Like it or not, the city-scape of Budapest is changing. Though there are strict zoning regulations that prohibit skyscrapers, there is still much renovation underway of old buildings, along with new, more modern, structures rising from the streets. Perhaps one of the more controversial new additions to downtown is the Budapest Eye, the enormous Ferris wheel situated on Erzsébet Square. Once a seasonal, warm-weather attraction, if reports are true, it is set to be a year-round fixture. While it is considered an eyesore to some, others appreciate the whimsy and playfulness of having an amusement-park ride in the middle of downtown Budapest.

The wheel, modified from the Eye of past years, comprises 41 cabins and rises to an impressive 65 meters high at its peak. That makes it taller than many of the surrounding buildings. As of last year, it was the tallest in Europe, though we cannot confirm if this is still the case. From its top vantage point, the ride affords a unique view of such other Budapest locations as Andrássy Avenue, the Basilica, and the Castle, across the Danube.

Ferris wheel enthusiasts (and, yes, there are many) will note that there is a Hungarian connection to the contraption’s invention, at least as far as Hungary’s Habsburg past is concerned. The Wiener Riesenrad in Vienna, while not the first Ferris wheel ever, was one of the first to function as a permanent ride, and the first in Europe, was constructed in 1897, and was only half a meter shorter than the Budapest Eye.  

Is the Eye an eye-sore? Even the Eiffel Tower was considered an abomination to the Paris skyline when it was erected. So only time will tell if the ‘Eye’s have it.

* All photos via Wikipedia Commons

Flatpack Films is based in Budapest, Hungary. We are a film company that offers an inspiring and professional work atmosphere for our local and international clients. Since our inception, our focus has been providing the best of the best in terms of local production resources, locations, cast, and technical teams to ensure that whatever the production we facilitate, we do to highest standard possible.