Eye55 – Franke Fahrzeugbau / Patrick Greier
Views over Oberhausen from air-conditioned comfort gondolas
Operator: Franke Fahrzeugbau / Patrick Greier
Eye55 by Franke Fahrzeugbau, operated by Patrick Greier, is a modern observation Ferris wheel that adds to the cityscape with its enclosed comfort gondolas and distinctive silhouette. The wheel is particularly well known for its stays at Neue Mitte in Oberhausen. Rather than fast movements, the focus here is on a change of perspective: above the bustle of the surrounding area, you can enjoy far-reaching views of buildings, paths and the Ruhr region.
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What to expect
- High ride with a view
- Covered / weatherproof
- Step-free access
- Family-friendly
Highlights & records
42 enclosed, air-conditioned comfort gondolas, eight of them set up as dinner gondolas. Ramp access and adjustable benches.
Eye55 combines sweeping views over Neue Mitte with a smooth ride – and, if you wish, even dinner in the gondola.
What a ride on Eye55 is like
The ride begins in an enclosed gondola. As the wheel turns slowly, the activity on the ground gradually recedes into the distance. The generous windows offer views in several directions, while the air conditioning keeps the interior comfortable. This makes a particular difference in changeable weather compared with traditional Ferris wheels with open seating gondolas.
If you know Oberhausen, you can discover Neue Mitte from an unusual perspective high above. In daylight, the buildings and paths are easy to make out; in the evening, illuminated streets and event spaces shape the panorama. At a Christmas market, this creates a particularly atmospheric contrast between the little lights below and the gentle movement high above.
Video
General
- Manufacturer
- Nauta Bussink
Ride
- Height
- 55 m
- Ride time
- 10:00 min
Vehicles & capacity
- Gondolas
- 42
History and operator of Eye55
The Ferris wheel has been in Oberhausen since autumn 2019 under the name Eye55. During an earlier period of operation, it was presented by MEYER Entertainment; a report on an evacuation drill from 2022 also names this operator and describes the ride as a Ferris wheel by Nauta Bussink. The current official website lists Franke Fahrzeugbau, owned by Patrick Greier, as the responsible company. This operating history is important, as Eye55 should not be confused with the Ferris wheel “Mein Rad”, which is also associated with Greier.
The combination of a ride with a view and an event venue makes Eye55 special: along with the regular gondolas, the concept includes special dinner gondolas and offerings at the foot of the wheel. This means the ride appeals not only to traditional funfair visitors, but also to people who want to combine a day out or a special occasion with a view from above.
Timeline
At Eye55 in Oberhausen since autumn 2019; operated by MEYER Entertainment from 2022. Current website-listed operator: Franke Fahrzeugbau, owner Patrick Greier.
- Operator
- Franke Fahrzeugbau / Patrick Greier
- Type of operation
- Permanent
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
MEYER Entertainment (historically documented for 2022)
Who is the ride suitable for?
The Ferris wheel is mainly for people who enjoy the view and spending time together. Families, couples and groups of friends can sit together in a gondola, without fast changes of direction or inversions being part of the experience. According to the operator, the wider entrances and a ramp make getting on easier. Modular benches allow the interiors to be adapted for different groups.
Another feature is the special offering around the gondola ride: the operator promotes, among other things, dinner experiences in specially equipped cabins. This turns a traditional Ferris wheel ride, if you wish, into a meal together with ever-changing views. If you are planning a visit, you can find the latest offers and prices on the official Eye55 website. If you would like to compare other observation rides, the attractions overview is a good place to start.
Good to know
- Ride price
- 8.00 €
Upcoming funfair dates
Ride Eye55 – Franke Fahrzeugbau / Patrick Greier live
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