Levade, courbette and capriole are classical school jumps performed by the Lipizzaner stallions, who enchant their public at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. The traditions of this haute école of classic equestrianism have been passed down by word of mouth for more than 400 years. Once these intelligent white stallions have completed their training, they are known as professors.
Learn more about the Spanish Riding SchoolA shopper’s paradise on six levels: in the centre of Innsbruck’s historic old town, with its centuries-old buildings, English star architect David Chipperfield’s new Kaufhaus Tirol provides a welcome contrast.
Learn more about Kaufhaus Tirol in InnsbruckDiscover Vienna on the run: with the guides from Vienna Sight Running you can get to know the Austrian capital from a completely different side – and at the same time do something for your own fitness, stamina, and health.
Learn more about Sight Running in Vienna“White gold” has been produced in Vienna for nearly 300 years. This fine porcelain is still made entirely by hand, and one can observe the production from up close on a tour of the Porcelain Manufactory Augarten.
Learn more about Porcelain Manufactory Augarten in ViennaLocated near Schönbrunn Palace, the Imperial Carriage Museum’s unique collection invites you on a tour through Austria’s history.
Learn more about the carriage museum...Twenty minutes from Innsbruck, in the town of Wattens, a water-spouting giant with sparkling eyes guards a glittering subterranean world.
Enter the mystical Swarovski Crystal Worlds.Ogling local and exotic animals with your night-vision goggles after dark or rising early to get a glimpse of early morning feeding, the Schönbrunn Zoo still stages the world’s most fascinating animal experiences and attractions. Quite an achievement considering that it is also the world’s oldest zoo!
Learn more about the zoo in Schoenbrunn Palace...Splendid things happen when heaven and earth meet. Truly one of the architectural jewels of Austria, the baroque Klosterneuburg monastery has been the center of spiritual, economic, social and cultural life in the region for 900 years. It is also Austria’s oldest and largest winery, and as the country’s first carbon neutral wine producer, it continues to be one of the most visionary.
Visit the Klosterneuburg AbbeyThe Treasury houses Habsburg treasures and insignia, among them the Austrian imperial crown as well as the insignia, and jewels of the Holy Roman Empire. Precious jewels such as the largest cut emerald in the world testify to the Habsburgs’ former power and glory.
Meet Vienna Walks & Talks, a family-run and highly specialized tour company founded by Dr. Brigitte Timmermann, and let them take you on their out of the ordinary sightseeing tours that make you discover the more hidden treasures of Vienna in a rather unconventional way.
Make your reservation....Get into a vintage Rolls Royce and explore the amazingly scenic region around Lake Fuschl near Salzburg. As a guest at Schloss Fuschl Resort & Spa you may do just that. The historic castle hotel not only prides itself on its gourmet cuisine, a wellness paradise and an internationally acclaimed art collection, but it also is home to a remarkable vintage car collection.
Make a reservation and drive your vintage car...The Esterházy family has ruled from its palatial estate in Eisenstadt, the capital of Burgenland, since 1622. They have been the foremost patrons of the arts in the region. Today, you can tour the rooms of the palace and the famous Haydn Hall. Admire the façade from your table at the Henrici Restaurant while dining on their famous Esterházy Roast Beef and Esterházy Cream Cake.
Learn more about the Esterházy palaceNo EU capitals are geographically closer together than Vienna and Bratislava. A new enjoyable way to get from city to city is on the Danube is truly a joy. Relax in your seat and see the sights pass by. Or stand on the deck and feel the fresh air caressing your hair on the open-air deck of the Twin City Liner and arrive in only 75 minutes, door-to-door!
The Old-Town is the heart and soul of Graz. Encompassing the city mountain, former fortifications, charming alleyways, medieval building facades as well as extraordinary modern architecture, it is a living museum with a modern twist. And, summer and winter, it is bustling with activity.
Learn more about the Old Town of Graz...If you were archbishop of Salzburg in the early 17th century and had too much spare time on your hands, what would you do with it? Build the mother of all water fun-parks, of course. Visit the unique world of Hellbrunn’s trick fountains and Mannerist architecture for an afternoon of amazing family fun.
