Construction site of the Campus WU at the Vienna University of Economics and Business in Leopoldstadt, Vienna

Trabrennbahn Krieau

Trabrennbahn Krieau Vienna: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Located in Vienna’s vibrant Leopoldstadt district, Trabrennbahn Krieau is Austria’s oldest harness racing track and a unique cultural venue. Established in 1878, the racetrack stands as a testament to Vienna’s equestrian heritage and its ongoing role as a hub for both sporting events and contemporary culture. With its blend of historic architecture, lively race days, major concerts, and proximity to the Prater park, Trabrennbahn Krieau offers a multifaceted experience for visitors—a mix of tradition, entertainment, and community engagement (krieau.at, events.wien.info, Tripomatic).

This comprehensive guide details everything you need to plan your visit: opening hours, ticket options, accessibility, attractions, annual highlights, and practical tips for making the most of your day at this remarkable Viennese landmark.

Kanzler in Kaiserjäger uniform speaking at Vaterländische Front event on Vienna racetrack

Krieau harness racing track in Vienna with grandstand and horses

Horse harness racing at the Krieau Trotting Track in Vienna

Horse harness racing at Trabrennbahn Krieau horse race track in Vienna

Panoramic view of Krieau Trabrennbahn horse racing track with grandstands and a crowd

Historical site plan of Trabrennplatz-Krieau area including Rotunde and Industriepalast in Vienna 1873

Historic drawing of Trabrennplatz Krieau horse racing track in Vienna from 1888 with the Rotunda visible in the background

Watercolor painting of Trabrennbahn Krieau horse racing track and Rotunde in Vienna by Friedrich Frank

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
How to Get There & Accessibility
Key Attractions and Nearby Highlights
Cultural and Social Importance
Architecture and Heritage
Annual Highlights & Events
Visitor Amenities & Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual and Interactive Elements
Plan Your Visit
Sources and Further Reading

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Trabrennbahn Krieau opens primarily on scheduled race days and during special events. The main racing season runs from spring through late autumn, with events typically held on weekends and select weekdays. Summer months also bring concerts and open-air cinema nights.

General visiting hours: Vary by event; most race days start in the mid-afternoon and continue into the evening. For the most up-to-date schedule, check the official calendar.
Ticket prices: General admission ranges from €5 to €15. Discounts are available for children, seniors, and groups. Premium and VIP packages are offered for major events.
Where to buy: Tickets can be purchased online via the official website or at the venue box office on event days.

For special experiences, such as sulky rides or behind-the-scenes tours, advance booking is recommended (Vienna Direct).

How to Get There & Accessibility

Address: Nordportalstraße 247, 1020 Vienna, Austria

Public Transport:

U-Bahn: U2 line to Krieau station (short walk to entrance)
Tram: Several lines serve the Prater area
Bus: Connections available throughout the city

Parking: Nearby parking is available but can be limited during major events. Public transport is strongly recommended (Trek Zone).

Accessibility:

Wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms
Family-friendly amenities: stroller-friendly paths, picnic areas
Assistance available through Vienna Tourist Info (events.wien.info)

Key Attractions and Nearby Highlights

Trabrennbahn Krieau is well-positioned for exploring some of Vienna’s most popular attractions:

Prater Park: Expansive green space with cycling trails, walking paths, and the iconic Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel
Wurstelprater Amusement Park: Historic fairground, 22-minute walk from the racecourse
Ernst-Happel-Stadion: Austria’s largest stadium, just 8 minutes away on foot
Hundertwasserhaus: Famous architectural landmark, around 27 minutes’ walk
KunstHausWien & Museum of Art Fakes: Both within a 30-minute walk
Vienna Transport Museum (Remise): 26 minutes away, featuring public transport exhibits

These attractions make it easy to combine a visit to Krieau with other highlights in Vienna’s eastern districts (Trek Zone).

