Circle of Time – Jens Schmidt
Panoramic views over the fairground from open gondolas
Operator: Jens Schmidt (Velten) · since 2023
Circle of Time Jens Schmidt is a portable Ferris wheel where the view matters more than the thrill. The open gondolas offer a sweeping view of the fairground and its surroundings. The wheel is particularly impressive on the coast. Its silhouette also stands out on large event sites. With its distinctive silhouette, it is not just a ride but also a clearly visible landmark on the site.
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What to expect
- High ride with a view
- Light show / LED facade
- Family-friendly
Highlights & records
Open gondolas; according to Tourismus-Service Fehmarn, designed for coastal locations and stronger wind conditions.
Circle of Time combines a gentle ride on the Ferris wheel with sweeping views of the surrounding area – especially appealing on the coast.
This is how you experience Circle of Time Jens Schmidt
After you board, the Ferris wheel slowly lifts you above the heads of the visitors. As the gondola rises higher, the view changes: the colourful individual stalls become a connected pattern of paths, lights and rides. At the top, you have time to take in the details, which often remain hidden from the ground. The wheel deliberately offers a gentle ride rather than sudden acceleration. This leaves plenty of time to take in your surroundings or take photos together to remember the occasion.
The open gondolas give the ride an immediate feel. You are closer to the wind and the atmosphere of the fairground than in a fully enclosed cabin. At dusk, a special contrast emerges. The wheel turns slowly above while the fairground pulses below. The wheel’s lighting adds to this effect, even for people who are not riding themselves.
General
- Manufacturer
- Ride Technic (Czechia)
- Model
- Transportable Ferris wheel with 24 gondolas
- Year built
- 2017
- Premiere
- 2017
- Original name
- Sylter Rad
- Also known as
- Baltica
Ride
- Height
- 35 m
Vehicles & capacity
- Gondolas
- 24
- Riders per gondola
- 6
Set-up & transport
- Footprint
- 19 × 17 m
- Power rating
- 80 kW
History of Circle of Time Jens Schmidt
The wheel was built by Ride Technic in the Czech Republic and made its debut on Sylt. At first, it was known as “Sylter Rad”. It later changed operators. For a time, it was called “Baltica”. Since Jens Schmidt from Velten took it over, the name Circle of Time has become established. The changing names are part of the history of the same ride. They do not refer to several different Ferris wheels.
One particularly suitable location was the Baltic Sea island of Fehmarn. The local tourism service reported on the panoramic views of the sea, harbour and surrounding landscape. This example shows how strongly the location can shape the character of a Ferris wheel ride: the structure stays the same, but each setting offers a different panorama.
Timeline
Debut on 25 May 2017 in List on Sylt as Sylter Rad. Later travelled as Baltica; since 2023, operated by Jens Schmidt as Circle of Time.
- Operator
- Jens Schmidt (Velten)
- With operator since
- 2023
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
Rico Rasch (Heide/Holstein, 2017–2020); Greier (Schneverdingen, 2021–2022)
Who is the Ferris wheel suitable for?
If you don't associate funfairs exclusively with fast rides, Circle of Time offers a change of pace. Couples, families and photography fans can use the height to see the event site from a different perspective. The structure plays a special role in windy locations. Fehmarn's tourism service specifically highlighted its suitability for coastal locations. The staff on site decide whether it can operate in specific weather conditions.
If you'd like to start or end your funfair visit with a quieter attraction, a ride on the Ferris wheel is a good choice. Find more ideas for your visit in our attraction guide.
Upcoming funfair dates
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