Most people are amazed when they walk through the arcades from Michaela to Joseph’s Square and see the beautiful stables of the Spanish Riding School. It almost looks unreal how the oldest cultural horse breed of Europe is presented here.

The elegant Lipizzan horses are comfortable, completely relaxed chewing hay in their stables while watching the passing tourists. These are mostly busy taking pictures – inspired by the stables of the „Stallburg“ and its inhabitants with the positive charisma- and hoping to get closer to a Lipizzan horse. With some luck, it is possible to have a closer look at them: When the horses are brought to the Winter Riding School, they have to pass through the arcades and the visitors.

The „Stallburg“ is one of the most significant Renaissance buildings in Vienna. It was completely renovated in 2008: Among other things new stables were created with a view to the courtyard and simultaneously the entire yard was designed with a roof so that it can also be used for events. Beside the Stallburg the Winter Riding Hall, built 1735 by Josef Emanuel Fischer von Erlach (like the MusemsQuartier), is more than worth a visit – it is said to be “the most beautiful riding hall in the world “.

Here you can watch the Lipizzan horses and their Trainers while practicing the High School of equestrian art. During „morning work“from Monday to Friday 10:00 to 12:00 you can watch the different Training stages of the horses and how they are trained every day. If you want to visit the Spanish Riding School, you should get tickets to the show or morning work in time. A guided tour through the stables is also offered.

From the Hotel Zipser you can reach the Hofburg & the Spanish Riding School on foot in just under 15 minutes or by tram line “2”.

• Information & Tickets: SRS Spanish Riding School

Picture: Spanische Hofreitschule © Wien Tourismus Paul Bauer