The London Eye has been rotating for 25 years

London – On the last day of 1999, the highest "Russian" wheel in Europe was ceremoniously inaugurated in London. Despite criticism from locals, it quickly became the most sought-after paid attraction in Great Britain, where long queues often form. The so-called London Eye offers incredible views, allowing observers to see the entire British metropolis almost at their fingertips. Over 3.5 million visitors come each year.

The giant observation wheel, located in close proximity to the most famous London landmarks, features 32 air-conditioned cabins, each capable of accommodating up to 25 people. Therefore, tens of thousands of visitors rotate on it every day. The machine is constantly in motion but turns very slowly, allowing tourists to board while it is moving. A single ride lasts half an hour.

The structure of the 135-meter tall and 1500-ton colossus was also contributed to by the Plzeň-based Škoda, which manufactured the heart of the entire wheel – the central axle for cable attachment and anchoring base. The realization of the London Eye was made possible by British Airways and the Marks Barfield Architects office.

The highest observation wheel in the world was opened in October 2021 in Dubai and stands 250 meters tall.