The Prater Vienna Travel Guide: Discover Austria’s Iconic Amusement Park and Green Escape

Vienna, Austria, is a city steeped in history, elegance, and classical beauty—but venture east of the city center, and you’ll discover a place where laughter fills the air, families gather, and timeless charm meets modern thrill: The Prater.
 

As your friendly tour guide, let me take you on a journey through this fascinating park, where you can ride one of the world’s oldest Ferris wheels, stroll through tranquil woodlands, or indulge in a classic Viennese sausage.

📍 1. What Is The Prater?

Located in Vienna’s Leopoldstadt district, The Prater (Wiener Prater) is both a massive public park and a historic amusement area. It has been beloved by locals since the 18th century and continues to be a favorite destination for tourists and residents alike.

Total area: Over 6 million square meters (600 hectares)

Key feature: The Wurstelprater, a fun fair with rides and attractions

Famous landmark: The Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel), a symbol of Vienna

🏰 2. The History of The Prater

The Prater has an intriguing past that dates back centuries:

Before 1766: A royal hunting ground for the Habsburgs

1766: Emperor Joseph II opened it to the public

1897: The iconic Giant Ferris Wheel was built to celebrate Emperor Franz Joseph’s Golden Jubilee

20th century: The park suffered damage during WWII but was lovingly restored

Today, The Prater combines imperial heritage with modern-day leisure.

🎢 3. Top Things to Do in The Prater

Whether you're a thrill-seeker, nature lover, or history buff, The Prater has something for you:

🎡 a. Ride the Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad)

Built: 1897

Height: 65 meters

Fun fact: One of the oldest operating Ferris wheels in the world

Experience: Get breathtaking views of Vienna from historic wooden cabins

👉 Tip: Book a romantic dinner in one of the cabins for a magical evening.

🎠 b. Explore Wurstelprater (Amusement Park)

This nostalgic fun fair offers:

Roller coasters

Ghost trains

Mirror mazes

Bumper cars

Fun houses

Carnival games

🎟️ Entry to the park is free; pay only for the rides you choose.

Don’t miss the Madame Tussauds Vienna, which features wax figures of Mozart, Klimt, Freud, and more.

🌳 c. Relax in the Green Prater (Grüner Prater)

Beyond the noisy fun fair lies the Green Prater, a peaceful haven of:

Meadows

Woodlands

Walking and jogging paths

Playgrounds

📍 Highlight: The Hauptallee, a 4.5 km tree-lined avenue perfect for cyclists, skaters, and runners.

🚴 4. Outdoor Activities in The Prater

The park is a hub for sports and wellness:

🚴 a. Biking and Skating

Bike rentals are available at multiple entrances

Inline skaters love the smooth Hauptallee paths

🏇 b. Horse Carriage Rides

Enjoy a traditional Fiaker ride through the park, ideal for couples or families.

⚽ c. Sports Facilities

Ernst Happel Stadium: Austria’s largest stadium

Tennis courts, soccer fields, and fitness stations throughout

🧺 5. Family-Friendly Fun

The Prater is perfect for kids of all ages:

Miniature trains

Carousels

Children’s playgrounds

Indoor trampoline parks

Pony rides in the Green Prater

There are also seasonal events like Easter markets, summer shows, and Halloween attractions.

🍽️ 6. Where to Eat in The Prater

From street snacks to traditional Austrian cuisine, dining options abound:

🌭 a. Prater Würstelstand

Try Käsekrainer (cheese sausage) or a classic Bratwurst.

🍻 b. Schweizerhaus

A Vienna institution, famous for:

Stelze (crispy pork knuckle)

Budweiser beer (Czech original)

Shady chestnut garden atmosphere

🥨 c. Luftburg - Kolarik im Prater

Offers organic, family-friendly Austrian dishes

Eco-conscious and kid-friendly with a playground on-site

🍰 d. Cafés and Ice Cream

Cool down with Eis-Greissler ice cream or enjoy a slice of Sachertorte in a cozy Prater café.

📸 7. Best Photo Spots in The Prater

Capture your memories at these top locations:

Wiener Riesenrad at sunset

Tree-lined Hauptallee

Colorful amusement park rides

Horse carriages in the meadows

Autumn foliage or spring blossoms in Green Prater

🎭 8. Events and Festivals

The Prater hosts various lively events throughout the year:

Spring Festival (Frühlingsfest): Funfair rides, food stalls, and concerts

Prater Run: Annual marathon on Hauptallee

Halloween Horror Nights

New Year’s Eve Party with fireworks and music

Check local listings or the Prater Wien official website for current events.

🏨 9. Where to Stay Near The Prater

Here are some accommodation options for visitors who want to stay close:

🏨 Nearby Hotels:

Motel One Wien-Prater: Budget-friendly and stylish

Austria Trend Hotel Messe Prater: Modern rooms near the exhibition center

Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront: A luxurious stay along the riverbank

All are within walking distance of the Prater park.

🚇 10. How to Get to The Prater

The park is centrally located and easy to reach:

🚇 By Subway

U1 Line: Get off at Praterstern Station

U2 Line: Stops near Messe-Prater and Stadion

🚲 By Bike

Vienna has an excellent bike-sharing system (Citybike Wien)

🚗 By Car

Parking lots available but can be crowded during weekends and holidays

🕰️ 11. When to Visit The Prater

Best months: April to October (for full access to rides and events)

Winter: While most rides close, the park remains a lovely spot for peaceful walks or festive markets

🎡 The Giant Ferris Wheel operates year-round, even in winter!

💡 12. Insider Tips

Visit early in the morning to enjoy the park with fewer crowds.

Bring a picnic and enjoy a meal in the Green Prater.

If you’re a film fan, you might recognize the Riesenrad from The Third Man (1949).

Keep some cash on hand, as not all small vendors accept cards.

Combine your visit with a walk along the Danube Canal nearby.

🧠 13. Fascinating Facts About The Prater

The Prater was once known for duels and aristocratic horse races.

The name “Prater” may come from the Latin pratum, meaning “meadow.”

The Giant Ferris Wheel survived WWII bombings thanks to its strong steel frame.

The amusement park operates independently—each ride is owned by a different family or business.

🌳 14. A Perfect Day at The Prater: Itinerary Idea

Morning: Cycle or stroll down the Hauptallee

Midday: Enjoy lunch at Schweizerhaus or Luftburg

Afternoon: Ride the Wiener Riesenrad and explore the amusement park

Evening: Watch the sunset, grab a sausage, and enjoy live music or a drink

💬 Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit The Prater

The Prater is more than just an amusement park—it’s Vienna’s backyard, playground, and open-air museum. From the towering grandeur of the Giant Ferris Wheel to the whispering paths of the Green Prater, this destination captures the soul of Vienna in motion: cultured, historic, joyful, and full of life.

Whether you're planning a family outing, a romantic evening, or simply a relaxing afternoon away from Vienna’s museums and palaces, The Prater is a must-see stop on your Austrian adventure.