current incarnation of ‘Prater Turm’, but its location within Wiener Prater Park holds significant cultural heritage value itself dating back centuries – originally royal hunting grounds turned public space under Emperor Joseph II in late 18th century. The park has seen numerous attractions and rides over time, with Praterturm being a relatively recent addition in 2010.
What other activities or attractions are available near the Praterturm?
The Wiener Prater amusement park, where the Praterturm is located, offers a plethora of fun-filled activities for visitors of all ages. Besides thrilling rides like roller coasters and ghost trains, you can also find various food stalls offering traditional Viennese cuisine.
Moreover, within walking distance from the tower is Vienna’s famous Madame Tussauds wax museum. For nature lovers – there’s ‘Prater Hauptallee’, a long avenue lined with chestnut trees perfect for leisurely walks or bike rides.
