Venediger-Au-Park

Have you ever wondered about the name Venediger-Au-Park? The park’s name derives from its past, from a time when the area wasn’t a park, but a meadow, crisscrossed by water channels. The Venetian-like landscape gave the area the name Venediger Au, meaning Venetian Flood Plain. This green haven, tucked between the bustling Stuwerviertel and the Praterstern, has a rich history. It used to be home to an amusement area, even hosting a circus called Zirkus Busch. The area also housed various entertainment establishments, such as riding stables and beer depots. Imagine rows of colorful circus tents and the sounds of roaring crowds echoing through the air! The Venediger Au was abuzz with life and laughter. During World War II, however, this area was tragically scarred by bombs. Aiming for the strategic Nordbahnhof railway station, the Allied bombs instead struck the Venediger Au, leaving destruction in their wake. The area was then acquired by the city of Vienna, which decided to rebuild the Wurstelprater, the amusement park located across Ausstellungsstraße, but chose to transform the Venediger Au into a park. In 1949, the Venediger-Au-Park was born. The park was equipped with sports venues and playgrounds, making it a vibrant hub for recreation and leisure. The park is still popular today, especially among visitors who want to experience Vienna’s authentic charm.