Prater

The Prater is a popular public park and green space in the city, and is home to one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Its ferris wheel, at over 200 feet (65 m) tall, is one of the symbols of Vienna.

Used for centuries as the imperial hunting grounds, Vienna's Prater was opened to the public in 1766. In 1895 the amusement park, Wurstelprater, was opened, of which many of the original attractions have been perfectly preserved, contributing to the charming historic feel of the park. There are currently more than 250 different attractions suitable for every age group.

The Giant Wheel

Since being opened in 1897 during the celebration of Franz Joseph's Golden Jubilee, Vienna's Riesenrad, or Giant Wheel, has been one of the city's most iconic symbols.

Throughout its history, the ferris wheel has lived on through war and disaster. It managed to survive the threat of demolition and lay unused for two years during World War I, but in the final days of World War II, it was bombed and burnt down. While it was reconstructed in record time, only 15 of the original 30 gondolas were restored.

Those remaining gondolas now form an exhibition space underneath the wheel, where visitors can explore the different eras of Vienna's history: the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, the World Exhibition, and the different wars fought in the city.

A Day of Fun at the Prater

If you're lucky enough to have good weather, a visit to the Prater is a must-do. As well as being a place full of history and charm, it's free to enter and you can enjoy strolling down its avenues lined with vintage attractions and fast food stalls.

If you're hungry and travelling on a budget, you can dine by candlelight in one of the Ferris wheel's booths, under the watchful eyes of the other tourists.

Strauss Dinner Show

If you want to surprise yourself on your trip to Vienna, Prater Park is the place to go for dinner with first-class food and great shows, such as the Strauss concert. It is also possible to have fun with interactive performances and ballet dances.

Schedule

Wurstelprater area: open daily 24 hours a day
Attractions: open from 15 March to 31 October daily from 10 am to 1 am
Shops, restaurants and some attractions such as the Ferris wheel are open all year round.

Price

Entry to the park is free, with each attraction costing between 3.50 (US$ 3.70) and 15 (US$ 15.80).
The Vienna Pass includes free entry to the Ferris wheel and other attractions.

Vienna Pass 76 (US$ 80.10)

Transport

Metro: Praterstern, lines U1 and U2
Tram: Praterstern, lines 5 and O
Bus: Praterstern, line 80A

Nearby places

Hundertwasser Museum (625 m) Hundertwasserhaus (997 m) Stadtpark (1.8 km) Mozarthaus Vienna (1.8 km) Stephansdom Cathedral (1.9 km)