Prater - Giant Ferris Wheel

I can't speak to lines, but yes, it is relatively slow (not nearly as slow as the Eye, which takes 30 minutes). You get only one revolution per fare; I wanted to do it again, so I had to pay again. The local name for what we call the Ferris wheel is the Riesenrad. Since the Prater is an amusement park, there are other wheels of various kinds, but the one from The Third Man is the only one called Riesenrad. BTW, I also enjoyed the Prater itself. It's a fun opportunity to see some ethnic diversity (not so visible in Vienna's city center), and to see families at play. I did not take the Third Man walking tour, but now wish I had. I took another tour led by Brigitte Timmermann, who did the research for the Third Man tour, and she was superb - easily the best walking tour guide I've had. If I ever get back to Vienna, I'll simply look at what tours she's giving, and take them - regardless of subject. The walking tours website is http://www.wienguide.at/epages/index.php

No worries about a long line. Best time to go either early AM or in the evening when the sun casts a nice glow over Wien. Great views to be had on the Riesenrad. You might imagine the Anton Karas zither music in the background and catch a glimpse of Mr Lime. Great restaurant nearby called Gasthaus Hansey.

Thanks for the walking tours link, Harold. And Alex, I will definitely be hearing zither music in my mind! :)

We were at the Prater last September on a Sunday. The weather was gorgeous and it was fairly crowded but I wouldn't think you'd have a problem during the week. Here are the great photos my husband took while we were there. http://travel.webshots.com/album/581800014KFVEIA

Such fun photos, Betty! I'm particularly amused by (and curious about) the American football player mural. And thanks for your feedback re the Prater too.