Prater, Vienna Woods Travel Guide

4.5 (118444)

Experience Vienna's iconic amusement park and green oasis, blending thrilling rides, historical charm, and natural beauty in one unique destination.

The Prater is a large public park and amusement park in Vienna's Leopoldstadt district, blending thrilling rides with green spaces. Its history dates back to the 12th century, evolving from imperial hunting grounds to a public recreation area in 1766. Today, it offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping attractions and relaxing natural landscapes.

A brief summary to Prater

Vienna, Leopoldstadt, 1020, AT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Prater.

Explore the Prater Hauptallee, a 4.5 km tree-lined boulevard perfect for walking, cycling, or running.
Visit the Schweizerhaus for traditional Viennese cuisine and local beer.
Consider purchasing a Pratercard for contactless payments at various attractions and restaurants.
Check the opening hours of specific attractions, especially during the winter season, as some may have limited hours or be closed.
Enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner in one of the Giant Ferris Wheel cabins for a unique experience.

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Explore Prater on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Prater, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Prater is easily accessible via Vienna's efficient public transport system. Take the U1 or U2 subway line to Praterstern station, the main access point for the amusement park. Alternatively, tram lines 0 and 5, as well as bus lines 80A and 82A, also stop at Praterstern. From Praterstern, it's a short 3-minute walk to the Prater entrance, following the signs. A single public transport ticket costs €2.20.
Walking

From Praterstern station, the main entrance to the Wurstelprater is just a short walk away. Exit the station and follow the signs towards Riesenradplatz. The Giant Ferris Wheel is a prominent landmark and easy to spot. The walk takes approximately 3 minutes.
Driving

The Prater is accessible by car, but be aware of parking restrictions in the 2nd district. Short-term parking is available on the street, but it is metered Mon-Fri from 9:00 to 22:00. Payment can be made with parking tickets available at tobacconists or gas stations. Several garages are available near the Wurstelprater, including Garage Prater-Ausstellungsstraße and Prater car park – Waldsteingartenstrasse. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around €2.40 per hour, with a daily maximum of €24.00. Please note that Austrian motorways charge a toll.

Discover more about Prater

Vienna's Prater is a unique destination that combines the excitement of a traditional amusement park with the tranquility of a vast green space. Known for the iconic Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel), the Prater has been a beloved attraction for locals and tourists for centuries.The Prater's history dates back to 1162, with its first mention as 'Pratum,' meaning meadow. It transitioned from imperial hunting grounds for the Habsburgs to a public park when Emperor Joseph II opened it to the public in 1766. This act marked the beginning of its transformation into a space for recreation and enjoyment for everyone.The Wurstelprater, the amusement park area, officially came into being in 1895 and features over 250 attractions, including roller coasters, ghost trains, carousels, and more. The Giant Ferris Wheel, constructed in 1897, has become one of Vienna's most recognizable symbols, offering panoramic views of the city.Beyond the thrilling rides, the Prater also encompasses the 'Green Prater,' a large natural landscape with meadows and forests. The Prater Hauptallee, a 4.5 km long main boulevard lined with 2,500 chestnut trees, provides a scenic route for walkers, cyclists, and runners.The Prater offers a diverse range of activities and attractions, including the Schweizerhaus restaurant, known for its hearty Viennese cuisine and excellent beer, and Madame Tussauds wax museum. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, festivals, and events throughout the year.