The historic Praterinsel is nestled between the arms of the Isar river, which today serves as a popular event location and can look back on a long history with a wide variety of uses.
Today, this fortified island is a popular event location with a rich history and diverse uses. Once used by Franciscan monks as a vegetable garden, landlord Anton Gruber opened his inn, “Praterwirtschaft” in 1810 – and this is how the island in the Isar arms finally became known as Praterinsel. Due to financial difficulties, the Gruber family eventually sold the site to the liqueur and vinegar manufacturer Anton Riemerschmid, who used it for production until 1984. When Riemerschmid moved his company to the outskirts of Munich, the site lay fallow for several years. It was not until 1992 that the potential of the vaulted halls was recognised, leading to its refurbishment. Since then, the premises and the inner courtyard have been used as an event venue.
The Praterinsel is run by Feinkost Käfer and in the meantime, the Praterstrand beach, to which sand has been added for relaxation in the heart of the city. Music festivals, barbecues and summer parties are held here. The inner courtyard of the complex is a popular venue in the warmer months, hosting everything from open-air festivals under chestnut trees to exciting art exhibitions. With its historic halls such as the Zollgewölbe and Wurzelkeller, the Füllhalle and the light-flooded Orangerie, the venue is incredibly versatile, offering something for everyone, from hot club nights to creative fashion shows and vernissages.
The 3.6-hectare Praterinsel can be reached via several pedestrian paths, as well as from the Maximiliansbrücke (bridge) in the north of the site. In addition to the event spaces, the island is also home to the Alpines Museum, which has reopened in March 2024 after extensive renovations.
