Reaching for the sky in cities across the world

Published on 11/04/2012 01:33

IF THE Ferris wheel in Edinburgh goes ahead, it will join other famous cities.

Unveiled for last year’s festive season, Glasgow’s big wheel at 40 metres is currently the smallest city attraction. It was due to be dismantled in the middle of January, but its stay has been extended by the city council until the middle of May.

The Riesenrad – the Ferris wheel at Prater Amusement Park in the Austrian capital – featured famously in the film The Third Man. Built in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I, Vienna’s big wheel is one of the city’s best know tourist attractions. It also featured in the James Bond film, The Living Daylights.

Britain’s tallest wheel, the London Eye, at 135m, was the highest in the world when it opened 12 years ago. It towers above other famous landmarks like Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral.

The tallest Ferris wheel is the Singapore Flyer, rising to 165m. It was unveiled in 2008 after taking three years to build.