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6 Terrific Ways to See the Lipizzaner Stallions of Vienna In Real Life
As a rider, I’ve always wanted to see the legendary Lipizzaner stallions in Vienna. Little did I know that when I visited, I would not only get to see a Lipizzaner horse show in Vienna, but also meet one of its famous stars.
The Lipizzaners are known as “the dancing white horses of Vienna.” They train and perform at Vienna’s Spanish Riding School, the only school in the world to practice classical riding for over 450 years.
The Lipizzaner horses are so popular, there’s even a Disney movie about them.
Given their popularity, the Vienna Riding School offers a bunch of ways to see the horses and to learn more about the school.
Want to know which one is right for you?
To help you decide on the best way to see the Lipizzaner stallions in Vienna, I’ll share what I learned on my visit and review the pros and cons of each option. Plus, I can’t wait to tell you about my “Lipizzaner moment.”
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About the Spanish Riding School in Vienna
Options for visiting the Spanish Riding School in Vienna:
1. Take a guided tour of the Spanish Riding School
2. Attend the Spanish Riding School morning exercises
3. See the Lipizzaner horses at a Spanish Riding School Performance in Vienna
4. See the foals perform in the summer
5. Visit the Lipizzaner Stud Farm in Piber
6. Ride a Lipizzaner
About the Lipizzaner Stallions in Vienna
The time I got to meet a Lipizzaner horse!
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About the Spanish Riding School in Vienna
The Spanish Riding School is located in the Hofburg Palace in central Vienna, one of the best Viennese palaces to visit. Built in the 13th century, it’s where the Habsburg royals ruled for several centuries.
So why is this very Austrian institution called the “Spanish” Riding School? It’s named after the Spanish horses imported by the Habsburgs in the 16th century, which led to the famous Lipizzaner breed. They were considered a symbol of the country’s military strength because the Austrian soldiers on horseback could outmanoeuvre their opponents.
The school is still a pretty traditional place. In fact, it just admitted its first female rider in 2016. During my visit, I met Hannah Zeitlhofer who started as a student at the school in 2008 – – that’s how long it takes to become a full-fledged rider.
As you can see, whether they are men or women, all riders wear a traditional uniform that includes brown tailcoats, white buckskin breeches, and bicorne-style hats, the kind that remind you of Horatio Hornblower.
Bliss tip! Where to stay: An upscale Airbnb can make a visit to Vienna more affordable, without sacrificing comfort. Here’s where I stayed in the 3rd District, Landstrasse. If you prefer hotels, you can find the best deals here,
Image via Airbnb
Options for visiting the Spanish Riding School in Vienna:
1. Take a guided tour of the Spanish Riding School
The one-hour guided tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the school.
You’ll see the baroque winter riding school, the world’s largest oval, the stables of the Lipizzan stallions and learn more about the horses and their history.
If the horses are in, you may see them in their stalls or walking the oval. However, the horses do spend time training, touring and have summer vacation away on a farm, so there is no guarantee that you will see a Lipizzaner up close.
Tours are offered at several times in the afternoon on most days (check the online schedule) and must be reserved in advance.
This is the best way to learn more about the school and the horses, but not necessarily the ideal way to see the Lipizzaners.
2. Attend the Spanish Riding School morning exercises
Copyright Stefan Seelig, courtesy of the Spanish Riding School
The Lipizzaners’ morning exercises shows you the training of the riders and their horses in the beautiful Winter Riding School.
At the morning exercise, the horses and riders do relaxation exercises, practice dressage moves and target the strengthening of muscles. It doesn’t normally include the spectacular “above-ground” leaps and exercises as these are highly demanding on the horses.
Morning exercises are between 10 a.m. and noon, and visitors can come and go anytime during this period. Tickets are 15 Euros for an adult and cannot be booked in advance online with the School, however, you can buy in advance with Get Your Guide. There is also a “Ticket Plus”, a combined ticket that gives you access to morning exercises and the guided tour.
This is the most affordable way to see the Lipizzaners in action, but it’s not the best option if you want to see the big tricks.
3. See the Lipizzaner horses at a Spanish Riding School Performance in Vienna
I saw a Spanish Riding School performance in the Winter Riding School, called, “A Tribute to Vienna” with musicians of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. To me, the show epitomizes everything that is Vienna.
By the way, most of the performance take place in the evening, but it’s easy and safe to get to the School even if you’re traveling on your own, like me. Vienna is a great city for solo travelers.
During the 70-minute show, the Lipizzaners perform their famous “balletic” moves to the tunes of Mozart, Strauss and others. This includes all of the movements from the Olympic Grand Prix Dressage test, such as flying changes or the piaffe.. When horses canter, one of their front legs always steps ahead of the other. With a flying change, they change it to the other leg while in the air. I think I’ve achieved this only once in my riding career.
You can see the piaffe in the photo on the right below. With this move, the horse performs a highly collected trot almost in one place – incredibly difficult to do.
