Anyone who steps into the Pony Carousel Café in Vienna’s Wurstelprater will be in constant awe. It is one of the city’s most charming and historic places. Where people now enjoy coffee and cake, a true Viennese original spun for over a century.
From the historic carousel to a modern café
The building’s history dates back to 1887. That was when the “1st Vienna Pony Carousel” opened in the Prater— making it a full ten years older than the famous Giant Ferris Wheel. For an incredible 129 years, real ponies spun their rounds here to the music of an old organ, delighting generations of children.
Following fierce protests from animal rights activists and visitors, the live carousel was finally closed in 2016. After standing vacant for some time, the striking wooden domed structure was extensively renovated with great attention to detail. In August 2021, the building celebrated its grand reopening as “Ponykarussell – Das Café.”
What makes it special: nostalgia meets jungle flair
The café’s absolute highlight is its unique atmosphere, which bridges the gap between the past and the present. The interior design is a real eye-catcher. Colorful jungle wallpaper featuring exotic birds, Moroccan tiles, and lush greenery define the space. At the center of the circular building stands the heart of the old carousel. The historic Molzer organ (a mechanical orchestrion) from 1897 is still equipped with its original punch cards.
Culinary-wise, too, the café stands apart from traditional Viennese coffeehouses. Run by the team behind the “Wiener Rösthaus,” the focus is on high-quality, hand-roasted specialty coffee. In addition to homemade pastries, the menu offers a varied, modern breakfast selection—from Eggs Benedict to creative vegan dishes. The Pony Carousel Café impressively demonstrates how historic preservation and contemporary trends can harmonize perfectly without losing sight of Vienna’s historical heritage.
📍Karl-Kolarik-Weg 1, Prater 86A, 1020 Vienna, Austria
📆Monday–Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
