Tallest Ferris Wheels in Europe
A Ferris Wheel, with its towering height and slow, gentle rotation, offers a unique vantage point to soak in the mesmerising sights of a city. These gigantic, circular structures, often twinkling with myriad lights, are more than an amusement park staple. They epitomise shared joy for families, kindling the spark of childlike wonder in the young and old alike. For couples, they offer a serene, romantic escape, encapsulated in a cosy cabin, gradually ascending against the backdrop of a sprawling cityscape. Let’s explore the tallest Ferris Wheels in Europe, where engineering marvel meets unforgettable experience.
London Eye, London, United Kingdom
The London Eye is an iconic attraction that towers above the city, perched on the banks of the River Thames, providing breathtaking views of London. This giant Ferris wheel, standing at a whopping 443 feet, was built in 1999 and conceived by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield and is the biggest Ferris wheel in Europe. Designed to celebrate the new millennium, the London Eye quickly became one of the most famous landmarks in London, attracting millions of visitors annually. Despite being initially intended as a temporary structure, the overwhelming public response has ensured its permanent place in the city’s skyline. Today, the London Eye remains an essential feature of the city’s culture and an experience one wouldn’t want to miss.
Wiener Riesenrad, Vienna, Austria
The Wiener Riesenrad, located in Vienna, Austria, is one of the most iconic structures in the city. Built-in 1897 to celebrate Emperor Franz Joseph I’s Golden Jubilee, it was a true engineering feat for its time. At the time of its construction, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, standing at a majestic 212 feet tall. The attraction, which is part of the Prater theme park, has since developed into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. The Wiener Riesenrad is a true testament to the ingenuity and skill of Austrian engineers and remains an awe-inspiring sight to see. Whether visiting Vienna for the first time or being a seasoned traveller, the Wiener Riesenrad is a must-visit attraction.
Umadum, Munich, Germany
The Umadum Ferris wheel in Munich, Germany, is an awe-inspiring sight. This magnificent structure stands at an impressive height of 80 meters, making it one of Germany’s most prominent Ferris wheels. The Umadum wheel was built in 2010, serving as a permanent landmark for tourists to enjoy the stunning views over the beautiful city of Munich. Aside from its breathtaking size, what makes the Umadum wheel particularly unique is its eco-friendly design. Boasting 18 gondolas, the Umadum wheel can carry up to 108 passengers, providing a memorable and comfortable ride. With its exciting and vibrant atmosphere, the Umadum Ferris wheel is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Munich.
Image by: Wikimedia
Grande Roue Escale Borely, Marseille, France
Located in Marseille, France, the Grande Roue Escale Borely is an impressive attraction that showcases stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The iconic Ferris wheel was created in 2013 by the French company “Majestic Wheels” and has since become a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. With a height of 70 meters, the Grande Roue Escale Borely is one of the largest Ferris wheels in France, boasting 32 air-conditioned cabins that can hold up to 6 people each. As you ascend to the top of the wheel, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the stunning coastline and vibrant cityscape that will leave you amazed.
AmberSky, Gdansk, Poland
Nestled in the charming port city of Gdansk, Poland, lies the AmberSky, a spectacular Ferris wheel that promises some of the city’s best views to all who take a ride. The giant wheel is an impressive sight, standing 50 meters high with 36 spacious gondolas, each capable of seating up to eight guests. Creating the AmberSky was an actual labour of love, with the construction taking over six months and costing an estimated 12 million zlotys. As one of the largest observation wheels in Europe, the AmberSky is a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Gdansk or looking for a thrilling ride with breathtaking aerial views.
SkyWheel, Helsinki, Finland
The SkyWheel in Helsinki, Finland, is an awe-inspiring landmark known for its stunning views and impressive size. The giant Ferris wheel was built in 2014, reaching a towering height of 40 meters. Standing tall on the city skyline, the SkyWheel contains over 30 enclosed gondolas designed to give visitors panoramic views over Helsinki. The wheel has become a must-visit attraction for tourists wishing to marvel at the stunning Finnish capital from above. During the winter months, the SkyWheel is lit up in an array of impressive colours that adds to the already gorgeous views. The SkyWheel allows visitors to experience Helsinki in an entirely new way – one that they will never forget.
Budapest Eye, Budapest, Hungary
The Budapest Eye is an iconic symbol of Budapest that draws thousands of visitors every year. This giant Ferris wheel stands tall in the Erzsébet Square in the city’s heart. It came into existence in 2017 as a part of the city’s redevelopment efforts. The Budapest Eye is 60 meters tall and is the largest transportable Ferris wheel in Europe. The eye’s transparent cabins offer an unobstructed 360-degree panoramic view of the beautiful Hungarian capital city, and the ride lasts around 10 minutes. It’s a must-visit attraction that provides an unforgettable experience, and it’s perfect for couples, families, or anyone who wants to witness some of the breathtaking views in Budapest.
Giradabo, Barcelona, Spain
If you are heading to Barcelona, you will want to spend time at the beach, enjoying the vibe of this city while making the most of the architecture and great food. It is a city that has it all, but the Tibidado Amusement Park on the highest hill of Barcelona is where you need to go for great views. The amusement park is great fun, but the Ferris Wheel is a great place to explore the panoramic views over this city and beyond. As the sun shines and the bustling city below goes about its business, you can experience views like no other, making this one of the best Ferris Wheels in the world.
Pier Sky View, The Hague, Netherlands
The Pier Sky View in The Hague, Netherlands, is a stunning new attraction that offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of one of Europe’s most picturesque cities. Completed in 2016, the award-winning Dutch architectural firm, Baranowitz + Kronenberg designed this sleek observation platform. The structure hovers 50 meters above the North Sea and provides panoramic views of the city and the surrounding dunes and coastline. With a length of 300 meters and width of 35 meters, The Pier Sky View is the largest in Europe and a must-see for anyone visiting The Hague. Its modern design seamlessly blends into the pier’s existing architecture and is a testament to the city’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
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