Around the World – Otto Cornelius
Mondial Ferris wheel with open gondolas since 1997
Operator: Otto und Martina Cornelius (Wallenhorst/Osnabrück) · since 1997
0 fansAround the World by Otto Cornelius is a travelling Ferris wheel made by the Dutch company Mondial. He operates the ride together with Martina Cornelius. Since 1997, the large wheel with its open gondolas has been a feature at numerous fairs in northern Germany. The Cornelius family from Wallenhorst has a long Ferris wheel tradition, but Around the World is a separate ride: the wheel was newly built in 1997 and differs from the showman's family's earlier Ferris wheels.
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What to expect
- High ride with a view
- Family-friendly
Highlights & records
36 open gondolas with 6 seats each (216 at a time). Wheel diameter approximately 45 m according to the operator. Built especially for the Cornelius family in 1997; not to be confused with Panorama View.
Around the World by Otto and Martina Cornelius combines sweeping views over the fairground with a long Ferris wheel tradition in northern Germany.
The view from Around the World by Otto Cornelius
As the Ferris wheel completes its turn, you can take in the fairground from changing heights. The surroundings remain clearly visible from the open gondolas. At first, you can see the paths and rides right next to the entrance. Then the view gradually opens up over the rooftops, market squares and other attractions. The effect changes especially after dark: the illuminated stalls and rides become a colourful landscape of lights.
At Around the World by Otto Cornelius, the unobstructed sightlines from the gondolas are a special feature. You are not behind enclosed panoramic glazing as you are on many newer Ferris wheels. This adds to the traditional character of the ride. It moves steadily around the large wheel structure. The focus is therefore on the view, not on sudden changes of direction or intense acceleration.
Video
General
- Manufacturer
- Mondial Rides (Netherlands)
- Model
- Mondial MCS 4536
- Year built
- 1997
- Premiere
- 1997
Ride
- Height
- 45 m
Vehicles & capacity
- Gondolas
- 36
- Riders per gondola
- 6
Set-up & transport
- Footprint
- 16 × 20 m
- Power rating
- 100 kW
The history of Around the World by Otto Cornelius
The Cornelius family's Ferris wheel history dates back to the period after the Second World War. In 1946, a Ferris wheel was built in Osnabrück for showman Otto Wittler. Bruno Cornelius took over this older ride in 1965. Further Ferris wheels were added over the following decades, including a new wheel in 1972 and a Dutch-built wheel in 1989. Otto Cornelius and his wife Martina took over the family business in 1986.
The current Around the World ride was not built until 1997. It made its debut at the Brockumer Großmarkt. The Ferris wheel is made by Mondial and belongs to the MCS 4536 model series. Otto and Martina Cornelius have operated it since it was delivered. Its operating history also explains why photos from the family chronicle do not necessarily show the same wheel: earlier wheels are separate constructions.
Timeline
Year built and debut: 1997, Brockumer Großmarkt; with Otto and Martina Cornelius since delivery. No previous owners documented. Family history: Otto Wittler's Ferris wheel from 1946 was taken over by Bruno Cornelius in 1965; the other Ferris wheels, 1972 and 1989, are predecessor rides, not the same as Around the World, built in 1997. The newer, separate Cornelius ride Panorama View was built by Ronny Cornelius in 2022.
- Operator
- Otto and Martina Cornelius (Wallenhorst/Osnabrück)
- With operator since
- 1997
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
The distinctive design and the operator
With its many open gondolas and striking lighting, Around the World catches the eye even of visitors who are not taking a ride. In the evening, the lights trace the outline of the wheel and set it apart from other attractions. It often becomes a landmark visible from far across the funfair site.
The Cornelius showman business has been rooted in northern Germany for decades. The family also includes sons Mike and Ronny and daughter Nancy. Another important distinction within the family: Ronny Cornelius operates the newer Ferris wheel Panorama View, which was built in 2022. Despite sharing the same family name, this wheel is not the same as Around the World.
Who is Around the World suitable for?
If you enjoy a ride with a view and want to see the fairground from above, this Ferris wheel is a great attraction. The large wheel is especially striking on a lit-up evening. If you are riding with children, check the rules on supervision and the permitted number of passengers before boarding. Visitors who are afraid of heights can also take a good look at the open gondolas first.
You can find other historic and modern Ferris wheels in the attraction overview on Kirmestermine.eu.
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