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Prater

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Landmark
—°43
Prater (Austria)

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Highlights of 2026

4

The Vienna Prater in the second district is far more than just an amusement park; it is one of the city's most extensive green spaces with a fascinating history. The former imperial hunting ground was opened to the public in 1766 by Emperor Joseph II, laying the foundation for today's public park. Its most famous part is the 'Wurstelprater,' a traditional amusement park featuring the world-renowned Giant Ferris Wheel as its landmark. This was erected in 1897 to mark the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I's accession to the throne and has offered a unique view over Vienna ever since. Beyond the attractions lies the 'Green Prater,' a vast floodplain landscape with meadows, forests, and waters, traversed by the 4.4-kilometer-long Hauptallee. This dead-straight avenue is a popular hub for runners, cyclists, and strollers. With attractions such as the Schweizerhaus, the Planetarium, and the Liliputbahn narrow-gauge railway, the Prater provides a unique blend of Viennese 'Gemütlichkeit,' historical nostalgia, and modern entertainment.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2041014192120151040
Rain mm433846418591888779544543

📋 Practical info

📍
Address
Riesenradplatz 1, 1020 Vienna
🕒
Hours
24/7
💶
Entry
free
🌐
🚌
Transit
Metro U1, U2 or S-Bahn to Praterstern station
🅿️
Parking
Prater / Ausstellungsstraße parking garage, approx. €4 per hour.
Accessibility
The Prater grounds are completely flat and barrier-free.
📷
Photos
Photography on the grounds allowed; individual rides have their own rules.
Best time
In the evening hours when the colorful lights of the attractions shine.
🎧
Audio guide
no

Geography

Coordinates
48.21670, 16.39580

Facts

  • Emperor Joseph II opened the Prater to the public in 1766.
  • The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel was built in 1897 and is 65 meters high.
  • The Hauptallee is exactly 4.4 kilometers long.
  • The entire area covers an area of approximately 6 square kilometers.
  • The Prater hosted the World Exhibition in 1873.
  • The Liliputbahn is a narrow-gauge railway with a track length of 3.9 kilometers.

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Notable places around

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Sights in the town Prater (3)

Rabenhof🎭 culture

A popular Viennese theatre known for its contemporary productions and cabarets.

Wiener Kriminalmuseum🏛 museum

A museum documenting the history of the Viennese justice and police systems, as well as criminal cases.

🕒 We-Su,PH 10:00-17:00💶

Kinderfreibad der Stadt Wien🎡 recreation

An outdoor pool specifically designed for children with shallow basins and play areas.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the Vienna Prater?
Entry to the grounds is free; you pay per ride at the individual attractions.
When is the Wurstelprater open?
The main season is March to October, but many attractions and the Giant Ferris Wheel are open year-round.
How long does a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel take?
A full revolution on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel takes about 12 to 15 minutes.
What can you do in the 'Green Prater'?
Walk, run, cycle, or picnic on the vast meadows of the former imperial hunting grounds.
Where is a good place to eat in the Prater?
The 'Schweizerhaus' is famous for its pork knuckles (Stelzen) and Budweiser beer.
Prater: where is it located?
Prater is located in Vienna, Austria.
Prater: what is there to see?
Highlights include Rabenhof, Wiener Kriminalmuseum, Kinderfreibad der Stadt Wien.
Prater: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Prater: why is it worth visiting?
The Vienna Prater in the second district is far more than just an amusement park; it is one of the city's most extensive green spaces with a fascinating history.
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