The most spectacular part of the performance is the “airs above the ground.” This includes the levade (photo left below) where the horse holds a position about 35 degrees from the ground, and the capriole (top photo) where the horse leaps in the air, kicking out with the hind legs. During the “airs”, the riders don’t use stirrups. That takes thighs of steel to stay seated. It’s almost inconceivable to me when you imagine the power of the horse underneath them. It took my breath away.
Copyright Michael Rzepa, courtesy of the Spanish Riding School
The School also offers a performance during certain times of the year with the Vienna Boys Choir.
In my view, a Spanish Riding School performance is the ideal choice if you want to see the Lipizzaner horses in Vienna, and everything they can do.
However, the shows are not offered all of the time (check the online schedule), and you have to book well in advance. Also, the tickets are on the pricey side. Standing room tickets are 27 Euros with seated tickets costing from 53 to 140 Euros. If you like the Lipizzaners though, it will be an experience well worth it.
Performance with the Vienna Boys Choir. Copyright Michael Rzepa, courtesy of the Spanish Riding School
4. See the foals perform in the summer
In the summer, you can see a Spanish Riding School performance called “Piber meets Vienna”.
Piber is the village where the stud farm is, the farm dedicated to breeding Lipizzaner horses. When the famous stallions are on their summer break starting in July, you can see a one-hour show featuring the future stars – – the Lipizzaner foals. With their mothers, the playful Lipizzaners will romp in the riding ring. Elaborate historical carriages will also be displayed.
Ticket prices range from 13 to 48 Euros.
If you’re visiting Vienna in the summer time, this might be your best chance to see Lipizzan horses. You can book tickets for Piber meets Vienna here.
5. Visit the Lipizzaner Stud Farm in Piber
Another option is to visit the Stud Farm, located in the village of Piber, a beautiful region of Austria about 2.5 hours southwest of Vienna by car. There are 360 horses on the property.
The farm offers guided tours and rides in a historical carriage drawn by Lipizzaners.
Between June and September, you can take a mountain tour where you’ll see young Lipizzaners at play in the mountain pastures. You can also book a picnic beside the pastures.
In the winter, starting in January, you can take a special guided tour to see the new born foals.
This option is ideal for a family traveling outside of Vienna.
6. Ride a Lipizzaner
To be honest, this would be my top choice. Technically, it’s possible… But you have to buy one.
About 40 Lipizzaner foals are born at the farm in Piber every year, and not all of them qualify to perform at the Spanish Riding School. This means that there’s a wide choice of horses for sale to Lipizzaner lovers around the world.
About the Lipizzaner Stallions in Vienna
Meet N. Mercurio, my new bestie at the Spanish Riding School!
I was lucky to have a brief “backstage pass” just before his performance, so that I could get some photos for this post. Normally, photos aren’t allowed at the school anytime the horses are present.
The name, “Lipizzaner”, comes from the original breeding farm that started with Spanish horses, in Lipica (Lipizza in Italian) in what is now Slovenia.
The “N” in the name stands for Neapolitano, one of the eight foundation stallions that were bred to produce Lipizzaners. As part of the tradition, the name, Mercurio, comes from his Mom.
Interestingly, Neapolitano was a bay (brown with a black mane). Indeed, Lipizzaners are not actually white. When they’re born, they’re usually black, brown or grey. Their coat lightens over 7 to 10 years and they are called “greys”.
The Lipizzaners are known for their strong, elegant body, agility, intelligence, lively character and kind temperament – – just what I found when I was introduced to Mercurio.
The time I got to meet a Lipizzaner horse!
What a thrill to meet Mercurio, one of the world famous Lipizzaner stallions in Vienna! I had goosebumps.
Up close, I was immediately struck by his beauty and the musculature of this athlete.
Plus, I was kind of in love.
I watched the stable master get Mercurio ready for his closeup.
Of course, the horse was already impeccably groomed. During performances, the Spanish Riding School horses wear a traditional gold-plated breastplate and double bridle. They carry the school’s iconic white saddle, which is a little bigger than a normal English saddle.
Images by Trimm Travels
Mercurio was curious and quite interested in my visit. “Who is this Canadian in my dressing room,” he probably thought.
We even had a little snuggle! Definitely, a moment I won’t soon forget.
If you’re planning to visit Vienna, I hope this list will help you decide which of the options to see the Lipizzaner stallions at the Spanish Riding School is right for you. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
More Information:
Tour details: The Spanish Riding School in Vienna
Tourism Information: Vienna Tourist Board
You may also enjoy: A Mozart and Strauss concert at Vienna’s finest music venue, the Golden Hall
Suggested reading: The Lipizzaners: The Photographic Story of the White Stallions of Vienna
Where to Stay in Vienna: Get the best deals on hotels in Vienna here.
Avoid data roaming fees: I use an aloSIM eSIM (a digital SIM card) to stay connected when I travel. Get 5% off your first order with the promo code: TRAVELBLISSNOW.
