Spanish Riding School — Lipizzaner Morning Exercise — Vienna, Summer 2026

<p>The Spanish Riding School is the only place in the world where the classical art of haute école horsemanship has been practised without interruption for more than four centuries. Its Morning Exercise sessions let visitors watch the celebrated white Lipizzaner stallions train in the breathtaking Winter Riding School inside Vienna's Hofburg palace, a white-and-gold baroque hall lined with columns and lit by chandeliers. It's a chance to see a genuine piece of living heritage rather than a staged tourist show, and it's considerably more affordable and relaxed than the full gala performances.</p><p>During the Morning Exercise the riders put the horses through their paces to music: warm-up circles, precise dressage figures, and glimpses of the demanding jumps and movements the school is known for. It's calmer and more informal than a performance, so you'll see the day-to-day craft of training up close, with horses at various stages of their education working in the ring together.</p><h3>Tips for going</h3><p>Sessions run on selected mornings and can be cancelled for the horses' rest or touring schedule, so check the calendar and book online in advance. Tickets are usually unallocated seating, so arrive early for a spot with a clear view of the ring. Photography rules can be strict, and there's often no rejoining once you leave, so settle in. Note the stallions take a summer break, so confirm the schedule before planning a trip around it.</p>

The Spanish Riding School is inside the Hofburg palace complex in central Vienna. Fly into Vienna International Airport (VIE), about 18 km southeast. The City Airport Train (CAT) or the cheaper S7 suburban train runs to Wien Mitte, from where the U-Bahn reaches the centre; a taxi takes around 20 to 30 minutes. The nearest U-Bahn stops are Herrengasse (U3) a couple of minutes away and Stephansplatz (U1/U3) a short walk further. The Hofburg is fully pedestrianised inside, so you'll approach the riding hall on foot through the palace courtyards, well signposted from Michaelerplatz.