The Riesenrad, which is open all year round, is one of the most visited sights in Vienna. It was erected in the years 1896-1897 by the English engineer Walter Basset and at the time was not necessarily unique in the world: such panorama giant ferris wheels were popular attractions at the end of the nineteenth century, and Basset had built similar ones in Chicago, London, Blackpool, and Paris.

But unlike its historic brothers and sisters, the Riesenrad still spins. Hop on for a double history lesson and panoramic view.