9: Prater | Vienna Hiking Trails

The Prater trail is quite easy in the sense that it lacks any real hiking challenges. I strongly recommend splitting it into two parts, though, as it can get a bit tedious towards the end. The first half offers many opportunities for family outings or long walks through the park grounds. Playgrounds and large green areas welcome visitors and provide a perfect setting for a picnic or various sports activities. The second part is more secluded and invites reflective walks, accompanied by nothing but music.

What I particularly enjoy about this hiking trail is the beginning, when you walk beneath different kinds of trees - both coniferous and deciduous. By the time you reach Birkenwiese, however, the fatigue of marching in a monotonous straight line starts to creep in. I remember bringing my daughter to that trail one summer, and that place was her breaking point too. We made it to the stamp station - a little paper box placed on the window of the Freunde Now café - and went straight home. Which, I suspect, would be tempting for a few others as well. But here’s what you’d miss:

Grünhaufen provides a much-needed change in scenery. So much so that, at one point, it starts to feel a bit spooky. The still water of Lusthauswasser and the black trunks of trees lying and decaying on the ground at the end of the pond make quite an impression.

When you get back to the Hauptallee, you might be lucky enough to see some rather fancy horse-drawn carriages (Fiakers). It was a pretty cool photo opportunity that I sadly missed this time, as I was busy feeding myself, the ravens, and the crows with almonds. Still, it was nice to sit on a bench (of which this hiking trail has plenty) and simply observe the procession.

One of the best parts of the hike is walking along the Heustadlwasser, especially now, when the trees are still colourful and vibrant and the path is covered in yellow leaves. Be careful, though, because the roots are thick and you can easily stumble if you’re not mindful of where you step. That counts as life advice, too. Hope you take it! ;)

NIB & Ember