In the summer of 1893, at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois, in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Europeans, the first Ferris wheel was presented to mankind. It was more than 80 m in height. It was able to accommodate about 2000 people at the same time. A 20-minute ride on it cost 50 cents at the time. This list includes the very best Ferris wheels currently in use. based not only on their size, but also on their beauty and uniqueness.
Navy Pier in Chicago
It is worth noting that the Navy Pier, located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, includes a pier, the length of which is about 1010 meters. It was built in 1916. There are many shops, attractions, exhibition areas on the pier, as well as a ferris wheel, with which you can see how amazing the view of the city from above is. The ticket price is 6 dollars, and the average duration of one rental attraction does not exceed 7 minutes.
Singapore Ferris Wheel (Singapore Flyer)
This Ferris wheel began to function in February 2008. Its height is 165 meters, that is, approximately the same as a 42-storey building. Such a miracle consists of 28 capsules, each of which is equipped with air conditioning and can accommodate about 28 people. In addition, there are shops and restaurants in the capsules, and the trip itself lasts about half an hour.
ferris wheel at santa monica pier
The Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier was completed in 1996. It is equipped with more than 5 thousand multi-colored light bulbs (2392 white, 1500 and 1500 red-blue). This wheel is powered exclusively by solar panels, it was the first invention of its kind. But it was put up for sale on Ebay and bought for $ 132,400, and this was done by one of the developers living in Oklahoma. Subsequently, the ferris wheel was taken out of Santa Monica. However, a new wheel was installed at the same place, which was equipped with 160,000 LED bulbs, it was it that began to illuminate the entire territory of the beach.
Big O
The Big-O Ferris Wheel is located at the Tokyo Dome City entertainment complex in Tokyo, Japan. The wheel with a diameter of 60 meters is the only centerless structure that does not have a structure inside it, it is supported by two arrow-shaped structures located on its side parts. Right in its central part, you can see the largest roller coaster in Tokyo.
Star of Texas (Texas Star)
The Texas Star is located in the state of the same name, USA. Refers to the highest ferris wheel located on the territory North America. This building was erected in honor of the 150th anniversary of the founding of Texas. It consists of 44 gondolas and until 2008, the Star of Texas consisted of about 16 thousand incandescent bulbs.
Wonder Wheel
The fifth place in the ranking goes to the Wonder Wheel, which is located in the state of New York, on the Coney Island peninsula, in Brooklyn. This Ferris wheel was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Its height is 46 meters. It has 24 passenger cabins, which differ in that not all of them are attached to the outer frame, some slide on special fasteners inside the structure.
Riesenrad
The Riesenrad ferris wheel appeared in 1897, and is associated with the anniversary date of Franz Joseph I. It was built on the territory of the Viennese park Wurstelprater, in Austria. This ferris wheel was considered the highest for 60 years, its height is 65 meters.
Cosmo Clock 21
In the form of a huge clock, they created the Cosmo Clock 21 ferris wheel, located in Yokohama, Japan. Its height is more than 100 meters (107 m), for this reason, for eight years, from 1989 to 1997, this ferris wheel was the highest in the world. From the moment of its construction to the present, it is the largest clock in the world. Ferris wheel consists of 60 cabins, each with a capacity of up to 8 people. In order for the wheel to complete rotation, it needs to spend at least 15 minutes.
London Eye
The world-famous Ferris wheel consists of steel structures that took about 6 years to build. On December 31, 1999, the grand opening of the London Eye took place. There are 32 cabins, with a capacity of 25 passengers each. The ferris wheel moves constantly, at a speed of about 0.9 km/h. this is slow enough for tourists to comfortably take their seats in the booth. It is worth noting that at least three million people visit the London Eye every year, which makes it the most popular attraction in London, as well as the most recognizable and one of the best Ferris wheels on the planet.
Tianjin Eye
The eye of Tianjin is the best Ferris wheel. This ferris wheel is on a bridge that crosses the Hai River in Tianjin, China. Its height reaches 120 meters. The construction of the structure was completed in 2007, and so far the attraction is considered the best and only Ferris wheel in the world that was built right on the bridge. Its capacity is quite high, 48 capsules are presented here, with a total capacity of 770 visitors.
Moldavian ferris wheel makes 7 batches of concrete in 1 revolution
History shows that the idea of building the very first Ferris wheel on planet Earth belonged to George Farris, who developed this one in 1893 for the World Exhibition, which was held in Chicago. Its height at that time was unrealistic - more than eighty meters! As it turned out, the creators of the miracle wheel were eager to surpass its observation deck in scope and beauty.
