Wurstelprater
Amusement park in Vienna, Austria
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Key Takeaways
- The Wurstelprater , often simply known as the Prater , is an amusement park located in Vienna, Austria, established in 1895.
- History The Wurstelprater derives its name from Hanswurst , a character in traditional folk theatre created by Austrian actor Josef Anton Stranitzky.
- They found new venues within the Prater, which had been opened to the public by Emperor Joseph II in 1766.
- In 1780–1781, Emperor Joseph II ordered the redesign of the Prater's entrance.
- By 1782, 47 establishments, known as Praterhütten ("Prater huts"), were recorded in the Wurstelprater, including 43 inns and two carousels.
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.
History
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.
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