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Exploring the oldest amusement park in the world – through the lens of a polaroid camera.

cool things to do in Vienna

Don’t own a time machine?

You don’t need a Delorean to travel back in time. Explore days gone by at the oldest continuously running amusement park in the world right here, right now. How? By taking a polaroid tour of Vienna’s “Wurstelprater”.

The Prater area of Vienna was once imperial hunting grounds and only accessible for the aristocracy. But in 1766, Emperor Josef II donated the land, and it was re-designated for public entertainment. Soon after that bowling alleys, cinemas, cafés and merry-go-rounds and more, were created for the public to enjoy.

Flash forward to today.

It’s 2015. We live in a modern world with super roller coasters and flashy attractions that we happily share on instagram with our brand new smart phones. Today, we have the ability to take and retake whatever holiday snaps we please.

But what would it be like to step back in time and see Vienna in a different way? In a way before we had filters to give our pictures a “vintage” look?

In a Polaroid camera way…

Cool things to do in Vienna: Polawalk tour

You’ll never believe it – it is possible!  You can do exactly this (surprise surpsrise) with Sophort Vienna.

But be warned, with a polaroid camera you have to take your time and be precise with every single photo you take. You can’t take 15 duck face selfies, trying to get your “good side”. Because you only get 8 shots – total.

Yes 8 shots! And you better get it right, because they start developing the minute you hit the shutter button….

But on a positive side, what you get in the end is a fascinating and unique way of stepping back in time to explore the history of some of the oldest attractions in the world.

Plus you get a funky souvenir to put on your fridge when you get back home -score!

Cool things to do in Vienna

Now let’s take a bit of a walk down memory lane. I’m sure there’s a few golden oldie attractions some of you will recognise here….

Throw it!!!

Cool things to do in Vienna: Polawalk tour

(image supplied by Sophort tours)

This one everyone will recognise – can you knock down the cans and win a prize? Does it depend on having a good strong throw? Does it depend on how heavy the cans are? Is it totally rigged? You’ll have to test your luck and find out!

Visit the Haunted Castle and their famous Mascot

Cool things to do in Vienna: Polawalk tour

(image supplied by Sophort tours)

Everyone loves a haunted house! For some reason there’s nothing better than being scared shitless by things that go bump in the night!

Prater’s haunted castle, built in 1955, was originally named “Geisterschloß” (“Haunted Mill”), but the addition of it’s famous gorilla was added in 1985. He actually talks and moves as well. Kids young and old love this big hairy fella.

Step on up an test your strength!

Cool things to do in Vienna: Polawalk tour

Think you are tough enough to take on this arm wrestle? While this is a much newer addition to the amusement park, people young and old can step right up and test their strength. You don’t have to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger to give it a try – but it might help!

The Praterturm

Cool things to do in Vienna: Polawalk tour

(image supplied by Sophort tours)

One of the newest editions to Prater, is the Praterturm. Built in 2010, it’s height of 384 feet (117 meters) makes it the highest flying swing in the world! With the chairs extending to a radius of 118 feet (36 meters), and a peripheral speed of 37.28 miles per hour (60 km/h) this is not for the feint hearted. I just hope you’re not too afraid of heights!

Turbo

Cool things to do in Vienna: Polawalk tour

(image supplied by Sophort)

By night you can step right back into the 70′s by riding the Turbo dodgem cars. They say “The adrenaline of the driver increases, because they have the Turbo in the tank and the disco beat in the neck.” – Whatever that means….

Toboggan

Cool things to do in Vienna: Polawalk tour

(image supplied by Sophort)

Are you ready for yet another world record? At Prater you can see the oldest wood slide in the world, also known as the toboggan. Originally built in 1913, it sadly burned to the ground during the 2nd World War. But was faithfully restored using the original blueprints in 1947. Weeee!

The Riesenrad (giant ferris wheel)

Cool things to do in Vienna: Polawalk tour

(image supplied by Sophort)

One of Vienna’s most famous landmark’s – this is a must visit! Built in 1897 it stands at a height of 212 feet (64.75 meters) and was the world’s tallest extant Ferris wheel from 1920 until 1985. Also destroyed in the war in 1944, it was one of the first things to be rebuilt post-war, along side St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Vienna State Opera.

“Where we’re going – we don’t need roads”

Cool things to do in Vienna: Polawalk tour

Not so long ago we passed the date when Marty McFly arrived here in the future. By going on a polaroid tour, you can feel like you’ve gone Back to the Future and switched places with Marty. Right back into 1985. Whether you’ll be reliving old memories or experiencing it for the first time, you are sure to love this unique experience in Vienna.

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Cool things to do in Vienna. Don’t own a time machine? You don’t need a Delorean to travel back in time. Explore days gone by at the oldest continuously running amusement park in the world right here, right now. How? By taking a polaroid tour of Vienna’s “Wurstelprater”.

Have you visited Prater? Do you have a love of Polaroid cameras or Back to the Future? Let us know in the comments, you sound like cool people!