And so it has been since then: no matter what new wheel is built in the world, so only with the only thought to outshine, outstrip or its predecessor. We present you the top 10 largest ferris wheels in the world.
1117 meters. Diamond and Flower Ferris Wheel
Another high-rise was opened in 2001 in Tokyo's Kasai Rinkai Park. Years later, the Ferris wheel was closed, but to this day it still remains the most "high-altitude" attraction in Japan.
2 120 meters. Sky Dream Fukuoka
Another spinning "high-rise" for a long time showed people the Japanese city of Fukuoka from a bird's eye view. She worked for a short time - from 2002 to 2009. “Heavenly Dream”, which is exactly what the name of the attraction is translated from, is considered the largest classic observation wheel in the world.
3 120 meters. Zhengzhou Ferris Wheel
It was decided to build this Ferris wheel… Guess where? That's right, in Century Amusement Park, located in China. The last in the list of "Chinese" panoramic, but very large rides that offer a view of the earth.
4 120 meters. Changsha Ferris Wheel
I must say that the Chinese are very fond of feeling their superiority over the promised land and seeing the world from a bird's eye view. So another high-altitude attraction was opened in 2004 in the Chinese city of Changsha. And this is something, but it means for world heavenly domination.
This hulk stands right above the Yongle Bridge, which was built in China. The attraction rightfully occupies a record place in the list of miracle wheels erected over bridges, namely, at their top. The fee for pleasure is small: $11 for an adult ticket, and $6 for a child.
6 120 meters. Melbourne or Southern Star
Another large Ferris wheel stands and looks at people in the city of Melbourne. It was built a little earlier than the "Chinese" one, in December 2008. True, it was immediately closed for reconstruction. The wheel spent three years in the freezing stage. Repair of the attraction began only in 2011, but was never brought to mind.
7 120 meters. Suzhou Ferris Wheel
It is known that this attraction opened the doors of booths for curious visitors back in 2009. Now residents and guests of the city of Suzhou in China can independently admire the natural beauties from the height of heaven, without leaving for this to London or Singapore.
8 135 meters. London Eye
Another large Ferris wheel was opened in London in 2000. It retained the status of a “hulk of heaven” until 2006, but even today any sane and inquisitive tourist dreams of visiting it. The wheel spins for 30 minutes, for which visitors are charged $30.
9 160 meters. Star of Nanchang
This wheel was built in China, in Jiangxi province. It is only 5 meters lower and smaller than the similar Singapore attraction. 7 million 300 thousand dollars were spent on the construction of the "Star of Nanchang". The “expensive” pleasure costs visitors only 6 dollars per ticket, but it lasts for half an hour.
10 165 meters. Singapore Flyer
This "miracle" of observation has been operating in Singapore since 2008. At this time, it is the largest sightseeing attraction in the world. This is neither more nor less, but as much as 165 meters in height! The wheel makes a full circle in 37 minutes, and 28 people are placed in each of the 28 “cabinets” of the Singapore wheel.
On September 6, it became known that the Regions Group of Companies, owned by the family of State Duma deputy Zelimkhan Mutsoev, will build a new Ferris wheel at VDNKh to replace the one demolished in the summer. The height of the structure will be 135 m, and the cost of the project will be 14 billion rubles, which will make it one of the largest and most expensive in the world. Top 10 competitors of the Moscow Ferris wheel - in the RBC photo gallery.
Since March 2014, the tallest (167.5 m) and most expensive ($180 million) wheel in the world has been the High Roller in Las Vegas. It is located next to three famous casinos: Caesars Palace, Flamingo Las Vegas and The Quad Resort & Casino.
Singapore Flyer, opened in 2008 at the Marine Center (Marina Centre) in Singapore, was considered the largest Ferris wheel in the world. Its height reaches 165 m.
The London Eye wheel opened in March 2000 on the banks of the Thames. In March 2008, about 400 passengers were blocked on the wheel for more than an hour during an emergency repair.
The 120m high The Southern star opened in Melbourne in 2008 and is the largest in Australia. $100 million was spent on its construction.
Sky Dream Fukuoka was opened in 2001 in Fukuoka (Japan). However, due to the high cost of maintenance, it was closed and moved to Taiwan.
Suzhou Ferris Wheel opened in May 2009 in Suzhou, China.
Tianjin Eye was opened in April 2009 in Tianjin (China). The wheel, in addition to its size, is remarkable in that it is located on the bridge over the Haihe River.
