The Vienna Prater is celebrating its 260th anniversary and will transform into a massive party zone from Friday through Sunday. With free admission, you can look forward to guided tours, concerts, discounts on rides, and pure nostalgia. Here, we’ll tell you why Emperor Joseph II once opened up the Wurstelprater grounds and where you’ll have the best time this weekend.
How an Imperial Hunting Ground Became Vienna’s Most Colorful Playground
Before carousels and roller coasters made their debut, the Prater was an exclusive hunting ground for the imperial family. In 1766, Emperor Joseph II made a bold decision: He opened the area to the people of Vienna and allowed restaurateurs and showmen to set up stalls. This laid the foundation for the “Wurstelprater,” which over the course of two and a half centuries developed into a world-famous cultural and amusement park.
Exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses and live music
The festival weekend is packed with real highlights. Long-standing Prater families will take you behind the scenes of the rides during free Prater walking tours. The new Prater Museum offers free guided tours, magic shows for families, and a live concert by Ernst Molden. The grand finale on Sunday evening will be a screening of the 100-year-old silent film *Die Pratermizzi*, accompanied by live music.
Discounts on the Classics and Magical Discoveries
Even beyond the museum stage , a visit to the Wurstelprater is well worth it. Numerous rides—from the Super Autodrom to the Giant Ferris Wheel—offer special discounts and “buy one, get one free” deals on the weekend. If you’re in the mood for a puzzle, join the scavenger hunt for the “secret Prater code.”
The fastest way to reach the grounds by public transit is to take the U1 or U2 lines to the Praterstern station. If you’re driving, take the Praterstern exit and use the paid parking garage on Ausstellungsstraße.
- Location: Vienna Prater (focus on the Prater Museum & Giant Ferris Wheel Square), 1020 Vienna
- Date and time: Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20, 2026, all day starting at 11:00 a.m.
- Duration: 3 days
- Cost: Free admission to the anniversary program; discounts on attractions
- Website: praterwien.com
