Vienna Prater
Amusement park and green oasis
The Vienna Prater is a space full of contrasts, where urban life and nature blend harmoniously. Its history dates back to the 12th century—once a hunting ground for the Habsburgs, then a place for lively folk festivals. In 1766, Emperor Joseph II opened the Prater to the public—a revolutionary step that laid the foundation for Vienna's most beloved recreational area.
Soon, the first taverns, swings, and ring toss games were established, making the "Wurstelprater" amusement park a lively gathering place for the people of Vienna. While the carousels in the Wurstelprater clattered and Hanswurst (a traditional comedic character in Austrian folk theater, and the park's namesake) performed his jokes, Viennese strolled along the Hauptallee beneath towering chestnut trees.
The 1873 World's Fair transformed the Prater into an international showcase and accelerated Vienna's urbanization. Modern infrastructure, visionary architecture, and the iconic Rotunda left a lasting mark on the cityscape. Johann Strauss II composed the "Rotunde-Quadrille" for the World's Fair, making the Prater a musical epicenter of Vienna's contemporary spirit.
Today, the Prater fascinates with its full diversity: adrenaline and nostalgia meet nature and relaxation. The famous Giant Ferris Wheel stands tall above the Prater, while 6 km² (2.32 mi²) of green spaces nearby offer a breath of fresh air.
This is where Vienna gathers: runners on the Hauptallee ("main boulevard"), families enjoying picnics, and rowers on the Heustadlwasser, a former branch of the Danube. Athletes and those seeking relaxation value the vast "Grüner Prater" as one of Europe's most beautiful urban green spaces.
It is this mix of energy and tranquility, tradition and modernity, that makes the Prater so special—it's a place where everyone can find their favorite spot.
The Prater is just 3 km (1.9 miles) away from the Vienna St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Vienna Prater from all perspectives
Spectacle & fun: from classics to adrenaline
Superlatives
The "Prater Tower" – the fifth highest chain carousel in the world: swing in a double seat at a height of 117 meters – only for those with a head for heights and perfect for romantics!
The "Toboggan" – the world’s oldest wooden slide: hop into the burlap sack and slide down. It's a must for nostalgia lovers who enjoy speed.
The Schweizerhaus – the best pork knuckle: in the restaurant's beer garden, the house specialty is served every minute.
The "Wild Mouse" – one of the most iconic rides: the small nostalgic rollercoaster with 180-degree turns sends adrenaline soaring just like the big models.
Nature oasis in the city
The "Green Prater" is, after the Vienna Woods, Vienna's largest natural paradise. A 6 km² (2.3 mi²) recreational area—nearly twice the size of New York's Central Park!
The 4.5 km (2.8 mi²) long Prater Hauptallee ("Main Boulevard"), where horse races were held during the imperial era, is lined with 2,500 chestnut trees—a true attraction in spring when in full bloom—and leads directly to the Lusthaus: the former imperial hunting pavilion, now a restaurant and café, is a popular meeting point.
The expansive meadows and forests are perfect for outdoor activities: jogging, cycling, skating, or simply enjoying nature—everything is possible here. Remnants of old Danube arms, such as the Heustadlwasser, create an idyllic floodplain landscape, perfect for a boat ride or a relaxed picnic.
With over 127,000 m² (1.4 ft²) of sports fields, playgrounds, and the nostalgic Liliputbahn railway track, the "Green Prater" is a vibrant retreat, showing a truly relaxed side of Vienna.
Hotels with Prater flair
Restaurants in and around the Prater
FAQs
Future of nature
Outdoor experiences are a fun way to engage children with the environment and help them understand how important it is to protect nature.
Nature as an adventure: Nature is an "adventure playground" that we need to care for, full of exciting things to discover—from plants and animals to water ecosystems.
The environment as a textbook: Use outdoor activities as a playful way to discuss environmental protection and responsibility.
Resources: Teach children the importance of protecting resources—saving water, sorting waste, and conscious consumption.
Personal responsibility: Collect litter together, complete small "environmental missions," and explain to children how their actions contribute to taking responsibility.
Fun and creativity: Be creative—create natural crafts, or write environmental journals. This helps nurture environmental awareness in a fun way and leaves a lasting impression.