For over 430 years, the SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL is practicing classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the haute école. Take in a performance or practice session in this venerable institution. At the HOUSE OF MUSIC you have a chance to discover the fascinating world of music and sound. Interactive, playful, fun it will grant you new insights and access into the world of music and will often surprise you.
Learn more about Vienna...In honor of Gustav Klimt’s 150th birthday, Vienna’s Galerie Belvedere kicks off a yearlong, citywide celebration of the artist and the Jugendstil movement.
In midst the mystical Salzkammergut Lake Region lies Hallstatt, Austria’s oldest village, who’s culture dates back to the 8th century B.C. Quite possibly the most photographed Austrian village, Hallstatt is visually framed by the Hallstaettersee and the massive Dachstein mountain range.
Learn more...Discover the birth place of the modern-day Dollar. In the historic town of Hall in Tirol, the ancient Mint Tower is an impressive reminder of a time when currency was literally as hard as the material it was produced from. Have fun exploring the history of money and mint your own coin as a souvenir.
Chances are you might be the only American strolling through the village at the time of your visit to Purbach, on the western shores of Lake Neusiedl and a short hour south of Vienna. Don’t let this deter you, but rather be a badge of exploration.
Learn more...Enter the fairy tale world of Hellbrunn Palace during its amazing Advent season.
Hidden deep underground, the Salzwelten salt cave in Hallein near Salzburg, one of the oldest in the world, offers a tour that is adventurous, fun and interesting all at the same time! It includes a train ride, boat ride and cross border trek—all underground! Great fun, especially if you are with a small group of friends or family. As long as you’re not claustrophobic!
Apple strudel lovers read on. The Café Residenz at Schönbrunn Palace, one of the historic bakers to the Habsburg family, shows you how to bake your own apple strudel according to their traditional recipe. Take the recipe home and get treated to a mouth-watering, oven-warm slice.
Learn to bake your own Apple Strudel...Discover Vienna on the run: with the guides from Vienna Sight Running you can get to know the Austrian capital from a completely different side – and at the same time do something for your own fitness, stamina, and health.
Learn more about Sight Running in ViennaVienna's historic and most romantic place for a marriage proposal. If that’s not in your travel plans, you’ll enjoy the magnificent view with a few less butterflies in your stomach.
Walking through endless rows of heavy halberds, needle sharp spears and iron armor plates in the world’s largest original armory, you can’t help but picture the mighty warriors of old sitting on their heavy war-horses in ornate armor, riding to defend their borders.
Learn more about the armory...Discover the 900-year-old Hohensalzburg Fortress, an evidence of Salzburg’s medieval history. Take a ride or walk to the largest, fully preserved fortress in central Europe and enjoy a breathtaking view over the city of Salzburg.
Fall for the charm of Salzburg by strolling through the city’s historic streets and alleys. Here, each house tells a story, and building preservation continues to be a guiding principle.
Learn more about SalzburgThe largest open-air museum of Lower Austria is an entire village: Where 80 historical buildings were disassembled from all over the Weinviertl and rebuilt again true to their original construction at Niedersulz.
More information on the open air museumTour the Augarten Palace, home to one of the world’s most famous porcelain manufactories and Vienna’s oldest Baroque gardens.
Visit the Augarten Palais in ViennaA jewel of the Baroque era meets contemporary art. 70.000 restored books, ceiling frescoes and sculptures in the magnificent library meet creations of Erwin Wurm, Rudi Molacek and Lois Renner.
More on Admont MonasteryAlmost five hundred years ago, construction began on a church that would inspire awe throughout the country, and generation after generation of amazed visitors. The man behind the Hofkirche Innsbruck? Ferdinand I, and his undertaking would serve as a staggeringly ambitious memorial to the Holy Roman Emperor who shared his blood.
There are numerous fables surrounding the “Schlossberg”, the city mountain of Graz. It is the only rock formation on an otherwise large plain. As such, it not only sparked people’s imaginations, but it was also the perfect place to settle and build impressive fortifications.
Learn more...During Advent, as the four weeks that lead up to Christmas are called in Austria, Graz literally lights up at night. All the main streets and squares are festively decorated, some in traditional fashion, some more adventurously...
