A carriage tour in Vienna is lovely for tourists, but if there’s one thing Austrian drivers fear more than anything, it’s probably being stuck behind a horse-drawn carriage on the city’s roads. Despite the complaints and grumbling of the Austrians, it seems that the carriages are not disappearing anytime soon. They have long since become an inseparable part of Vienna and an experience that many tourists look forward to. Whether you are in St. Stephen’s Square or near the Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater Park, you can see many coachmen waiting leisurely by their carriages, anticipating tourists to join them for a tour around the city.
What is a Fiaker anyway? And what’s the connection between Vienna and carriages?
The term Fiaker actually comes from French and refers to the carriages that used to stand on the Parisian boulevard Rue de Saint Fiacre, waiting to take distinguished passengers back to their homes. Until the beginning of the 18th century, the carriages in Vienna were called Janschky, but their name was changed to Fiaker, and so they are called to this day.
The carriage business flourished in Vienna in the 19th century, with no fewer than 1,000 carriages in the city. The coachmen were well-known figures to the city’s residents, and some were even quite good singers who entertained their passengers with their singing.
Today, the carriages are part of the landscape and are still beautifully maintained and preserved. The coachmen take care of the horses, and the craft of their care is a true art form.
Carriage Tour in Vienna – What are the possible routes?
Tours in the Old Town:
The horse-drawn carriages are located in central places in the city: Stephansplatz, Michaelerplatz, Albertinaplatz, and Petersplatz, and from there you can take tours throughout the Old Town.
The short tour, which lasts about 20 minutes, will take you through the streets of the Old Town and the center of Vienna. The cost of this tour is about €65.
The long tour, which lasts about 30 minutes, combines the Old Town with the Ringstrasse, where you can see beautiful old buildings like the Opera House, Hofburg Palace, the Parliament, or the City Hall. The cost of the tour is about €34 per participant (whether child or adult).
You can book a carriage tour in Vienna’s Old Town in advance.
Tours in the Central Cemetery
You can also take a carriage tour in Vienna’s Central Cemetery. From Thursday to Sunday, tours depart from Gate 2 of the cemetery. The tours run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This includes a visit to the burial areas of famous people like Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven, Adolf Loos, and more.
The short tour, lasting about 30 minutes, costs €50. The long tour, lasting about 60 minutes, costs €80. The prices are for a carriage of 4 passengers.
To book the tour, please call: 004369918154022
“The Secrets of the Horse Carriages” Tour + Carriage Ride
On this tour, you can see everything that happens behind the scenes and learn about the world of the coachmen and their horses. First, you will tour the horse stables located on the outskirts of the city and learn about the craft of raising and training the horses. Afterwards, you will ride in a carriage to the city center. For more information and to book the tour in advance.
Dinner in a Carriage
Tour leisurely through the city streets while enjoying a Viennese dinner. This is a different and definitely cool experience. Keep in mind that the tour is luxurious and the price is accordingly.
More information and tour booking.
Carriage Tour for People with Disabilities
There is an option for a tour in a carriage accessible for people with disabilities who use a wheelchair. The tour starts near the Austrian National Theatre. It takes place from Monday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on weekends from 10:00 AM.
The tour must be arranged in advance with Suzi the coachwoman. Phone: 004369910602935
Where can you find horse-drawn carriages in Vienna?
You can join a carriage tour experience at one of the following locations: Stephansplatz, Michaelerplatz, Albertinaplatz, Petersplatz.
1. St. Stephen’s Square (Stephansplatz)
The easiest way is to take the subway and get off at the Stephansplatz station. The U1 (red line) and U3 (orange line) stop at this station. You can see the coachmen and horses right at the exit of the station, to the left of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
2. St. Michael’s Square (Michaelerplatz)
The square is located right next to the entrance to the Hofburg Palace. You can reach it by walking from the Ringstrasse or from the direction of the Old Town.
You can get to the palace entrance from the Ringstrasse using tram lines 1 and 2. Get off at the Ring/Volkstheater stop. Alternatively, you can take the U3 orange subway line and get off at the Herrengasse station. From there, you will have to walk about 5 minutes to the square.
3. Albertina Square (Albertinaplatz)
This square is adjacent to the famous Albertina Art Museum. You can reach it by walking through the Hofburg Palace gardens, walking from the subway station at Karlsplatz, or by using the trams that run on the Ringstrasse.
Subway: Get off at Karlsplatz station and take the exit for the Opera House (in German: Oper), and from there walk about 5 minutes to the square. The U1 (red line), U2 (purple line), and U4 (green line) stop at this station.
Tram: Several trams run on the Ringstrasse and stop near the Opera House, which is within walking distance of this square. The tram lines are: 1, 2, 71, D. Get off at the Kärntner Ring – Oper stop.
4. St. Peter’s Square (Petersplatz)
Not far from St. Stephen’s Cathedral is another beautiful church called St. Peter’s Church (Katholische Kirche St. Peter). The church square is called St. Peter’s Square, and there are also horse-drawn carriages there. You can reach it with a short walk from St. Stephen’s Square.
Interested in other attractions that are unique to Vienna? Visit Schönbrunn Palace or the Prater Park. You can find all the information about these places in our detailed articles.
