If you leave the historic Riesenradplatz with the Giant Ferris Wheel, Madame Tussauds and other family attractions behind you, you will be immersed in a world of speed, lofty heights and state-of-the-art entertainment technology. Rides such as Turbo Boost, Ejection Seat, Vienna Free Fall Tower and Space Shot ensure acceleration from 0 to 100. And the 117-meter tall chair-o-plane, the Praterturm, whisks its passengers through the air at 60 km/h and offers a fantastic view of the city. The Black Mamba catapults the courageous through the air at 80 km/h. Just as fast is the new double looping roller coaster called the Teststrecke (Test Track), which is guaranteed to get your pulse racing. The ultimate adrenalin kick can be had on the Boomerang coaster, which travels forwards as well as backwards, and on two indoor roller coasters. And on hot days, the water amusement feature Aqua Gaudi is the place to go to cool down.

Horror clowns and Zombie World

Horror fans also get their money's worth: On the virtual reality train The Clown, you'll encounter fearsome "fun-makers" with the help of virtual reality glasses. Goosebumps are guaranteed on the spooky ride "Hotel Psycho". And right opposite the Schweizerhaus, the undead are brought to life in a Zombie World.

"WIND-O-BONA” supplies the thrill of free-fall: in the indoor skydiving wind tunnel, wind speeds of up to 280 km/h simulate a parachute jump from a height of 4,000 meters. Minimum age is 8 years, the starter pack costs €49. Information: www.windobona.at

Just a stone's throw from the Prater, ViennaFlight offers the only Airbus simulator anywhere in Austria. Here, you can take an exclusive flight of your choice in the faithfully reproduced cockpit of an A320, accompanied by a real pilot. What's more, ViennaFlight also has a simulator for a Boeing 737 NG in its fleet. Registration required!