If you like horses, you’ll love this! The horses look like they are dancing and the horsemanship is superb. The school uses Lipizzaner stallions and there are regular shows to see them and their riders literally “perform”. For a cheaper alternative than going to an actual show, we’d recommend going to one of 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. They 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 riding school is between Michaelerplatz and Josefsplatz near the Hofburg in central Vienna. This is an extract from our free Vienna City Guide.
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 9am and 12 noon and adult admission is 14 Euros (2012 prices). You cannot book for morning exercise. Guided tours last 1 hour and are 16 Euros (2012 prices). You can book for the tours on the official website below. The Vienna Walking Tour is a great introduction to the city and it includes a brief visit to the Riding School.
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 connected to the Hofburg and the stables and riding school here were the original Imperial Palace stables and school.
MORE ON VIENNA’S SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL
Hotels near the Spanish Riding School (Hofburg) – Great rates from Hotels.com
Vienna Walking Tour – Includes a brief visit to the Spanish Riding School
Spanish Riding School – Official Website
Spanish Riding School – Wikipedia
Hofburg – Wikipedia
Vienna Guide Books – Amazon.co.uk (UK)
Vienna Travel Books – Amazon.com (US & Canada)