Europa Rad – Hanstein

What a ride on Europa Rad Hanstein is like

The view is the main attraction on Europa Rad. The gondolas hang on the outside of the large wheel and move as it turns slowly. As they are open, you have an unobstructed view of everything around you. The moment the gondola rises above the roofs of the stalls is particularly impressive, revealing the whole fairground from a new perspective.

This is not a high-speed thrill ride, but a peaceful ride at height. While the paths between the stalls below are bustling, you can get away from the crowds up above. In the evening, the lights of the funfair add to the scene. The same fairground looks quite different depending on whether you ride during the day or after dark.

History and features of Europa Rad Hanstein

Europa Rad is one of the travelling Ferris wheels made by the Dutch company Nauta-Bussink. Hanstein presents it as a separate ride, with a distinctive wheel structure and open gondolas. The wheel can be set up at different locations, making it a highly visible landmark at both traditional fairs and other events.

The history of the ride also includes previous operators. The specialist Ride-Index database records that it was previously operated by Kipp in Bonn. This change of operator is part of the history of this particular wheel and should not be confused with Kipp's much larger Ferris wheel, which is also called “Europa-Rad”. The same name here does not refer to the same ride.

Today, Hanstein's Europa Rad is an attraction for anyone who wants to combine a funfair visit with a view from above. Its distinctive ride experience comes not from speed, but from the open views and the slow transition between ground level and height.

Who is this Ferris wheel for?

Europa Rad is especially appealing to visitors who want an overview of the event. Families and couples also enjoy sitting together in a gondola and taking in the view. The open gondolas are a key feature of the wheel: you are closer to your surroundings than in a fully enclosed cabin.

If you are uncomfortable with great heights, bear in mind that this viewing ride takes you well above the market stalls. If you enjoy photography, you may find the changing views of the fairground interesting. Find an overview of more rides in our attractions directory.