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Vienna attractions

Spanish Riding School Tickets

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Top things to do in Vienna

Spanish Riding School, Vienna | A glimpse into classical Lipizzaner horsemanship

For over 450 years, the Spanish Riding School in Vienna has preserved and passed down the art of classical horsemanship. Located in the opulent Hofburg Palace, this iconic institution is renowned for training the elegant Lipizzaner horses to perform intricate manoeuvres set to traditional Viennese music.

With Spanish Riding School tickets, you can learn more about the training regimen, daily care, and life of the Lipizzaner horses, and witness one of their captivating performances in the grand indoor arena.

Why the Spanish Riding School, Vienna is a must-visit

Woman riding horse at Spanish Riding School Training
  • Lipizzaner horses: The Spanish Riding School is home to the unique white Lipizzaner stallions, known for their intelligence and grace. Learn about the breeding program that ensures the preservation of this special equine heritage and watch one of their captivating performances.
  • Cultural significance: The Spanish Riding School offers a unique cultural experience, blending music, tradition, and the beauty of equestrian arts. The elegant performances in the stately arena showcase Vienna’s centuries-long reverence for classical horsemanship.
  • Historical significance: Located within the majestic Hofburg Palace complex, the school has been a symbol of imperial tradition. It is a must-visit for those interested in Austria’s rich historical heritage.
  • Educational insights: Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian, an enthusiast, or a casual visitor, the Spanish Riding School offers an unparalleled view into the world of classical dressage. You can explore the stables and observe the Lipizzaner horses’ morning exercises.

Spanish Riding School highlights

Lipizzaner performances at the Spanish Riding School Vienna
Winter riding school at the Spanish Riding School Vienna
spanish riding school vienna morning exercise
Spanish Riding School stables
Piber meets Vienna at the Spanish Riding School Vienna
Classical dressage training at the Spanish Riding School Vienna
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Lipizzaner performances

The main attraction of the Spanish Riding School are the awe-inspiring performances by the Lipizzaner horses, also known as the “ballet of the white stallions”. Guided by skilled riders, the horses execute intricate steps, gaits, and jumps known as the “airs above the ground”. These classical dressage routines, known as haute ecole, showcase movements like pirouettes, piaffe, and levades.

Winter riding school

The Winterreitschule or Winter riding school is the historic indoor arena within the Hofburg Palace complex where Lipizzaner performances take place. Its Baroque architecture and grandeur create a captivating backdrop for the equestrian displays. Completed in 1735, the hall remains largely unchanged.

Morning exercises

Attend the Spanish Riding School Vienna’s morning exercise sessions to witness the training of the Lipizzaner horses. They reveal the dedication and precision involved in preparing these stallions for their spectacular performances, as well as the deep bond between the riders and their mounts.

Spanish Riding School stables

Explore the 16th-century Stallburg imperial stables where the Lipizzaner horses are housed. You’ll gain insights into the care, breeding, and daily routines of these magnificent stallions. They provide a closer look at the bond between the horses and their caretakers.

Piber meets Vienna

If you’re visiting during the summer, don’t miss “Piber meets Vienna”, the Spanish Riding School’s summer performance. This is when Lipizzaner mares and foals visit Vienna from the Piber Stud Farm and put up a lively program in the arena. The show also includes information about the breed’s history and a presentation of historical carriages by riders in traditional costumes.

Classical dressage training

Take the chance to observe the meticulous training methods employed by the riders and trainers to achieve a high level of classical dressage. There is a strong emphasis on precision and communication between horse and rider in these sessions.

Did you know?

  • The tradition of Renaissance haute ecole taught at the Spanish Riding School, Vienna has remained unchanged since it began in the 16th century. Today, it is listed as an intangible UNESCO cultural heritage of humanity.
  • Lipizzaner horses are not born white but are actually black, brown, or grey in color. Their coats become lighter as they grow up, and they achieve the full white coat only between the ages of 7 and 10 years.
  • One in 100 Lipizzaner horses remains brown even after they grow up. These rare brown stallions are considered good luck, and so the Spanish Riding School tries to keep at least one brown Lipizzaner in their stables at all times.

Plan your visit to the Spanish Riding School, Vienna

Opening hours
Getting there
Accessibility
Facilities
Visitor tips
Dine
Stay
Spanish Riding School opening hours
  • Monday to Sunday: 9am to 4pm
  • Open: Throughout the year
  • Closed: December 25

Note: The Spanish Riding School might have shorter or varied opening hours on certain days during the year. It’s best to confirm the timings beforehand for the day you intend to visit.

