Mein Rad – Greier

What makes Mein Rad special

The structure is remarkably large for a travelling ride. The wheel has a total of 42 gondolas and can carry more than 400 passengers. This requires extensive logistics for setting up and dismantling. Its size also means you can see the Ferris wheel rising above the fairground from a long way off. Find more classic rides and modern additions in our ride overview.

A ride on Mein Rad: views instead of thrills

For a ride on Mein Rad, you climb into a spacious gondola and are slowly lifted above the fairground. Unlike a fast-paced ride, the focus here is not on acceleration but on the panoramic views. As the wheel turns, you can look down at the paths between the stalls, the façades of other rides and the surroundings of the fairground from changing heights.

The gondolas' raised sides make for a reassuring ride. The experience is especially enjoyable in the evening, when the lights of the funfair come together in a vast panorama. But it's worth looking out during the day too: in clear weather, you can often see much more than just the fairground. That's why the Ferris wheel is ideal for a quiet break between exciting attractions or as a shared highlight of your funfair visit.

The history of the Ferris wheel, from Steiger to Greier

The wheel was built in 1980 by Kocks, a steel and mechanical engineering company in Bremen. The idea came from the operator at the time, Adolf Steiger; the technical plans were developed with an engineering consultancy. The Ferris wheel made its debut that same year at Schützenfest Hannover. For a long time, it was considered the world's largest transportable Ferris wheel. This made it a technical marvel and a familiar sight at major fairs.

Steiger operated the ride until 2019. Patrick Greier then took it over and developed its presentation under the name MeinRAD Classic Cruiser. Despite its new look, it is the same physical ride, not a newly built Ferris wheel. Its history can therefore be traced back to its debut in 1980. Well-known venues it has visited include Hamburger DOM, Oldenburger Kramermarkt and Bremer Freimarkt.

Who is the Classic Cruiser for?

Mein Rad is an attraction for visitors who enjoy views, height and a gentle ride. The gondolas' large capacity also makes the wheel an important part of managing visitor flow at large fairgrounds. If you want to get your bearings at an unfamiliar fair, you'll get a good view of the whole site from above. However, if you have a strong fear of heights, bear in mind that the gondolas rise high above the ground.

The operator also offers special experiences on the Ferris wheel, including rides with food and drink. To find out which options are available at a particular location, visit the official website. You may be able to make your visit part of a special occasion.