Sonnenrad – Otto Barth
Ferris wheel with views and enclosed gondolas
Operator: Otto Barth (Bonn)
Sonnenrad Barth combines the classic sightseeing experience of a travelling Ferris wheel with the comfort of enclosed gondolas. The wheel, operated by Otto Barth, is also known as the FFH Ferris wheel. If you'd rather enjoy the bustle from above than go on a fast-paced thrill ride, this is a good alternative.
Learn more – pick a topic:
What to expect
- High ride with a view
- Family-friendly
Highlights & records
32 gondolas; the Hochheimer Markt website mentions an audio system in the gondolas with information about the event.
A relaxing sightseeing ride for anyone who wants to see the fairground from above.
Special features of Sonnenrad Barth
The ride was made by Mondial and originally built in 1990. The change of operator from Willenborg to Otto Barth is documented in the ride database. The organisers of Hochheimer Markt also describe a special feature of the gondolas used there: information about the market is provided via a sound system. This extra feature is specific to the event and is not guaranteed at every location. Height figures vary depending on the measurement method. The organiser gives an approximate height of 45 metres, while the specialist database lists 44 metres.
What it's like to ride Sonnenrad Barth
As soon as you get on, you can tell that the Sonnenrad is not about sudden acceleration. The gondolas rise slowly as the people and stalls below you turn into a colourful miniature landscape. The steady rotation lets you look around the fairground from different angles. You have time to recognise individual rides, illuminated paths and the surrounding area. The enclosed gondolas offer better protection from the cool air than open seats. This is a noticeable advantage, especially at autumn events.
General
- Manufacturer
- Mondial (Netherlands)
- Model
- Ferris wheel
- Year built
- 1990
- Also known as
- FFH Ferris wheel; Sonnenrad
Ride
- Height
- 44 m
Vehicles & capacity
- Gondolas
- 32
- Riders per gondola
- 6
Set-up & transport
- Footprint
- 19.7 × 20 m
- Power rating
- 90 kW
History and visitor tips
For many years, the wheel was operated, among others, by the Willenborg showman family. Today it is part of Otto Barth's travelling line-up. The transition from daylight to the evening lights is particularly atmospheric. You can then see the surrounding area and the sea of lights across the fairground. The gondolas are popular, so queues can form on busy evenings. You can find its current location in the funfair calendar; information about prices and access rules is available at the ride.
Timeline
According to Ride-Index, it was listed under the generic name Ferris wheel until 2020. Enclosed gondolas were introduced at the end of 2023, according to further specialist information.
- Operator
- Otto Barth (Bonn)
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
Heinrich Willenborg GmbH (Munich), according to Ride-Index until spring 2020
Who is the ride suitable for?
The Sonnenrad is especially suited to families, couples, photography fans and anyone looking for a short break from fast-moving rides. If you are sensitive to intense spinning, a ride on a Ferris wheel is usually easier to judge than a Break Dance. Fear of heights is different: the slow movement does not ease everyone's nerves. So take your time to look up before getting on and decide for yourself. For young children, the rules of the local operator apply; no general minimum height has been confirmed.
Upcoming funfair dates
Ride Sonnenrad – Otto Barth live
Discover more