Stage 10: Vienna Finale – Imperial Highlights and Engineering at the Prater Tower
Michael Poepke | 23. July 2025
The final stage of the igus:bike Tour Austria brings us into the heart of Vienna — a city where imperial history and modern engineering exist in harmony. For this last ride, Gerhardt Göprich, Field Sales Engineer for e-chain systems® and cables, takes us on a two-wheeled journey past the city’s most iconic landmarks, ending at a place where igus® motion plastics quite literally take flight: the Prater Tower.
From baroque domes and historic monuments to creative architecture and high-tech amusement rides, this stage is a celebration of everything the tour represents — motion, innovation, and inspired engineering.
Baroque Beginnings: Karlskirche
The stage begins at the awe-inspiring Karlskirche, one of Vienna’s grandest baroque churches. Its green copper dome and elegant columns rise over a tranquil square, mirrored in a shallow pool. This architectural masterpiece sets a tone of elegance and depth — the ideal starting point for a ride that moves through history with purpose.
Echoes of Opera: Vienna State Opera
Just a short pedal away stands the Vienna State Opera — a cultural icon since 1869. With its neoclassical façade and world-class legacy, it reminds us that movement is not only mechanical — it can also be musical, expressive, and emotional. Gerhardt rides past in quiet contrast, the igus:bike gliding smoothly without noise or friction.
Where Science Meets Majesty: Natural History Museum & Maria-Theresien-Platz
The next stop brings us face to face with one of Vienna’s most impressive institutions — the Natural History Museum. Its grand architecture and vast collections reflect a world of curiosity, research, and exploration. In front of its monumental façade, Gerhardt pauses briefly — a reminder that progress often begins with understanding the world around us.
Directly across the square stands the Art History Museum, mirroring its twin in both form and scale. Between them stretches Maria-Theresien-Platz, crowned by the statue of Empress Maria Theresa, who watches over the plaza as a symbol of strength, intellect, and cultural achievement.
Here, in this harmony of science, art, and imperial presence, we find a fitting metaphor: motion is not only mechanical — it’s intellectual, creative, and deeply human.
Empire at the Core: Hofburg & Heldenplatz
From there, we ride toward the Hofburg Palace, the historic seat of the Habsburg empire and today the home of Austria’s Federal President. Crossing Heldenplatz, Gerhardt passes monuments that echo with national memory and historical milestones — a moment to reflect, even as the wheels keep turning.
Living Tradition: Spanish Riding School
Tucked within the Hofburg complex lies another Viennese treasure — the Spanish Riding School. Famous for its white Lipizzaner stallions and centuries-old training methods, it embodies discipline, grace, and precision. Much like the igus:bike, it’s a study in controlled, purposeful movement — built on tradition, performed with elegance.
Hidden Gem: St. Peter’s Church
Just off the main streets, St. Peter’s Church reveals itself as a quiet baroque treasure. Its soft curves and golden interior offer a peaceful contrast to the city’s pace — a reminder that motion can also mean stillness.
Gothic Majesty: Stephansdom
No Vienna tour is complete without St. Stephen’s Cathedral. With its colorful tiled roof and soaring Gothic spire, it marks the very heart of the city. Inside, shadow and stone meet light and craftsmanship — values that mirror the philosophy behind high-performance, long-lasting engineering.
Living Architecture: Hundertwasserhaus
Gerhardt then detours into color and creativity at the Hundertwasserhaus, where curves replace corners and trees grow from walls. The building’s organic lines and joyful defiance of symmetry embody the freedom and sustainability we believe in at igus.
Green Motion: Through the Prater
The route leads into the Wiener Prater, Vienna’s green lung. Between jogging paths, open lawns, and children’s laughter, the igus:bike blends into the calm — silent, clean, and easy to maneuver. It’s a joyful reminder of what urban mobility can be: human-centered and refreshingly simple.
Final Elevation: The Prater Tower & igus in Action
The tour ends at the Prater Tower, one of the tallest flying swings in the world — and a spectacular symbol of movement. High above Vienna, the ride offers sweeping views and a literal sense of motion without limits.
But this isn’t just about thrills. Inside the Prater Tower, igus® motion plastics help keep the system running — quietly, safely, and reliably. e-chain systems® guide and protect cables under constant movement and stress, just as they do in industrial applications around the world.
It’s a powerful finale: where engineering meets emotion, and where the message of the igus:bike Tour becomes both visible and unforgettable.
Conclusion: Austria in Motion – Thank You from igus Österreich
From the peaceful shores of the Attersee to the engineering heights of Vienna, the igus:bike Tour Austria has taken us across ten unforgettable stages — a journey through landscapes full of beauty, cities rich in history, and technology shaped by the future.
And how better to end than with a true Viennese moment? Just steps from the Prater Tower, our rider closes the tour with a well-earned Kalbschnitzel — a delicious finale to a tour defined by motion, innovation, and connection.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who followed along, cheered us on, and helped bring this vision to life — especially to the entire team at igus Österreich, whose energy and creativity made this journey possible.
And of course, a big thank-you to our colleagues at the igus Headquarters in Cologne for their continued support, trust, and collaboration throughout this tour.
This was more than just a ride. It was a celebration of engineering, teamwork, and the shared belief that motion can be cleaner, simpler, and better for everyone.
Here’s to the road ahead. 🚴♂️
To Austria. To motion. And to the road ahead.
Next up: Hungary. The journey continues. Stay with us. 🚴♂️
Our riders:
Annalena Böckl
Hi, I’m Annalena Böckl — Online Marketing Manager at igus Austria since May 2024. I’m responsible for boosting our digital presence in Austria through website optimization, performance campaigns, social media and localized content strategies. With a background in graphic design, web development, and online marketing, I enjoy turning complex topics into creative, data-driven campaigns — from e-chain® systems to drytech® bearings and Low Cost Automation.
On the igus:bike Tour Austria, I had the privilege of filming all 10 stages from the support bike, creating photo and video content, and managing our social media storytelling along the way. What drives me at igus? The freedom to think differently, and the chance to connect technology with people in a meaningful way.
Gerhardt Göprich
I’m Gerhardt Göpfrich, and I’ve been part of igus Austria since 2007, working in sales across the eastern regions of Austria—including eastern Lower Austria, Vienna, and northern Burgenland.
I began my journey at igus by supporting customers with plain bearings and linear technology, focusing on delivering tailored solutions and cost-saving strategies. Since 2010, my focus has shifted to energy chains and readychain® systems, where I advise clients on innovative applications and system integration. What excites me most is project management—collaborating closely with customers to develop customized solutions and overseeing the successful installation of our systems.
Map of this stage:
