The Danube Tower in the rain |
the Danube River. We left Slovakia behind and in today's blog we take you to Vienna, Austria!
NOTE: We were actually on the cruise in May, and May 22nd was the date we arrived in Vienna, so this is NOT real-time blogging. Today you'll learn about 2 famous city landmarks we drove by on the bus tour: the Danube Tower and the Vienna Wheel! Read on!
ABOUT VIENNA - Vienna, Austria’s capital, lies in the country’s east on the Danube River. Its artistic and intellectual legacy was shaped by residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. The city is also known for its Imperial palaces, including Schönbrunn, the Habsburgs’ summer residence. In the MuseumsQuartier district, historic and contemporary buildings display works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and other artists.
THE DANUBE TOWER - The Danube Tower is the tallest building in Austria. In fact, it is used for recreational bungee jumping!
It now stands in a stylish reinterpretation of the 1960s. The express lift will take you to a viewing terrace 150 meters (492 feet) up in the air, with an unforgettable 360° panoramic view. There is a Tower Restaurant, Tower CafĂ© and an observation deck. It's rented out for birthdays, weddings and other functions.Website: https://www.donauturm.at/en
The Vienna Ferris Wheel |
THE VIENNA FERRIS WHEEL - The Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater park is one of the city's symbols. The Prater is a large public park in Vienna's 2nd district. Almost 65 meters (213 feet) tall, it offers a breathtaking view of the city on the Danube.
WHEN BUILT? It was erected in 1897 to mark the 50th year of Emperor Franz Joseph's accession to the throne. It has been an enduring feature of the city's skyline ever since. Situated right near the entrance to the Wurstelprater amusement park, its cabins offer a wonderful view of the city and the Prater. The diameter of the wheel is almost 61 meters (200 feet), the entire iron structure weighs 430 metric tons (474 U.S. tons). The wheel turns at a speed of 2.7 kph (1.6 mph).
FERRIS WHEEL FILM FACT - The Giant Ferris Wheel has also played the "lead role" in several Hollywood films, such as "The Third Man" with Orson Wells or in the James Bond adventure "The Living Daylights" starring Timothy Dalton. That's why it was also placed on the list of Treasures of European Film Culture by the European Film Academy in June 2016.
NEXT: A Look at the Habsburg Ruling Family of Austria