Are you visiting Austria and want to visit the Spanish School of Horse riding in Vienna? Here’s all you need to know about this famous dressage school!
The Spanish School of Horse riding in Vienna (EEE) is a world-renowned school in the equestrian world. It has been classified as UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2015! Horses lipizzans ) and their snipers work together for years in order to achieve an extraordinary harmony that can be discovered in incredible shows, every weekend near the Imperial Palace Hofburg .
Whether you’re an amateur of riding or not, the visit to this school is one of the favourite activities of travellers in the Austrian capital. Do you want to visit the Spanish School of Horse riding in Vienna? Here is our complete guide to prepare your visit!
History of the Spanish School of Horse riding in Vienna
The Spanish School of Equitation in Vienna was created in the 16th century under the Austrian Empire. This is to date the oldest riding school ever in activity! The rider for the galas and training was built in 1729 by the architect Johann Bernhard Fischer and once constituted the winter ride of the Austrian Imperial Court. Today, the architecture of this exceptional building fascinates visitors as well as the work of dressage and is worth the reputation of being the most beautiful in the world.
The performances were for a long time reserved exclusively to the guests of the Imperial Court of Austria since the establishment was opened to the public only in 1918. Balconies, frescoes and imposing chandeliers are part of this sumptuous setting in which one can evolve during the visit of the Spanish School of Horse riding in Vienna.
The term “Spanish” is due to the origin of horses who make the fame of the school. In fact, lipizzans come from the great Andalusian horse lines mixed with Slovenian horses. It was raised in the city Lipica from the 16th century, which gave them their name. From now on, the horses of the Spanish School of Horses in Vienna come from haras de Piber , west of Austria. The horses used are only lipizzan stallions, usually of light grey color.
The School relies on a special dressage method from the Royal Cavalry. Originally, these exercises were designed to strengthen the horses so that they could be better fit for combat. Today, the stallions enter the school at 4 years old and train for 6 years in order to learn many steps and rigorous technical exercises. The aim is to realize various symbolic figures of the Hohe Schule (Haute School of Dressage).
What to see and do at the Spanish School of Horse riding in Vienna?
The visit of the Spanish School of Horse riding in Vienna, in particular, allows to attend morning training in music of the pure-sang lipizzans and their horsemen. This visit particularly attracts travellers, as it allows to discover the hard work provided by both the animal and human, in order to achieve the spectacular result of the gala. A very solemn atmosphere is present, which gives a little more emotion and nobility to the show. It is also an opportunity to discover the exceptional place where the trainings of the 68 stallions take place.
People who are passionate about riding will enjoy representations which take place every weekend. In addition, it is possible to attend one daily guided tour of the scenery from the Spanish School of Equitation in Vienna. Here we discover the architecture of the imperial winter ride, the stables (In the Stallburg building, the oldest Renaissance vestige in Vienna) and the history of the School.
The Hofburg Imperial Palace is also a must-see visit nearby. It was previously the political centre of the Austrian Empire!
How to get to the Spanish School of Horse riding in Vienna?
To visit the Spanish School of Horse riding in Vienna you can visit the place Michaelerplatz where is the Imperial Palace Hofburg. You will have to go through the main entrance of the building.
You will have several ways to get there:
- By metro: with line U3, stop Herrengasse.
- In tram: with lines 1, 2, 71, D, stop Burgring.
- By bus: Number 2A and 3A, Hofburg stop.
- By bus Hop On-Hop Off : red line, stop at Heldenplatz.
Schedules & Rates of the Palace of the Spanish School of Horses
Photo credit: Flickr – Andrew Moore
You have several ways to visit the Spanish School of Horse riding in Vienna according to your desires.
Daily morning training
- The morning training takes place Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 12pm. The entrance and exit are at any time during these times. So you can arrive later or leave before the end.
- Tariff: 15 €
- The reservation must be made on site.
If you want to visit the school and also attend the morning training, know that combined tickets are sold on site.
Guided tour of the Spanish School of Horse riding
The guided tour of the Spanish School of Horse riding in Vienna, the winter ride and stables takes place several times a day ( 14h, 15h, 16h and sometimes in the morning ). The visit is possible daily, except Mondays from May to September . It is made in English or German and lasts 1 hour. You can book your tickets online.
Rates:
- Adults: 18 €
- Students and over 65 years old: 14 €
- Children 6 to 18 years old: 9 €
- Children from 3 to 6 years old: free
Guided tour of architecture
The guided tour of the architecture of the winter ride and roofs takes place every Saturday at 1 pm in English and 14:30 in German. It lasts about 1 hour. You can book your tickets online. ♪ children under 12 years of age are not accepted .
Rates:
- Adults: 18 €
- Students and over 65 years old: 15 €
- Children aged 12 to 18: 12 €
Combined tickets and Pass
- To attend the training and guided tour of the Spanish School of Horse riding in Vienna, you can opt for the “ Ticket Plus " It gives a right of access to morning exercises between 10am and 12am and one guided tour In the afternoon.
Rates:
- **Adults:**31 €
- **Over 65 years and students:**23 €
- Children 6 to 18 years old: 15 €
- In addition, access to morning training is free with the card Vienna Pass . You can book it online and/or get it when you arrive. This map allows you to access more than 60 other places of interest in Vienna including the visit of the Palais Hofburg.
Rates:
- Adults: Pass 1 day : 59 €, Pass 2 days : 89 €, Pass 3 days : 119 €
- Children: Pass 1 day : 29.5 €, Pass 2 days : 44.5 €, Pass 3 days : 59.5 €
- Free up to 6 years.
Representations and events
Every Saturday and Sunday at 11am, you can find one public demonstration given by the riders of the Spanish School of Vienna and their lipizzans. The rates range from 27 to 170 € depending on the locations. There are also special representations:
- End of year Gala: December 30 and 31 at 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. Rates from 39 to 225 €.
- Tribute to Vienna: every Friday at 11am or 7pm. Rates from 27 to 140 €
- Piber meets Vienna : show of foals, Tuesday to Sunday at 11am, July and August. Rates from 13 to 48 €
BON A LEARN
Visiting the Spanish School of Equitation in Vienna requires preparing its arrival, including by taking note of the main information concerning this historic site. We have selected important points:
- If you want to attend the morning training (duration 2h), it is advisable to come 30 min to 1h before the opening of the doors that takes place at 10h. Indeed, this event is very popular and online booking is not possible.
- The Spanish School of Equitation is accessible to persons with reduced mobility (although you have to book your visit in advance in this case)
- Animals are not allowed
- It is not possible for children under 3 years of age to visit the Spanish School of Horseing
- The use of cameras and recording equipment is strictly prohibited
- It won't be possible to leave your business to the dressing room.
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