prater

The Prater, commonly referred to as the Wiener Prater, is a large public park and recreation area in Vienna, Austria, located in the Leopoldstadt district along the Danube Canal. Within the Prater lies the Wurstelprater, an adjacent amusement area that features the Wiener Riesenrad, a historic giant Ferris wheel and one of Vienna’s most recognizable symbols. The park is widely used for walking, running, cycling, picnicking, and outdoor leisure.

Historically, the Prater originated as an imperial hunting ground and was opened to the public in the late 18th century during the reign of Emperor Joseph II. Over the 19th and 20th centuries it developed into a expansive urban green space with promenades, groves, and meadows. The Wurstelprater fairground grew alongside it, while the Riesenrad was erected in the late 19th century to commemorate a royal Jubilee and has remained a landmark ever since.

Layout and features include open meadows, wooded areas, and the Hauptallee, a long tree-lined avenue used for walking, running, and cycling. The Wurstelprater offers various rides, games, stalls, and casual eateries, contributing to the Prater’s status as a family-friendly destination. The park itself is free to enter, while the amusement rides and attractions in the Wurstelprater require tickets.

Access is provided by Vienna’s public transit network, with hubs such as Praterstern and nearby tram stops serving the area. The Prater is a major cultural and recreational site in Vienna and remains a symbol of the city, with the Riesenrad continuing to attract visitors from around the world.