Construction of the Beijing Great Wheel in Beijing's Chaoyang Park began in 2007. It was originally planned that the wheel would open as early as 2009, but due to funding problems, the $290 million project was put on hold.
The Dubai Eye wheel is being built on a man-made island near Jumeriah Beach Residence in Dubai. According to the project, its height will be 210 m. Thus, it can become the highest on the planet. Investments in construction are also record-breaking - $337 million.
Almost two centuries have passed since the world's first Ferris wheel, and it, as before, attracts thrill-seekers, calm couples, and young people in love.
Viewing the life of the city from the largest Ferris wheel in the world - isn't this the most incredible desire that each of us has had since childhood?
Which ferris wheel was the first?
Ferris wheel - the invention of an American craftsman J. Ferris. A child comparable in height to eiffel tower, was presented to the Chicago public at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1834.
The 75-meter iron giant weighed two thousand tons and accommodated more than 2,000 people.
All subsequent similar attractions were created according to the prototype of the first one, and the name of the inventor remained for centuries: "Ferris wheel" is the English name for the Ferris wheel.
TOP 10 highest Ferris mechanisms - photo
Of course, many tourist capitals of the world can boast of such an attraction that will allow you to look at the city from a height under the peaceful and smooth movement of the wheel. The higher the ferris wheel, the more review panoramas and the brighter will be the impressions that you will not want to part with after literally descending from heaven to earth.
Iron Eye of Vegas
The tallest Ferris wheel in the world is located in Las Vegas. His high - 167 meters, this is 2 meters higher than the Singaporean counterpart. The attraction opened in the spring of 2014 and has 32 cabins for 40 people each. The capsules are equipped with:
- Flat TVs;
- Video guide telling about the sights of the city;
- iPod stations.
Night wheel shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow and from a height offers an indescribable view of the twinkling lights of the endless casinos of Las Vegas.
Singapore flywheel
Until 2014, this southeastern giant was the largest in the world, it is located in Singapore. The colossal height of the attraction is comparable to a 55-storey building - 165 meters! Each cabin can accommodate up to 28 people.
Initially, the rotation of the wheel was carried out counterclockwise, but according to the rules of Feng Shui, the direction was changed to the opposite.
Star of Nanchang
In 2006, in the Chinese province of Jiangxi, the city of Nanchang, was opened 160 meter wheel, which takes an honorable third place in our ranking.
It is equipped sixty booths accommodating 6 people. The speed of rotation of the wheel is quite slow, with a longitude of 30 minutes. This allows passengers to get on and off without stopping the wheel.
london eye
The 135-meter Ferris wheel was inaugurated on December 13, 1999 in the London Borough of Lambeth, UK. In clear weather from the very high point attractions can be seen panoramic view of London, including the following attractions:
- Big Ben;
- Westminster Abbey;
- Buckingham Palace;
- Trafalgar Square.
Attraction booths completely transparent and can accommodate up to 30 people.
Melbourne panorama
The famous 120-meter Ferris wheel on the Melbourne waterfront () has been known since 2008. However, a month after the launch, it was closed for reconstruction which continues to this day.
The seven spokes of the wheel symbolize seven-pointed star Australian flag. The view from the highest point of the ferris wheel covered the business district of Melbourne and Port Philip Bay, and the wheel made a full turn in 30 minutes. Fully glass cabins accommodated up to 20 passengers.
Changsha Attraction
The wheel, opened in 2004, closes the series of 120-meter high-altitude rides in. Includes 48 booths, with a total capacity of up to 390 people.
At night, you can enjoy the amazing view of the illuminated city of Changsha for 20 minutes.
Zhengzhou from above
In 2003, the highest attraction in the country was opened in Zhengzhou Chinese Park at that time. From a height of 120 meters, beautiful views of the cozy streets and houses of Henan Province, which look like toy.
The star-shaped spokes shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow at night, making the enchanting ride even more romantic and mysterious. The duration of the trip is - at least half an hour.
Fukuoka sky dream
Despite the fact that "Heavenly Dream" worked in Japan for only 7 years, from 2002 to 2009, she is now one of the highest rides in the world. With a height of 120 meters, the wheel made a complete revolution in just 20 minutes.
Throughout the entire period of operation, the cabins for visitors were equipped not only with climate control, but also aids for people with handicapped.
Diamond and flowers
In the first year of the new millennium in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, another attraction appeared, slightly higher than its predecessor - 117 meters.
