Prater Vienna: Giant Ferris Wheel, Rides & Visitor Tips

With its famous Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad), which has shaped Vienna's skyline since 1897, the Prater offers an incomparable view over the city and is a true Viennese landmark.

Whether roller coasters, ghost trains or retro carousels, the Wurstelprater (the amusement park area) tempts you with more than 250 attractions that thrill adrenaline junkies, families and romantics alike. If you're looking for peace and quiet, the adjacent Green Prater (Grüner Prater) offers endless walking paths, shady avenues and wide meadows, perfect for relaxing, jogging or cycling.

An absolute highlight is a visit to the Schweizerhaus, where the famous Stelze (roast pork knuckle) and a freshly tapped Budweiser beer are a culinary must. And for night owls, the Prater also has exciting clubs and bars.

Highlights:

A ride on the historic Giant Ferris Wheel, with unforgettable views over Vienna
Thrills on roller coasters and traditional fairground attractions
Relaxation in the Green Prater, Vienna's largest recreation area
Culinary treats at the legendary Schweizerhaus and other Prater restaurants

Experience the Prater, a perfect mix of adrenaline, tradition and relaxation in the heart of Vienna!

Accessible entrance
Guided tours available
Gift shop
Restrooms
Photography allowed
Wheelchair accessible
Parking

Address: Gabor-Steiner-Weg, 1020 Vienna
Get directions

The Green Prater (Grüner Prater) is the large park with the Hauptallee (ideal for walking, jogging and cycling). The Wurstelprater is the amusement park, with attractions such as the Giant Ferris Wheel, roller coasters, ghost trains, Madame Tussauds, the Liliputbahn miniature railway and more.

The park is freely accessible and open around the clock. There is no general admission fee for the Wurstelprater; you pay per attraction. Rides have seasonal opening hours (mainly spring to fall, some also open in winter).

The most convenient way is the U1/U2 to "Praterstern" (right at the entrance to the Wurstelprater) or the U2 to "Messe–Prater." Several trams and S-Bahn (suburban rail) trains also stop at Praterstern. Bike paths lead along the Hauptallee into the Green Prater.

The classics are the Giant Ferris Wheel, the Hauptallee in the Green Prater, Madame Tussauds, the Liliputbahn, the Planetarium and the Prater Museum. For a good overview, 2–3 hours is enough; with several rides and a walk through the park, plan more like half a day.

Most rides sell individual tickets directly at the ticket booth. Seasonal combination or family deals may be available (for example for the Giant Ferris Wheel or selected attractions). Prices vary from ride to ride, so it's best to set a budget per person.

For food and snacks there are Würstelstände (sausage stands), beer gardens and restaurants along Praterstraße and in the park. Golden hour and dusk are perfect for photos (illuminated rides, the Giant Ferris Wheel). Weekends are the busiest; if you prefer it quieter, come on a weekday or earlier in the day.