Prater Park, Vienna

As I cross the bridge over the Danube Canal on my way to the Prater Park, I stop momentarily to ponder the history of the waterway. Unlike the mighty Danube, which stretches far beyond Vienna, the canal is a former arm of the river that is now regulated as a channel. At nearly 11mi (17 km), the canal winds its way past the city, forming a final border where the Ringstrasse finishes, marking the end of the Inner Stadt, the historic city centre. 

The canal begins its journey at the north end at the Nussdorf weir and lock complex in Döbling, then loops around the city before rejoining the river at Prater Park. The island, formed between the river and the canal, is home to two of Vienna's districts. Having suffered devastating floods in the past, Vienna has developed advanced flood prevention methods to protect its residents and preserve its historic landmarks. 

As I lean against the railing, watching the canal's gentle flow, my thoughts turn to the Danube River. Unlike the canal's manmade structure, the river is broad and untamed, winding naturally through the landscape. Stretching over 1,770mi (2,850km), it weaves its way through ten countries—more than any other river in the world. Of that, 220mi (350km) flow through Austria's remarkable and diverse landscape.

Finishing my ponderings, I move on to Prater Park. Originally an imperial hunting ground, these woods and meadows between the river and the canal were donated in 1766 by Emperor Joseph II for public recreation. For a long time, Hauptallee, the central avenue, was the exclusive domain of the nobility, who would spend their summers riding in carriages. Historical accounts suggest that as many as 1,200 carriages could gather on some days, leading to dreadful traffic jams. Originally designed to link Augarten Park with the imperial hunting grounds in the Prater, the 2.7mi (4.4km) avenue stretches dead-straight, its chestnut-lined roadway flanked by bridle paths and pedestrian promenades. By the late 19th century, the western end of the Prater had evolved into a lively fairground with booths, sideshows, beer gardens, and Wurst (sausage) stands, paving the way for the avenue to open to the public.

In 1897, to mark Emperor Franz Joseph's 50th year on the throne, the iconic Riesenrad (Ferris wheel) was erected. At 212ft (65m) high, it was one of the oldest Ferris wheels in the world. After the demolition of the Paris Ferris wheel in 1920, the Riesenrad held the title of the tallest Ferris wheel in existence until 1985, when it was surpassed by the Technostar in Japan. 

Originally built with 30 pods, the Ferris wheel was rebuilt with 15 after a fire in the 1940s. As I stepped into one of its charming, light rail-inspired cabins, I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to enjoy an intimate dinner here, with Vienna’s glittering night skyline as the backdrop. The pods are surprisingly spacious and perfectly suited for private dinner events. Moreover, if you're a thrill-seeker, 'Platform No. 9'—a glass-bottomed platform with no walls or roof, secured only by a harness—would provide an exhilarating rush, though probably not much focus on the breathtaking views below.