The Prater is a 6 km² public park in Vienna's 2nd district, Leopoldstadt. The name "Prater" is often used to refer to the Wurstelprater, an amusement park within the area.

The Prater was first documented in 1403 and served as an imperial hunting ground from the 16th century onwards. Emperor Maximilian II expanded the area, introducing enclosures and hunting lodges. Access to the Prater remained restricted, with entry granted only to select individuals, such as nobles and imperial officials. Throughout the following centuries, various rulers reinforced these restrictions, further limiting public access. In 1538, to establish a direct connection between the Palais Augarten and the hunting grounds in the Prater, the 4.4 km long, straight Hauptallee was created, cutting through the forest, making it a continuous route to the Lusthaus.

In 1766, Emperor Joseph II opened the Prater to the general public, allowing people of all social classes to visit. Businesses, including coffee houses and inns, settled in the area, followed by early amusement attractions such as swings, carousels, and bowling alleys, laying the foundation for what became the Wurstelprater.

The late 18th century saw the rapid expansion of entertainment in the Prater. Vienna’s first fireworks display was held there in 1771, followed by the introduction of hot air balloon flights in 1784, including a flight by Jean-Pierre Blanchard. Infrastructure improvements, such as new roads and bridges, made the park more accessible, further increasing its popularity as a leisure destination.

By the early 19th century, the Prater had become central to Vienna’s social life. Major festivities took place there, including the annual Praterfahrt, a grand carriage procession. The event attracted thousands of spectators and influenced fashion trends, as prominent members of Viennese society showcased new styles during the celebration.

In 1848, the Prater was the site of significant conflict during the revolutionary year. The Praterschlacht (Battle of the Prater) on August 23, 1848, saw the Wiener Nationalgarde (Vienna National Guard) clash with demonstrating workers, reflecting the social tensions of the time. In October of the same year, military confrontations occurred between revolutionary forces and imperial soldiers near the Lusthaus and Praterstern.

Starting in 1868, concrete planning for the regulation of the Danube River began, following decades of discussions. Construction began in 1870, water was introduced into the new riverbed on April 14, 1875, and the official opening was held on May 30, 1875, by Emperor Franz Joseph I.

As a result of the regulation, especially due to the increased flow velocity and deepening of the river, the landscape of the floodplain was altered. The groundwater level dropped, and the original vegetation of the floodplain disappeared. Remnants of this original landscape can still be found in the southeastern part of the Prater. Several of the previous Danube branches were transformed into standing water due to the creation of the new riverbed.