The Prater began life as Habsburg hunting grounds before Emperor Joseph II opened it to the public in 1766, and Viennese have been strolling, cycling and riding fairground attractions here ever since. The funfair section — known as the Wurstelprater — sits right by the U-Bahn stop and is the part most visitors come to see.
The Giant Ferris Wheel
Built in 1897, the Wiener Riesenrad has become one of Vienna's defining landmarks, made internationally famous by a pivotal scene in the film The Third Man. Its old-fashioned wooden cabins move slowly enough that the ride feels more like a leisurely viewing platform than a thrill ride, with the Old Town skyline visible in the distance on a clear day.
The rest of the funfair
Beyond the wheel, the Wurstelprater is a proper old-school amusement park with dozens of independently operated rides, rollercoasters, ghost trains and food stalls — pay per ride rather than a single park-wide ticket, so it's easy to visit for an hour or stay all afternoon depending on budget and appetite.
The green Prater
Past the funfair, the Prater opens out into a genuinely huge park — the Hauptallee is a dead-straight 5km avenue popular with joggers and cyclists, and there's plenty of open meadow for a picnic or a quiet walk away from the crowds near the entrance.
Local tip
The Ferris wheel gets busiest on weekend afternoons. A weekday morning or an evening ride, when the wheel is lit up against the dark, are both quieter and more atmospheric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Prater free to visit?
Entry to the park and the funfair area is free — you pay per ride, including for the Giant Ferris Wheel.
How long is the Giant Ferris Wheel ride?
A full rotation takes around 10–12 minutes at its slow, steady pace.
Is Prater good for kids?
Yes, the funfair has rides for a wide range of ages, and the green park beyond it is easy, open space for younger children to run around.