Bridging History and Modernity

Founded in 1878, Krieau is the second oldest harness racing track in Europe, after Moscow’s Central Hippodrome (1834). Its 19th-century architecture and panoramic views over the Prater reflect Vienna’s historical evolution from rural hunting grounds to a vibrant urban quarter (Archello).

Krieau hosts over 20 race days and around 230 races annually, drawing both local families and international enthusiasts. Major events like the Österreichische Traber-Derby and the Graf Kálmán Hunyady Memorial are social highlights, fostering a sense of community and celebration (krieau.at).

Multifunctional Venue

Beyond racing, Krieau is a key venue for live concerts, festivals, corporate events, and open-air cinema, featuring international artists and large-scale productions (events.at).

Economic and International Impact

The venue’s events are broadcast internationally, enhancing Vienna’s reputation as a center for equestrian sports and bringing significant economic benefits to local businesses.

Architecture and Heritage

Historic Grandstands and Officials’ Tower

The grandstand, completed in 1913, and the officials’ tower (restored in 2002) are protected heritage monuments. Designed by protégés of Otto Wagner, these structures represent early 20th-century sports architecture and stand as symbols of Vienna’s architectural legacy (Vienna Direct, Tripomatic).

World’s Fair Pavilions

Two rare pavilions from the 1873 Vienna World’s Fair, now used as artists’ studios, flank the racetrack, adding historical depth to the site (Archello).

Urban Integration

Recent developments in the Krieauviertel area integrate student housing, offices, and residences, with sustainable design elements such as green bridges, rooftop gardens, and open public spaces that visually and physically connect with the racetrack (Archello).

Annual Highlights & Events

Key events in 2025 include:

17 May: Grand Race Day with Preis der Stadt Wien, Präsidentenpreis, Hambletonian, and the lively Traber-Party
22 June: 140th Österreichische Traber-Derby
12 October: Graf Kálmán Hunyady Memorial
20 December: Year-end Grand Race Day with Großer Preis von Österreich

These events feature festive atmospheres with food stalls, live music, and entertainment, making them ideal for both racing fans and families (krieau.at).

Summer highlights: Concerts and open-air cinema transform Krieau into a cultural hotspot, attracting both locals and tourists (Vienna Direct).

Visitor Amenities & Practical Tips

Food & Drink: Food stalls and bars serve Viennese specialties and snacks, especially on event days. Prater offers further dining options.
Family-Friendly: Open spaces and relaxed atmosphere, with picnic areas and stroller access.
Dress Code: General admission is casual; smart-casual is recommended for VIP or special events.
Betting Facilities: On-site betting stations for those wishing to participate in the racing action.
Safety: Security personnel are present during major events. Keep valuables secure.
Tourist Info: Vienna Tourist Info at Albertinaplatz/Maysedergasse or the airport; Vienna City Card and ivie app provide discounts and guidance (events.wien.info).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Hours vary by event and season. Race days are typically weekends from mid-afternoon to evening, with summer events on varying dates. Always check the official calendar.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Online via the official website or at the venue. Advance booking is advised for major events.

Q: Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, accessible seating, and restrooms.

Q: Can I bring children?
A: Yes. The venue is suitable for families but supervision is recommended during crowded events.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Limited parking; public transport is recommended.

Q: Are guided tours offered?
A: Occasionally. Check the official website for announcements.

Q: Can I watch races online?
A: Yes, live streams and event updates are available via the Krieau website and app.

Visual and Interactive Elements

Interactive map: Find venue layouts, transport connections, and nearby attractions on the official Krieau website.
Images: Look for panoramic shots of the grandstands, event highlights, and maps. Use alt text for accessibility and SEO (e.g., “Trabrennbahn Krieau panoramic grandstand view”, “Vienna harness racing event at Krieau”).

Plan Your Visit

Experience Vienna’s equestrian tradition and lively event culture at Trabrennbahn Krieau. Download the Krieau app for live updates, subscribe to digital race calendars, and follow their social media for the latest news. For further trip planning, the Vienna events page and Vienna Direct are excellent resources.