The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is a world-class facility for so-called ‘dancing horses’. The school uses Lipizzaner stallions and there are regular shows to see them and their riders literally “perform”. The precision and horsemanship is extraordinary and takes many hours of practice. If you don’t have time for a show, there is a slightly cheaper and more informal alternative. Get yourself a ticket for the open training sessions (mostly available Tuesday to Saturday). These normally take place in the morning and you can stay as long as you want to watch the horses. The training sessions are usually accompanied by music.
The actual building is another star here, dating back to the 1730s, it has to be the most beautiful riding hall in the world! You can also take a guided tour which allows you to visit the stables. Both the tours and the exercise sessions are quite expensive, but much cheaper than going to a proper performance. The Visitor Centre at the riding school is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm and on Fridays when there is a performance from 9am to 7pm. In May, June, September and October the Visitor Centre is also open on Mondays.
Morning exercise training sessions usually take place between 10am and 11am and adult admission is 17 Euros (2025 prices). Guided tours last 1 hour and are 24 Euros (2025 prices). You can book for morning exercise, the shows and the tours here: Spanish Riding School Tickets
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: Spanish Riding School, Michaelerplatz 1, A-1010 Wien
Tel: +43 1 533 90 31
You’ll find the Spanish Riding School building between Michaelerplatz and Josefsplatz connected to the Hofburg and the stables and riding school here were the original Imperial Palace stables and school.
MORE ON THE SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL
Hotels near the Spanish Riding School (Hofburg) – Great rates from Hotels.com
Spanish Riding School – Official Website
Spanish Riding School – Wikipedia
Hofburg – Wikipedia
Vienna Travel Books – Amazon