Burgenland offers many attractive ways to enjoy winter, and one of the most traditional ways is visiting the Christmas markets.
Learn more...Located right at the Salzburg Airport, Hangar 7 is one Europe’s most fascinating places. Stunning architecture, historic aircraft, fast cars, innovative art and world-class cuisine will keep you busy for many hours.
A baroque jewel surrounded by magnificent gardens…. And remember Do-Re-Mi?
“To every age its art, to art its freedom” is the all encompassing artistic credo welcoming visitors to the famous golden-leave-globed building.
Domäne Wachau is located in one of the word’s most stunning vineyard landscapes just below the Dürnstein castle ruins where Richard the Lionhearted was once held captive. The friendly, knowledgeable staff guides you through wine tastings from the valley’s best vineyards in their stunning tasting room, open 7 days a week. Guided tours reveal a rich history and the flourishing modern wine culture of the region.
Vienna may not be as famous for its cemeteries as New Orleans, and “Central Cemetery” may not sound as romantic as „Pierre Lachaise“. Nonetheless Vienna’s Central Cemetery is one of the most interesting cemeteries in Europe – due to its size by area (495 acres) and number interred (3.3 million), ist history and its famous “inhabitants”.
Learn more about the Central CemeteryOnce you round the Baroque palace, which serves as the visitor’s center, your view opens up to include herds of elegant, gleaming white Lipizzaners and their black foals playing in their corrals.
In the midst of Burgenland’s western hills lies stately Forchtenstein Castle, built as a protective bulwark against invaders in the 13th century. A tour of the fortifications and the castle’s treasury will give you a lively impression of castle life in the Middle Ages.
For nearly a century, a funicular system offered passage around the hills of Innsbruck. In 2007 the system was retired, and replaced with something so architecturally stunning that it became a tourist destination in its own right. The journey is what matters on the Hungerburgbahn, and it happens in futuristic style.
Learn more about Hungerburg Funicular in InnsbruckWith 700 years of history clearly etched into its facades, this is a place where you can expect to stumble upon secret passageways and uncover stories of the knights and diplomats that called the castle their home.
Austria’s rural history comes alive at one of the largest open-air museums in Europe. Take a stroll through beautiful pastoral landscapes and admire more than 100 historic farm buildings from all over Austria.
Learn more about Stuebing...One of the most beautiful baroque buildings in the world, Prince Eugene’s summer palace, Schloss Hof, has recently been brought back to life.
Visit Schloss HofDiscover the fascinating world of the Salzburg Marionette Theater and see for yourself how the master puppeteers bring to life the expertly carved puppets, captivating their audience with performances of The Sound of Music, Mozart Operas or Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Make a reservation now...The tradition of the classical dressage dates back to 1572 and has been perfected ever since. The Winter Riding School in the Imperial Palace is the center stage for the performance of he snow white Lipizzaner horses.
Make your reservation...Information on how to get from the airport to the city center or rail stations. How to get tickets to perfomances & shows and how to book a sight-seeing tour.
Learn moreA jewel of the Baroque era meets contemporary art. 70.000 restored books, ceiling frescoes and sculptures in the magnificent library meet creations of Erwin Wurm, Rudi Molacek and Lois Renner.
More on Admont MonasteryMysteriously hidden in the wild and romantic landscape of the Feistritzklamm is located one of Austria’s most famous castles: Castle Herberstein
More on Castle HerbersteinAs more and more of us strive to live a less energy-intense lifestyle, Austria is now firmly on the map as an eco destination. Organic products are on offer whilst the consumption of energy and waste is carefully watched.
Learn more about green AustriaSalzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is dominated by churches, castles and palaces. Its picturesque old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight.
Benefits of the Salzburg CardThe Spanish Riding School of Vienna is the only riding academy in the world which has been cultivating the art of equitation in its purest form for over 400 years, and which trains both horses (the famous white Lipizzaners) and riders according to methods which have been used for centuries, passed down over the years by word of mouth alone.
Spanish Riding School ticket and performance informationWe have partnered with a number of tour operators and selected great trips to Austria's cities as well as our beautiful countryside. Wheather you would like to bike along great rivers, hike in the beautiful Alps, or just enjoy Austria's majestic cities...
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