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Wurstelprater
The Wurstelprater, often simply known as the Prater, is an amusement park located in Vienna, Austria, established in 1895. Situated south-east of the city centre within the larger Prater, a park in the district of Leopoldstadt, it is home to the iconic Riesenrad, one of Vienna's most recognisable landmarks.
The Wurstelprater derives its name from Hanswurst, a character in traditional folk theatre created by Austrian actor Josef Anton Stranitzky. During the Age of Enlightenment in the late 18th century, these popular theatrical performances were displaced from the marketplaces of what is now the historic city center. They found new venues within the Prater, which had been opened to the public by Emperor Joseph II in 1766. Businesses, including coffee houses and inns, settled in the area, followed by early amusement attractions such as swings, carousels, and bowling alleys.
In 1780–1781, Emperor Joseph II ordered the redesign of the Prater's entrance. A large square was created, later known as the Praterstern, making the Prater accessible at all hours.
By 1782, 47 establishments, known as Praterhütten ("Prater huts"), were recorded in the Wurstelprater, including 43 inns and two carousels. By 1873, the number had increased to 187. On 6 July 1791, Jean-Pierre Blanchard undertook his first hot air balloon flight in Vienna from the Prater, landing in Groß-Enzersdorf.
In 1895, the amusement complex Venedig in Wien ("Venice in Vienna") was established. Two years later, in 1897, the Wiener Riesenrad, one of the city's most iconic landmarks, was constructed at its center, along with a roller coaster, an autodrome, and numerous circus attractions. Over time, the Prater evolved into a major center of culture and entertainment. For children, several puppet theaters were set up in simple wooden booths, with Hanswurst playing a central role.
The park suffered extensive destruction in April 1945 during the Vienna offensive. It was rebuilt in the following years, albeit on a smaller scale.
In autumn 1948, significant portions of The Third Man were filmed in the Prater.
In connection with the UEFA Euro 2008 (the Ernst Happel Stadium, one of the tournament venues, is located in the Prater), the Wurstelprater was given a redesigned entrance area called Riesenradplatz, named after the Riesenrad. Designed by Emmanuel Mongon, the entrance area featured a circular layout and was surrounded by restaurants, information booths, and shops arranged in the style of Vienna around 1900. At the edge of the square, the Praterdome, at the time Austria's largest nightclub, was opened in late 2008.
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Wurstelprater
The Wurstelprater, often simply known as the Prater, is an amusement park located in Vienna, Austria, established in 1895. Situated south-east of the city centre within the larger Prater, a park in the district of Leopoldstadt, it is home to the iconic Riesenrad, one of Vienna's most recognisable landmarks.
The Wurstelprater derives its name from Hanswurst, a character in traditional folk theatre created by Austrian actor Josef Anton Stranitzky. During the Age of Enlightenment in the late 18th century, these popular theatrical performances were displaced from the marketplaces of what is now the historic city center. They found new venues within the Prater, which had been opened to the public by Emperor Joseph II in 1766. Businesses, including coffee houses and inns, settled in the area, followed by early amusement attractions such as swings, carousels, and bowling alleys.
In 1780–1781, Emperor Joseph II ordered the redesign of the Prater's entrance. A large square was created, later known as the Praterstern, making the Prater accessible at all hours.
By 1782, 47 establishments, known as Praterhütten ("Prater huts"), were recorded in the Wurstelprater, including 43 inns and two carousels. By 1873, the number had increased to 187. On 6 July 1791, Jean-Pierre Blanchard undertook his first hot air balloon flight in Vienna from the Prater, landing in Groß-Enzersdorf.
In 1895, the amusement complex Venedig in Wien ("Venice in Vienna") was established. Two years later, in 1897, the Wiener Riesenrad, one of the city's most iconic landmarks, was constructed at its center, along with a roller coaster, an autodrome, and numerous circus attractions. Over time, the Prater evolved into a major center of culture and entertainment. For children, several puppet theaters were set up in simple wooden booths, with Hanswurst playing a central role.
The park suffered extensive destruction in April 1945 during the Vienna offensive. It was rebuilt in the following years, albeit on a smaller scale.
In autumn 1948, significant portions of The Third Man were filmed in the Prater.
In connection with the UEFA Euro 2008 (the Ernst Happel Stadium, one of the tournament venues, is located in the Prater), the Wurstelprater was given a redesigned entrance area called Riesenradplatz, named after the Riesenrad. Designed by Emmanuel Mongon, the entrance area featured a circular layout and was surrounded by restaurants, information booths, and shops arranged in the style of Vienna around 1900. At the edge of the square, the Praterdome, at the time Austria's largest nightclub, was opened in late 2008.