Stadion

Stadion Ernst Happel: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Vienna Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Ernst Happel Stadion, set within Vienna’s storied Prater park, is Austria’s largest and most historic sports venue. Since its construction between 1929 and 1931, the stadium has stood as a testament to both architectural innovation and the city’s evolving cultural identity. Over nearly a century, it has hosted landmark football matches, international finals, and legendary concerts, while reflecting Vienna’s resilience through periods of both hardship and renewal. Today, the stadium continues to attract sports fans, cultural enthusiasts, and architecture admirers from around the world, offering guided tours and proximity to major attractions such as the Prater amusement park and the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel (calciodeal.com; stadiumguide.com; viennawien.net).

Origins and Early Construction
Wartime Years and Dark History
Postwar Expansion and Modernization
Hosting Major International Finals
Architectural Evolution
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Getting There and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions
Special Events and Current Usage
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion and Visit Tips
References and Further Reading

U2 Stadion subway station platform in Vienna with blue and yellow train

Map of U2 Stadion station and surroundings in Vienna 2

Stadion underground station in Vienna Leopoldstadt with modern train and platform

Stadion underground station platform in Vienna Leopoldstadt

Underground station Stadion in Vienna Leopoldstadt with modern design and trains

Interior view of Stadion underground metro station in Vienna Leopoldstadt with modern design and platform

Underground station Stadion in Vienna Leopoldstadt with modern architecture and clean platform

Underground station entrance Stadion in Vienna Leopoldstadt

Entrance to Stadion U-Bahn station in Vienna with people walking

Underground station Stadion in Vienna with modern train and passengers on platform

Stadion U-Bahn subway station in Vienna, showing platform and tracks with passengers waiting

Interior view of Stadion underground station in Vienna with modern design and train tracks

Underground station Stadion on U2 line in Vienna Leopoldstadt with modern design and escalators

Stadion underground station in Vienna Leopoldstadt with yellow and white interior design and passengers waiting on platform

Underground station Stadion in Vienna Leopoldstadt with modern escalators and bright lighting

Origins and Early Construction (1929–1931)

The stadium began as the Praterstadion, conceived to serve as a world-class venue for the second Workers’ Olympiad in 1931. Designed by architect Otto Ernst Schweizer, it reflected modernist principles with a functional bowl structure, accommodating approximately 60,000 spectators—an impressive capacity for its era. The original layout prioritized efficient crowd movement, with a discharge time for a full house of under ten minutes (calciodeal.com; stadiumguide.com; viennawien.net).

Wartime Years and Dark History

During World War II, the Praterstadion’s story took a tragic turn. The stadium was used by Nazi authorities as a detention site for Jews prior to deportation. This somber chapter is an integral part of the venue’s legacy, highlighting its place not only as a symbol of sporting achievement but also as a silent witness to the city’s difficult past (viennawien.net).

Postwar Expansion and Modernization

After the war, the stadium underwent major transformations to reflect the growing popularity of football in Austria. In 1956, a third tier was added, raising capacity to over 90,000. The venue set its attendance record in 1960, with 90,726 fans for a match between Austria and Spain (stadiumguide.com; calciodeal.com). The 1980s brought further modernization: stands were covered, all-seater arrangements were installed, and safety standards were upgraded. In 1992, following the death of Austrian football legend Ernst Happel, the stadium was renamed in his honor, cementing its role in both national history and popular memory (viennawien.net).

Hosting Major International Finals

The Ernst Happel Stadion has been the stage for some of European football’s most prestigious events:

Four European Cup/Champions League finals: 1964, 1987, 1990, and 1995
The 1970 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup Final
The final of UEFA Euro 2008, where Spain defeated Germany 1-0 (stadiumguide.com; calciodeal.com)

These moments have reinforced Vienna’s reputation as a central hub for international sporting excellence.

Architectural Evolution

The stadium’s design has continually evolved to meet modern needs. While the original capacity exceeded 90,000, renovations have reduced seating to around 50,865 for football matches and up to 68,000 for concerts, prioritizing safety and comfort (worldstadiumdatabase.com; viennawien.net). Covered stands, improved amenities, and accessibility features reflect Vienna’s commitment to both heritage preservation and contemporary standards.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

General Hours:

The stadium is generally open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for guided tours and visitor access.
Hours can vary on event days; always check the official website for updates (vienna.info).

Tickets:

Guided tour tickets are available online or at the stadium box office, usually priced between €10–€15 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors.
Event and match tickets range in price depending on the nature of the event and seating selection; early booking is recommended for high-demand events (concerts50.com).

Getting There and Accessibility

Address: Meiereistraße 7, 1020 Vienna
Public Transport: The stadium is directly accessible via the U2 U-Bahn (Stadion station), established for UEFA Euro 2008. Bus lines 77A and 11A also serve the area (calciodeal.com).
Parking: While parking is available, public transport is recommended during major events to avoid congestion.
Accessibility: The stadium is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, designated seating, and accessible restrooms for visitors with reduced mobility.

Nearby Attractions

Prater Park: Vienna’s famous green space, offering recreational opportunities and the iconic Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel.
Stadionbad: Adjacent public swimming pool, also designed by Schweizer.
Other Sights: The Vienna Museum of Technology and other attractions are easily accessible, providing opportunities to enrich your visit (travellersworldwide.com).

Special Events and Current Usage

In addition to football, the stadium hosts major concerts by world-renowned artists such as Michael Jackson, U2, The Rolling Stones, Billie Eilish, and Guns N’ Roses (viennawien.net; viennaticketoffice.com). It also serves as a venue for national celebrations, public viewings, and community events, ensuring its continued relevance in Vienna’s cultural calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the visiting hours of Ernst Happel Stadion?
A: Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM for tours; check for event-day changes.

Q: How can I buy tickets for tours or events?
A: Purchase tickets online via official channels or at the stadium box office.

Q: Is the stadium accessible by public transport?
A: Yes, the U2 U-Bahn and several bus lines connect directly to the stadium.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, with behind-the-scenes access to VIP areas, locker rooms, and the pitch.

Q: Are large bags allowed inside?
A: Large bags are not permitted; use off-site storage facilities (Radical Storage).

Conclusion and Visit Tips

The Ernst Happel Stadion is more than a sports venue—it is a living symbol of Vienna’s endurance, innovation, and cultural vibrancy. From its modernist origins and role in wartime history to its place as a stage for international football and global entertainment, the stadium encapsulates nearly a century of Austrian identity. With guided tours, modern amenities, and a prime location within Prater park, it is a must-visit for travelers.
Tips for Visitors: