THE PLACE TO ENJOY

A RIDE ON THE FIAKER

City horse-drawn carriages, known as “Fiakers” in Austria, are an integral part of the cityscape of Vienna and Salzburg. If you want to be transported back to the time of Mozart or Empress Elisabeth “Sisi”, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city.

You can take in the sights at a leisurely pace. A ride in a horse-drawn carriage is not just a way to slow down. It is also environmentally friendly and definitely a lot of fun.

The hackney carriage in historic Vienna

Hired horse-drawn carriages had been around in European cities for a long time. But it was not until the late 17th century that they were referred to as “hackney carriages”. The term goes back to a French street name where horse-drawn carriages could be hired.

While the term was soon replaced by “Droschke”, the term “Fiaker” has survived in Austria to this day. It refers to both the two-horse carriage and the coachman himself.

It was these coachmen who became the epitome of the Viennese: Sometimes a little grumpy, always a joke on their lips and naturally very secretive when it came to their passengers’ secrets.

The hackney carriages today

In the late 19th century, up to 1000 horse-drawn carriages were registered in Vienna. Today there are around 200 horse-drawn carriages in Vienna and around a dozen in Salzburg. Each carriage must be registered and the drivers must pass an examination. The prices for the rides are set by the city.

It has also been decided that half of the coachmen in Vienna will drive on even days and the other half on odd days. So there is enough space for everyone. This arrangement also benefits the horses, which have every other day off. By the way: From 35° Celsius, the horses have no heat. The locations of the hackney carriages are fixed and the horses can also be provided with sufficient water here.

An unforgettable experience

In addition to the fixed routes through the old town or to Schönbrunn, there are also special offers with horse-drawn carriages. We have taken a look at what you should definitely not miss.

For families and all horse lovers, there has been an offer for some time that allows you to experience the horses up close. The package “Secrets of the Fiaker – Where Vienna’s Fiaker horses live” offers an insight into the lives of the coachmen and horses.

You will learn interesting and unknown facts about the life of horse-drawn carriages, history and animal welfare. You will also visit the horses’ stables and see the coachmen at work in the morning. The tour ends with a ride in a horse-drawn carriage into the city center.

Enjoyable and stylish through Vienna

For some romance for two, as an unforgettable experience with friends or family or as a hearty pleasure ride through Vienna, the “Riding Dinner” is a great offer. The package is available for Vienna and Salzburg.

While you sit comfortably in the carriage and discover the city, you can enjoy delicacies and specialties from Austrian cuisine.

The food and drinks come from well-known restaurants and are served professionally. A specially designed table in the Fiaker ensures comfortable and undisturbed enjoyment.