Tell Me About Your Experience on the Riesenrad

I don't think you should have any problem getting a ticket but I would expect to wait in line a while before boarding. I waited 45 minutes on a Saturday afternoon in early May, but the experience was well worth it. I don't have a problem with heights so I can't really judge someone else's phobia, but you should not experience any feelings of dangling. You should feel quite secure in that cabin and once you hit the higher elevation, the view and photo ops will probably trump any uneasiness about the height. If not, there's a bench in the center of the car, so it's not like to HAVE to stand at the very edge, close to the windows.

You'll be fine and it is a great experience. Imagine Harry Lime's Cuckoo Clock speech when you ride.

It's been 10 years since I did it, and I have very little recollection but I do remember that the windows in the cabin open. My DH had to stick his head out for photos and generally goof off, which meant lots of motion. I wasn't happy about that!

Glad to hear there's a place to sit in the middle of the cabin, and here's hoping no one opens the window or, as in the movie, the door! Somehow I doubt that is possible now. I will indeed be hearing the cuckoo clock speech in my head, I've seen the movie so many times I know all the dialogue.

Are you thinking about taking the Third Man Tour?

http://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing/tours-guides/third-man

Regarding the actual ride, you should expect the cabin to be pretty full. You should also expect that it will rock back and forth, which can be unsettling. People will open the windows; you can sit on the bench, but then won't be able to see anything. You only go around once, so the ride is pretty short.

Eat at the Schweizerhaus afterwards for good beer and stelze:

http://www.schweizerhaus.at/#!/page_home

Emily
I had forgotten about the Schweizerhaus...now I am hungry for Stelze.

christa,
Try going early in the morning. You might avoid lines and crowds.
There is also another great place to eat nearby called Gasthaus Hansy:
http://www.hansy-braeu.at/

Alex - don't click in the Schweizerhaus link above, you'll be instantly homesick for Vienna...

Ahhhh!:-) too late l saw the stelze and beer! Another good spot for stelze is Melkerstiftskeller in Vienna.
I am always homesick for Vienna that is for sure.

Oh my. I clicked the link for Schweizerhaus and if that's a picture of stelze on the right, I can't wait to have some. And beer. After the Riesenrad I'll need some fortification. I'm doing the Third Man walking tour (skipping the sewer one) and the museum, of course, and most likely a trip to the Zentralfriedhof.

Hi,

A trip to the Zentralfriedhof is well worth it, not only to to see the graves of the composers but the military cemeteries are there also, from WW I to the Soviet occupation. There are other war sites in Vienna aside from the Zentralfriedhof if you're interested.

Homesick for Vienna ...that's quite understandable. Agreed!

WOW! Clicked the link too - looks right up my alley! Gonna have to go there too next trip!