Circus

Spanish Riding School Performance of the Lipizzans (70 min)

4.5/5(50)

Barbara V

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

We had an unforgettable experience at the Spanish Riding School. We were deeply moved by the palpable connection between horse and rider, the absolute trust, and the talent of both. We recommend everyone go see this beautiful show. The respect for the animals, the extraordinary performance, and the patience resulting from years of training with which this fantastic achievement has been passed down for centuries.

Werner S

Couple

Verified booking

Yesterday

The precision with which the riders and horses worked together. You could hardly tell just how much work and time went into such performances.

Christine G

Couple

Verified booking

Jun 2026

We booked standing because the rest was sold out but quite honestly I think our view was better than some of the seats I loved how the young horses came on first and the show gradually moved on through stages of the horses training to the finale. I actually shed a tear because it was so beautiful! Only downside was it was difficult to find the right entrance for our area. We ended up in 2 different wrong queues before we found the correct place. Better signposting would be good

Doriana R

Couple

Verified booking

Jun 2026

Horses were exquisite. Extremely impressive. One of the horses performed tempe changes with handler on the ground. The stallion performed approximately 40 tempe changes flawlessly. The arena itself is jaw dropping beauty. It was my dream to see this my entire life! A must see!

James M

Couple

Verified booking

Jun 2026

The structure was impressive, especially when you realize it is many years old and ghow many historic figures have attended performances. I especially enjoyed the symmetry and geometry of the formations and especially the salutes -

Karen A

Couple

Verified booking

Jun 2026

Easy to book. A little challenging to find the entrance to our seating due to an initial lack of signage. The venue could improve this. The horses and riders were stunning. No photography allowed.

Watch the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions perform to classical music inside the Baroque Winter Riding School at Hofburg Palace.

See riders and Lipizzaner stallions perform choreographed group routines and advanced solo movements like levades and caprioles.

Experience the performance in a setting designed for spectacle with classical Viennese music and a lighting concept created by artist André Heller.Choose between reserved seating or a standing viewing area to suit how you’d like to experience the performance.

Fun fact: The Spanish Riding School is the only place in the world where Renaissance-era classical equitation has been practiced continuously for over 460 years and is now recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Entry ticket to 70-minute Lipizzaner performance

Entry to the historic Winter Riding School at Hofburg Palace

Standing area access (option based)

Reserved seating (option based)

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

50 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United States, Germany, United Kingdom and over 15 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Barbara V
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
We had an unforgettable experience at the Spanish Riding School. We were deeply moved by the palpable connection between horse and rider, the absolute trust, and the talent of both. We recommend everyone go see this beautiful show. The respect for the animals, the extraordinary performance, and the patience resulting from years of training with which this fantastic achievement has been passed down for centuries.
Werner S
Couple
Verified booking
Yesterday
The precision with which the riders and horses worked together. You could hardly tell just how much work and time went into such performances.
Christine G
Couple
Verified booking
Jun 2026
We booked standing because the rest was sold out but quite honestly I think our view was better than some of the seats I loved how the young horses came on first and the show gradually moved on through stages of the horses training to the finale. I actually shed a tear because it was so beautiful! Only downside was it was difficult to find the right entrance for our area. We ended up in 2 different wrong queues before we found the correct place. Better signposting would be good
Doriana R
Couple
Verified booking
Jun 2026
Horses were exquisite. Extremely impressive. One of the horses performed tempe changes with handler on the ground. The stallion performed approximately 40 tempe changes flawlessly. The arena itself is jaw dropping beauty. It was my dream to see this my entire life! A must see!
Jayne Z
Couple
Verified booking
Jun 2026
I actually wasn't wowed about this event. It was nice to see the horses because they are beautiful. I liked when they kicked up their feet. The perfromance itself was not what I would call exciting. It was pleasant!!We weren't allowed to take any photos so can't post any.

Watch the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions perform classical dressage in Vienna’s historic Winter Riding School.

Getting started

Present your voucher at the Spanish Riding School Visitor Center near the main entrance on Michaelerplatz 1.

What to expect

Spanish Riding School Performance of the Lipizzans

Founded in the 16th century, the Spanish Riding School is a UNESCO-recognized institution dedicated to the art of classical horsemanship. The Winter Riding School’s baroque hall provides a grand setting for the Lipizzaner stallions’ elegant performance.

Features

Lipizzaner stallion performance: Witness the stallions and their riders perform centuries-old dressage movements, including the iconic “airs above the ground.”

Baroque Winter Riding School: Enjoy the show in a venue built in 1729, renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance.

Classic Viennese music: The performance is accompanied by traditional Viennese music, adding a cultural touch to the spectacle.

What to bring

Your voucher (mobile or printed) to redeem your ticket at the Spanish Riding School Visitor Centre before the performance.

A valid photo ID, in case it’s requested at entry.

Bring essentials only because there's no cloakroom to keep your belongings.

What’s not allowed

Pets and dogs are not permitted anywhere inside the Spanish Riding School.

Cameras, photography, and recording equipment are strictly prohibited during the performance.

Large bags, suitcases, and luggage cannot be stored, as there is no cloakroom available.

Children under 3 years are not allowed to attend the performance.

Accessibility

The Spanish Riding School is housed in a protected historic building and does not have an elevator.

The Royal Box, first gallery, and second gallery are accessible only by stairs and may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.

Due to limited wheelchair spaces, wheelchair users must email a request in advance.

Entry is only confirmed once written approval is received and must be shown when collecting tickets.

A wheelchair-accessible toilet is available at the Visitor Centre.

Disabled parking spaces are available in the inner courtyard.

Additional information

Tickets must be redeemed prior to the show at Spanish Riding School Visitor Centre. Please note that you can pick up your tickets earliest 1 hour before the activity.

Late entry may not be permitted once the performance begins.

Children aged 3–6 may attend free of charge but must sit on an adult’s lap (“lap child”).

Children aged 6–12 are eligible for a reduced ticket price.

There is an on-site café available where you can have light meals and desserts before or after the performance.