Spanish Riding School

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Spanish Riding School: Tours & Tickets

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Vienna's Spanish Riding school: Top 5 facts

Vienna's Spanish Riding School allows you to relive the prestige and sophistication of centuries past. Here are five fascinating facts about its history, which render the Spanish Riding School the only remaining dressage institution of its kind in the world.

  • The Lipizzaner

    1. The Lipizzaner

    The majestic white stallions of the Spanish Riding School are all Lipizzaner, Europe's oldest domesticated breed of horse.

  • Haute Ecole

    2. Haute Ecole

    The Spanish Riding School is the only institution in the world where the prestigious, 400-year-old equestrian tradition of the haute école is still practiced in its original form.

  • Sublime Performances

    3. Sublime Performances

    Accompanied by classical music, the riders and horses perform highly intricate ballets, with such magnificent feats as pirouettes, passages and piaffes, as well as amazing jumps.

  • Years of Training

    4. Years of Training

    At the Spanish Riding School, in order to reach the required level of excellence, a horse must undergo 6 years of training, whereas riders train for 10 to 12 years.

  • Spectacular Riding Hall

    5. Spectacular Riding Hall

    The hall where the performances are held, widely regarded as the world's most beautiful riding hall, was built by eminent baroque architect Joseph Emanuel Fischer in the 1730s.

Planning Your Visit

  • Choosing the right ticket

    Note that there are different options for visiting the Spanish Riding School, including taking a tour of the stables, watching the morning exercises and, of course, witnessing one of the performances. The availability of each option is also dependent on schedule, so make sure to carefully consider the choices to avoid disappointment.

  • Summer holidays

    The horses and riders have their summer break in July and August. It's best to get informed about the exact dates of the break prior to your visit, as it's not possible to watch a performance during the school's summer holidays.

  • A sweet finishing treat

    Cap your day of Viennese tradition by grabbing a slice of delicious Sachertorte at the café on your way out.

Good to know

  • When should I visit?
    The Visitor Center is open Monday through Sunday 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Performance times vary.
  • Is it expensive?
    Adult tickets start at €14 and go up depending on performances and tours selected.
  • Will I need a guide?
    A guide is not necessary.
  • How to get there
    Take the U3 train to Herrengasse or trams 1, 2, D or J to Burgring.
  • Additional information

    • Children under three are not admitted.

    • Each performance is about an hour, and you'll need to secure tickets well in advance.

What people are saying about Spanish Riding School

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 5,464 reviews

2 day Pass was good, still have to go to the ticket office to get your pass as electronic pass is not valid. Website needs to be updated as office has moved (Google maps the location!! don't go off website address) & also opens at 9am not 10am as website states. So wasted as hour on the first day.

Vienna PASS: 1, 2, 3, or 6 Days of Sightseeing Reviewed by Patrick, 1/23/2020

Our guide, Sarah, was excellent. Very knowledgeable and great at presentation. Very friendly and helpful. Loved the smaller group size. Good option to start your visit.

Walking Tour: Vienna at First Glance Reviewed by Jane, 11/10/2019

It was just great to have the freedom to visit where and when you wanted to. Lots of great places to see. One day was definitely not enough. Three would be better.

Vienna PASS: 1, 2, 3, or 6 Days of Sightseeing Reviewed by Brian, 11/14/2019

Well informed and friendly Guide. Provided an excellent introduction to Vienna in 2 hrs with recommendations for the rest of the visit. Certainly recommend.

Walking Tour: Vienna at First Glance Reviewed by Ken, 12/8/2019

Eleanor provided a nice overview of some historical sights as well as insight into Viennese culture. The tour helped orient us to the historical center.

Walking Tour: Vienna at First Glance Reviewed by Melissa, 1/7/2020

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