Wheelin' in Vienna

It's not everyday you can ride a Ferris wheel erected in honor of an Emperor, but that's exactly what you get on the famed ride at Vienna's Prater park.

Located in the city center, Vienna's famed park is the perfect place for outdoor activities and fun. There's a soccer field, jogging trails, a harness racing track, a public swimming pool and lots of green grass and forest lands for lounging around. Prater's highlight, however, is the Wurschtlprater fair with its 200-foot-high Ferris wheel.

Riesenrad, as its called in Vienna, was first built in 1897 to commemorate the 50th year of Emperor Franz Joseph's reign. The original structure was destroyed during World War II, however, and had to be rebuilt in 1945. Regardless, the wheel is extremely popular thanks to the incredible views from the top where riders can gaze across the glorious capital city. Not surprisingly, Riesenrad is the oldest giant Ferris wheel that's still active today.

If you are taking a family vacation to Vienna and you're making the kids sit through opera and countless museums, you owe them a trip to Prater park. In addition to the recreation and Ferris wheel, there's even the 2.6-mile Lilliputian Railroad ride powered by old steam engines that kids will love. And be honest, dads, you'll love it too!

Photo courtesy of Arakis M via Flickr.