Luftburg
Dear Guests,
Summer has arrived in Vienna, bringing new life to one of the city's most enchanting destinations: the Vienna Prater. As the first warm rays of sunshine embrace the city, families, children, and visitors alike are drawn to Vienna's green oasis. Along the magnificent Prater Hauptallee—often affectionately referred to as the “lungs of Vienna”—a unique blend of nature, nostalgia, and authentic Viennese charm unfolds.
Strolling beneath centuries-old chestnut trees, surrounded by the sweet aroma of roasted almonds and the cheerful laughter of children, visitors eventually arrive at the entrance to the famous Wurstelprater amusement park. With more than 250 attractions, the Prater delights guests of all ages. Thrilling roller coasters, nostalgic carousels, ghost trains, and countless adventures make every visit a memorable experience.
In this blog, however, we would like to focus on a true Viennese culinary specialty—the legendary Stelze (roasted pork knuckle)—and on the places that families and children remember long after their visit.
When it comes to enjoying Stelze in the Prater, one name immediately comes to mind: the iconic Schweizerhaus. For decades, this traditional restaurant has welcomed guests from around the world with its famous crispy grilled pork knuckle. Golden brown and wonderfully crunchy on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside, it perfectly embodies Viennese culinary tradition. Seasoned with caraway seeds, garlic, and a blend of carefully selected spices, it remains one of Vienna’s most beloved dishes.
For a more contemporary and creative interpretation, visitors should head to Luftburg – Kolarik im Prater. Here, guests can enjoy the popular Surstelze, a specialty distinguished by its unique preparation. Unlike the traditional grilled pork knuckle, which is seasoned and grilled directly, the Surstelze is cured for several days in a special brine known as “Sur.” This mixture of salt, spices, and often garlic allows the meat to develop a particularly rich flavor while becoming exceptionally tender.
What makes Luftburg’s Surstelze truly unique is its innovative combination of Viennese tradition and modern culinary influences. It is served with classic cabbage salad, creamy mayonnaise, and a delicate teriyaki sauce, adding a surprisingly harmonious Asian touch to this traditional Austrian favorite. Unsurprisingly, this creative variation has become a favorite among pork knuckle enthusiasts.
For families with children, Luftburg offers much more than excellent food—it is a destination in its own right. The famous “Luftburgen-Paradies” is especially popular with younger guests. Five different inflatable castles invite children to jump, climb, slide, and play to their hearts’ content. Colorful, safe, and full of energy, this play area allows children to enjoy endless fun while parents relax and experience genuine Viennese hospitality. This combination of great food, family-friendly facilities, and a relaxed atmosphere has made Luftburg one of the most popular meeting places in the Prater.
And here is a personal insider tip for food lovers: the delicious crispy potato pancakes, also known as Rösti, served with fresh garlic. Golden brown, crispy on the outside, and wonderfully soft on the inside, they are the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing summer day in the Prater.
Whether you are seeking exciting adventures in the Wurstelprater, authentic Viennese culinary delights, or simply the joy of watching children play and laugh, a summer day in the Prater offers a unique combination of tradition, enjoyment, and family fun. This is precisely why the Vienna Prater has remained one of the city’s most beloved destinations for generations—equally cherished by young explorers and discerning food lovers alike.
I wish you a great time at Prater
Yours Clemens
Questions and answers about the Luftburg and the Prater
What makes the Luftburg restaurant in the Prater so special?
The Luftburg Kolarik is world-famous for its crispy pork knuckle and cosy beer garden atmosphere. The absolute highlight: it is the world’s largest fully certified organic restaurant! Here, fine dining goes hand in hand with sustainability, as all food and drink – from classic Viennese cuisine to vegan alternatives – comes 100 per cent from organic farming.
Is the Luftburg restaurant suitable for families with children?
Yes, absolutely! The restaurant actually owes its name to the legendary bouncy castles invented by the Kolarik family. Right next to the outdoor dining area is the ‘Kinderwelt’ (Children’s World), featuring large outdoor bouncy castles where our younger guests can let off steam to their heart’s content whilst the adults relax in the shaded outdoor dining area.
When is the best time to visit the Vienna Prater?
The Prater grounds themselves (the ‘Grüner Prater’) are open to the public 24 hours a day, all year round. The peak season for the rides at the funfair (the ‘Wurstelprater’) runs from March to October, usually from 10.00 am until late at night. If you want to see the magical lighting and the Giant Ferris Wheel in action, it’s worth visiting in the late afternoon or evening.
Is there an admission charge for the Vienna Prater?
No, entry to the Prater grounds is completely free. You only pay for the rides (such as the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, roller coasters or ghost trains) that you actually wish to go on. Prices per attraction are usually between €3.50 and €6.00. This means you can also take a stroll around the grounds for free at any time.
What’s the best way to get from the Austria Classic Hotel Vienna to the Prater and the Luftburg?
The location couldn’t be better: the Prater is just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.
On foot: Simply walk down Praterstraße straight to Praterstern (approx. 5–10 minutes). From there, you can already see the Giant Ferris Wheel and the entrance to the amusement park.
To the Luftburg: Once you’ve crossed Praterstern, head into the Prater and follow the main avenue or the signs for “Waldsteingartenstraße”. After a leisurely 10–12-minute walk, you’ll find yourself right in front of the...
