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.

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 disatser. 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.

The ferris wheel offers incredible views of the city at any time of year - make sure you wrap up warm in winter though!

If you fancy enjoying a more luxurious side of Vienna, you could splash out and reserve a candlelight dinner in one of the Riesenrad gondolas.

Schedule

Between 15th March - 31st October, open daily from 10 am to 12 midnight.
Shops, restaurants and certain attractions, including the ferris wheel, are open throughout the whole year.

Price

Entry to the park is free, with each attraction costing between 1 (US$ 1.10) and 5 (US$ 5.40).
The Vienna Pass includes free entry to the ferris wheel and other attractions.

Vienna Pass 89 (US$ 96.90)

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)