Is the Prater free to enter?

Yes, access to the Prater park grounds and the Wurstelprater amusement area is free 24/7. You only pay for individual rides, museum entry, or food and drinks.

What is the best time for a walking tour in the Prater?

The best time is late afternoon. This allows you to see the park in daylight, enjoy the sunset from the Ferris wheel, and see the amusement park lights come on in the evening.

Is the Prater walk accessible for strollers?

Yes, this is one of the most stroller-friendly walks in Vienna. The paths are wide, paved, and completely flat from the train station all the way to the Lusthaus.

Can I see the Giant Ferris Wheel without paying?

Yes, you can walk right up to the base of the Wiener Riesenrad and take photos for free. A ticket is only required if you wish to ride in one of the cabins.

Are there places to eat along the Prater walking route?

There are numerous options, ranging from quick snacks like Langos in the Wurstelprater to traditional sit-down meals at the Schweizerhaus or the elegant Lusthaus at the end of the route.

How do I get back to central Vienna from the end of the walk?

From the Lusthaus, you can take the 77A bus. It will take you back to the Praterstern transport hub or the Schlachthausgasse U3 station in about 10-15 minutes.

Is the Prater Museum worth visiting?

If you are interested in the social history of Vienna and the evolution of public entertainment, it is highly recommended. The new building also offers great architectural views of the park.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Escape the bustle of the Inner Stadt and discover the dual soul of Vienna’s most famous park. This self-guided walking route leads you through the Leopoldstadt district to the legendary Prater, a vast green expanse that has served as an imperial hunting ground, a world-class exhibition site, and a beloved playground for generations of Viennese. Your journey begins at the intersection of modern history and nostalgic charm, exploring the stories behind one of the world's oldest amusement parks before transitioning into the tranquil woodland paths that offer a breath of fresh air in the heart of the city. You will encounter the iconic silhouette of the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel, a symbol of the city that has survived world wars and starred in classic cinema. Beyond the neon lights and vintage carousels of the Wurstelprater, this walking route Vienna invites you to explore the newly reimagined Prater Museum, where the colorful and often quirky history of this public space is preserved. As you leave the mechanical sounds of the fairground behind, the path opens up into the expansive greenery of the 'Green Prater,' where wide meadows and ancient trees provide a stunning backdrop for nature photography and peaceful reflection. The centerpiece of the walk is the Prater Hauptallee, a magnificent four-kilometer-long chestnut-lined avenue that serves as the city’s favorite corridor for runners, cyclists, and strollers. This stretch of the walking tour Vienna follows the footsteps of emperors and commoners alike, eventually leading you to the elegant Lusthaus. Once an imperial hunting lodge, this architectural gem now marks the peaceful conclusion of your neighborhood stroll. Whether you are drawn by the mechanical history of the 19th-century rides or the quiet majesty of the forest paths, this self-guided adventure provides a comprehensive look at the cultural and natural heritage of Leopoldstadt.

Highlights

Experience the nostalgia of the Wurstelprater amusement park

View the iconic Riesenrad, featured in 'The Third Man'

Explore the modern exhibits of the new Prater Museum

Walk the 4.5-kilometer chestnut-lined Hauptallee

Discover the imperial history of the Lusthaus pavilion

Capture stunning nature and architectural photography

Tour Stops (6)

Wien Museum Prater Museum

Welcome to the Prater Museum, located in its striking new home. This museum tells the story of the Prater’s evolution from an imperial hunting ground to a 'People’s Prater' after Emperor Joseph II opened it to the public in 1766. Inside, you can find remnants of the 'Venice in Vienna' theme park and the legendary 1873 World’s Fair. The exhibits showcase the quirky, colorful, and sometimes strange side of Viennese entertainment history, including vintage posters, mechanical figures, and the history of the performers who once called this park home. It is the perfect starting point to understand the cultural significance of the ground you are about to walk.

Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel

Standing before you is the Wiener Riesenrad, one of Vienna’s most enduring symbols. Erected in 1897 to mark the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Joseph I, it was then one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world. It narrowly escaped demolition after World War II, though it lost half of its original 30 cabins in the process. Film fans will recognize it from the 1949 noir classic 'The Third Man' or the James Bond film 'The Living Daylights.' Its red wooden cabins and iron lattice work offer a nostalgic glimpse into the engineering of the late 19th century, remaining a testament to the city's resilience and charm.

Wurstelprater Vergnügungspark

The Wurstelprater is the entertainment heart of the park. Named after 'Hanswurst,' a popular comic character from traditional puppet theater, this area has been a source of joy for centuries. Unlike many modern theme parks, the Wurstelprater is free to enter and consists of many independent operators. As you walk through, look for the 'Calafati' figure, a giant Chinese man that is a mascot of the park. You will pass vintage carousels that have been spinning for over a hundred years alongside modern high-adrenaline rides. The atmosphere here is a unique blend of old-world Viennese 'Gemütlichkeit' and contemporary carnival energy.

Prater (Green Prater)

As the sounds of the amusement park fade, you enter the 'Grüner Prater' or Green Prater. This area was once the alluvial forest of the Danube, and it remains one of the city's most vital ecological lungs. In the 18th century, only the aristocracy was allowed here for hunting, but today it is a democratic space for all. The landscape transitions from manicured lawns to dense woodlands and wetlands. It is a favorite spot for local families to picnic and for photographers to capture the interplay of light through the canopy. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer and various bird species that still call this urban forest home.

Prater Hauptallee

You are now walking on the Hauptallee, a 4.5-kilometer-long boulevard that is entirely car-free. Flanked by over 2,500 chestnut trees, this avenue is the spine of the Prater. Historically, it was the site of aristocratic carriage parades and flower festivals. More recently, it gained international fame in 2019 when Eliud Kipchoge broke the two-hour marathon barrier on this very stretch, chosen for its perfectly flat terrain and sheltered atmosphere. Whether you are walking, cycling, or just resting on a bench, the rhythmic perspective of the trees creates a sense of profound peace that feels miles away from the city center.

Lusthaus

The walk concludes at the Lusthaus, an elegant octagonal building that dates back to the late 18th century. Originally built as a royal summer house and hunting lodge, it was strategically placed at the end of the Hauptallee. After the Prater was opened to the public, it became a fashionable meeting place for the Viennese elite. Today, it operates as a charming restaurant and café. Its classic architecture and tranquil setting at the edge of the forest make it a perfect spot to reflect on your journey. From the imperial hunters of the past to the marathon runners of today, the Lusthaus has witnessed the many transformations of Vienna.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Hauptallee is approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) long. A steady walk from the Praterstern entrance to the Lusthaus takes about 50 to 60 minutes, though this route includes stops that extend the total time.