Own title the attraction was given in honor of traditional Japanese fireworks festivals, during which multi-colored lights took on the form of either beautiful flower fields or sparkling diamonds from the emperor's crown. On a clear day, from the highest point of the wheel, you can see:
- Tokyo Disneyland;
- Mount Fuji;
- Chiba Prefecture;
- Cape Nojima.
Giant celestial wonder
Sochi
The absolute record holder among domestic attractions is the Ferris wheel in Lazarevsky park. Its opening was timed to coincide with the Winter Olympics in the southern capital of Russia and took place two years before this international sports forum, in 2012.
Its height is 83.5 meters. The view of the sun, hiding behind the narrow line of the sea horizon, is undoubtedly one of the most romantic in our country.
Chelyabinsk
"Ferris Wheel-360", 74 m high, slightly, but inferior to the "palm" of the southern competitor. Unlike the Sochi attraction, the giant:
- Equipped heated seats;
- Functioning all year round;
- Stops its work only in case abnormal cold.
Chelyabinsk newlyweds have the opportunity to ride on this wheel for free on their wedding day.
Moscow
The third place in Russia was occupied by a recently dismantled 73-meter attraction on the territory of the Moscow VDNKh, which is called "Ferris wheel in honor of the 850th anniversary of Moscow".
Opened in 1995, until the advent of the London Eye, the Moscow attraction ranked first in height in all of Europe. Unfortunately, the revealed illegality of the construction of the structure led to the need liquidation this pride of Muscovites, and in the summer of 2016 the wheel was dismantled.
Kazan and Rostov-on-Don
A masterpiece of engineering thought, equipped heated in winter And air conditioned in summer located near the water park "Riviera" in the capital of Tatarstan, Kazan.
The Rostov colleague, which overlooks the great Don River, gathers guests on the territory of the Revolution Park. Both wheels reach height 65 meters.
Watch a video selection of the highest ferris wheels in the world:
TravelAsk wants to tell you which city in our country you need to go to ride on the largest Ferris wheel.
Where is the largest wheel
The tallest in Russia, to date, the Ferris wheel is located in. The main attraction of Lazarevsky Park is 83.5 meters high and is located on Mount Akhun.
It was opened in 2012 according to the project of Vladimir Gezdilov, a well-known designer who builds attractions not only in Russia, but also in Europe.
The wheel has 28 cabins of two types: closed (with a capacity of 6 people each) and open (with a capacity of 4 people each).
A complete circle of the ferris wheel takes about 8 minutes. Is it possible during this time to enjoy the view, the Black Sea and the Caucasus Range? Decide for each of you. However, it is still worth admiring this splendor.
The price of the attraction is small: within 200-350 rubles (depending on the booth and the operating time of the Ferris wheel), and children under 12 years old can ride for free. Of course, accompanied by adults.
Second place and again V. Gnezdilov
In second place is the Ferris wheel in Moscow. It was also designed by V. Gnezdilov for the 850th anniversary of the city. The height of the attraction is 73 meters. From such a height, you can completely look around all the beauties of the capital. The design has 40 booths, 35 of which are closed and 5 are open. The wheel makes a full revolution in 7 minutes.
But there are limitations here: entry to people whose height is less than 140 centimeters is prohibited. Also, children under 16 can only ride if accompanied by an adult. The ticket price for the attraction is within 350 rubles.
Kazan and third place
In third place is the Ferris wheel in the Kazan park "Kyrlay". It lifts its passengers about 55 meters off the ground. The cabins of this ferris wheel are closed, each of them is designed for 6 people. In one hour, more than three and a half thousand people can ride here.
In the evening, the attraction is especially beautiful and romantic: about 10,000 light bulbs are lit along its entire diameter.
What are the plans?
Moscow plans to get into the Guinness Book of Records and build the largest Ferris wheel in the world with a height of 221 meters. This is more than 40 meters higher than the High Roller in Las Vegas, whose height is 167.6 meters.
This construction will be the main attraction of the cultural and entertainment complex "View of the Capital". The attraction will be unique, as it will be built without spokes. In addition, the wheel will have a spire 275 meters high. It is planned to have 48 booths near the attraction, their capacity is up to 36 people. This means that more than 1800 guests can ride it at the same time.
Grandiose and appearance attraction, just look how the project looks from a bird's eye view flight:
These are wedding rings that symbolize the union of Moscow and St. Petersburg. The horizontal ring will include fountains, restaurants, a museum and a winter garden.
