Prater

Fun Facts

• • During the revolutionary year of 1848, the park became a flashpoint for social unrest, hosting the Praterschlacht where the Vienna National Guard clashed with workers.
• • Eliud Kipchoge made history on the Hauptallee in 2019 when he became the first human to run a full marathon in under two hours, specifically chosen for the route's flat and straight terrain.
• • Following the massive Danube regulation project of the late 19th century, the park's ecosystem changed as flowing river branches transformed into stagnant bodies of water, creating unique habitats.
• • Joseph II's decision to open the park was a radical move for the era, prioritising the accessibility of leisure for common citizens over the privacy of the nobility.
• • Nature thrives within the city limits here, where observant visitors can spot wild beavers, Aesculapian snakes, and rare birds inhabiting the remnants of old Danube river branches.
• • The 1873 World Exposition saw the construction of the Rotunde, a massive building with a dome that measured 108 metres in diameter, dwarfing all other structures in the world at that time.
• • The Hauptallee is lined with grand chestnut trees, a feature established centuries ago when the path was cleared to connect the Augarten directly to the imperial hunting grounds.
• • The Lusthaus, now a refined café, originated in 1538 as a hunting lodge, illustrating how structures in the park have evolved alongside the changing needs of Viennese society.
• • The name Wurstelprater, referring to the amusement area, derives from the Hanswurst character, a beloved figure in traditional folk comedy.
• • The park features over 127,000 square metres of dedicated playgrounds and sports fields, making it a cornerstone of Viennese health and recreation.
• • The stadium located within the park grounds was once considered the most modern in Europe, featuring a drainage system capable of drying the field in mere minutes during the 1930s.