Address: Michaelerplatz 1 1010 Vienna

Find on maps

  • By tram: 1, 2, D, 62
    Nearest stop: Kartner Ring Oper stop
  • By metro: U1, U2, U3 and U4
    Nearest stop: Stephansplatz (U1), Herrengasse (U3), Karlsplatz (U2 and U4)
  • By bus: 1A, 2A, and 3A
    Nearest stop: Herrengasse (1A), Michaelerplatz (2A), Habsburgergasse (3A)
Accessibility at the Spanish Riding School Vienna
  • The Spanish Riding School is accessible by wheelchair and offers step-free access for visitors with mobility challenges. However, they have limited wheelchair slots, so you must book tickets in advance and inform the authorities in advance that you will require these accessibility facilities.
  • There is a wheelchair-accessible entrance with a ramp
  • The tour routes are barrier-free for easier wheelchair navigability.
  • Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located in the visitor center.
  • The Winter riding hall is accessible by wheelchair.
Facilities available at the Spanish Riding School Vienna
  • Restrooms: The Spanish Riding School has sufficient restrooms in the visitor center. 
  • Visitor center: You can approach the visitor center for information or assistance. It also has a cash desk for your convenience. 
  • Souvenir shop: You can buy souvenirs and mementos of your visit at the school’s gift shop.
Tips to note when visiting the Spanish Riding School Vienna
  • The Spanish Riding School offers various performances, including morning exercises and classical performances. Check the schedule to plan your visit around a specific event that you’d like to witness. 
  • There is no obligatory dress code for visiting the riding school. However, most visitors dress in smart casuals to match the ambiance and the classy performances of the Lipizzaner stallions. 
  • Pets are not allowed inside the riding school. 
  • Avoid bringing large bags or luggage. The riding school does not have a cloakroom to store your belongings. 
  • Children below 3 years of age are not allowed to enter the Spanish Riding School. You also have to maintain a degree of silence during the performances.
restaurants near the Spanish Riding School Vienna
  • Café Spanische Hofreitschule: Located within the Spanish Riding School premises, Café Spanische Hofreitschule is a great place to have a quick coffee and a strudel during your visit.
  • Ilona Stüberl: Ilona Stüberl, at a 5-minute walk from the riding school, offers hearty Hungarian fare. Their goulash and bean soup are crowd favorites.
  • Café Demel: No visit to Vienna is complete without trying its delicious pastries. Café Demel, a lovely 19th-century Viennese café, serves traditional pastries, scones, and strudels. Their apple strudel and sachertorte are not to be missed.
  • Restaurant beim Hofmeister:Restaurant beim Hofmeister, located just a 3-minute walk away from the riding school, is a great spot to try traditional Austrian cuisine, including perfectly breaded and fried schnitzel.
hotels to stay near the Spanish Riding School Vienna

Explore beyond Spanish Riding School, Vienna

Sisi Museum

Located within the Hofburg Palace complex, the Sisi Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Austria’s Empress Elisabeth, who was known as Sisi. Her personal belongings, letters, and iconic dresses, give a glimpse of her enigmatic personality and royal lifestyle.

Sisi Museum tickets

Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace is a Baroque masterpiece, comprising the Upper and Lower Belvedere. Visit to see its impressive art collection, including works by Gustav Klimt, and its stunning architecture and picturesque gardens.

Belvedere Palace tickets

Schonnbrunn Palace

The Schonnbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a marvel of Rococo architecture surrounded by extensive gardens. Explore this imperial residence, which served as the summer retreat for the Habsburgs, and get a glimpse into royal life.

Schonnbrunn Palace tickets

Frequently asked questions about the Spanish Riding School

How much do Spanish Riding School tickets cost?

Spanish Riding School tickets start from . Prices vary depending on whether you opt for a standing or a seating ticket in the arena.

What do Spanish Riding School tickets typically include?

Depending on the tickets to Spanish Riding School Vienna that you purchase, you can attend one of the daily morning training sessions of the Lipizzaner horses or watch a performance by the stallions and their riders, accompanied by classical music.

Should I book Spanish Riding School tickets in advance?

It’s best to book Spanish Riding School tickets online in advance, especially for the Lipizzaner performances, which are extremely popular and sell out quickly. Booking online ensures you secure your preferred time slot and seating category, and you can avoid long queues at the ticket counter. Tickets for performances and tours should ideally be booked 2-4 weeks in advance during the peak season (April to October) or holidays.

How long should I plan to spend at the Spanish Riding School?

The Lipizzaner horses’ training sessions and performances at the Spanish Riding School Vienna typically last for an hour.

Is photography allowed at the Spanish Riding School?

Photography is generally not permitted during performances or training sessions to avoid startling the horses and riders.

Is the Spanish Riding School suitable for children?

Children under 3 years of age are not allowed inside the riding school. This is to ensure their safety and also because visitors are expected to remain silent during the training sessions and Lipizzaner performances.

Is the Spanish Riding School accessible for wheelchair users?

Wheelchair access is available in most areas of the Spanish Riding School Vienna, including the Winter riding school and the arena. Ramps, step-free paths, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms are also provided to ensure visitors’ convenience. However, due to limited space for wheelchairs, you must contact the school authorities in advance of your visit so that your slot can be ensured.