Travel Bliss Now was a guest of the Spanish Riding School, but my opinions are always my own. The feature photo was provided courtesy of the Spanish Riding School.
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Wow! What a unique experience. That’s crazy that it was only in 2016 that they had their first female rider! Very traditional. Thanks for sharing this super interesting activity!
Thanks Dani. I like the riding traditions, but it’s good to see that they are modernizing too! It was a very special experience.
Wondering if the standing room reservations are preferred over the seated ones for best viewing of the show?
I had seats, so I can’t speak for the standing room spots. Based on what I could see, I think there’s a pretty good view either way. The main difference is price.
Wow, its fantastic that you got to get pictures of the horses. That seems like a rare opportunity. Beautiful Horses!
I was, indeed, very fortunate to meet Mercurio and take a few pics. It was amazing! Thanks Wendy.
What a neat experience. I am kicking myself for not attending a performance while in Vienna. The horses are absolutely beautiful!
Yes, I was in awe of the horses. You’ll have to go back and see them! Thanks for reading, Elizabeth.
You have such gorgeous photos of the horses and they look so elegant. Sounds like an amazing offbeat experience worth trying while in Vienna.
Thanks so much Ketki! It was a very special experience and I highly recommend the show.
Beautiful photography. I was recently in Vienna on a Viking River Cruise. We walked by the stables but didn’t have time to go in for a tour.
Thanks so much Dana. I’m glad you like the photos. I hope you get a chance to go back and spend more time in Vienna.
We visited the Lipizzaner farm in Florida but the horses had ropes tied to them to help them retain the positions. This looks more authentic!
Yes, Vienna is where it all started and it takes years of training at the Olympic dressage level. Thanks for reading Carol.
All the pretty horses. I love pageantry and history with Lipizzaner stallions. It’s more than an animal show. It’s a walk through history. The way the preserve the bloodlines is astounding.
The breeding and record-keeping is pretty amazing. It’s still considered a rare breed and was almost extinct at one point. Thanks for reading!
As a child, I remember a Disney television story about saving the Lipizzaners during WWII. At the end, there was a performance and it took my breath away. I have been in love with them ever since.
It took my breath away to see them in person too! Thanks!
Coming from Croatia I have been numerous time in Vienna. But I haven’t managed to see the Lipizzaners performance at the Spanish Riding School yet, although it has been on my wishlist since ever. Now you have reminded me that I need to watch it ASAP.
Wonderful story and gorgeous photos, Cindy!
Thank you Milijana! I hope you get a chance to see a performance at the Spanish Riding School. It’s wonderful.
Gorgeous horses. Neat to see the Habsburg history as well. What an iconic family in that part of the world.
Indeed, the Habsburgs left quite a mark on this area, and the Lipizzaners are part of it. Thanks for reading Ryan!
I’m starting to feel sorry I didn’t see the Lipizzaners when I visited Vienna the last time. It’s definitely on the list for whenever I go back!
Thank you Mirela! I hope you get a chance to see them on another visit.
So awesome! We got a chance to see them in a training session a number of years ago and that was a huge thrill. I cannot imagine being able to go backstage let alone get a snuggle with Mercurio … what a treat and special post.
Thanks so much Michael. I’m going to treasure that experience for a long time!
At 87 I have been a fan of the Lipizzaners for many years. I recently found and watched the Disney movie on my computer, made I think in 1953, with Robert Taylor about the saving of the horses at the end of World War II. There were two performances in the movie that were actually filmed in Vienna in the Winter Riding School. I sat watching these gorgeous creatures perform incredible feats and cried at their beauty and the fact that they came so close to being lost. Thank you for the marvelous pictures and all of the information. I cannot even imagine what it would be like to see one of the stallions “up close and personal”. I’m not sure I would be able to breathe!
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the post. I definitely had goosebumps when I got to meet one of the horses. They’re just as beautiful as you imagine!
Good afternoon
I would like to buy a DVD of the Lipiizzana horse show
so can you help me please
many thanks
Andrew
Hi Andrew. Thanks for your interest. There are some DVDs for sale on the Spanish Riding School’s website at: https://shop.srs.at/multimedia/cd-dvd.html. I hope that helps!
We will be in Vienna, April 12 and 13 with Viking River Cruises. We would very much like to see the horses and possibly in action via show or training. Can you assist us in finding the best way to proceed, please?
Hi Harry,
So glad to hear that you are going to visit Vienna. You will see links in my post on the Lipizzaners where you can book a ticket to see them. Unfortunately, it does not look like there are any performances on April 12th or 13th. But you can see the horses in training on the 13th and/or attend a tour of the Spanish Riding School on either day. Here is the direct link:
https://www.getyourguide.com/s?partner_id=U8WECSF&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle&cmp=Lipizzaners&q=Vienna&et=42136&lc=7
Enjoy your trip!