Signature experience — Graz
Piber stud farm and the Lipizzaners
Duration
Half day
Price
From €420
Mercedes
Dedicated vehicle & chauffeur
On 24 June 1920, with the Habsburg realm already history, Piber was named the federal stud entrusted with raising stallions for Vienna’s Spanish Riding School, a Lipizzaner line that traces to Lipica in 1580. The 45 km drive from Graz along the A2 and L345 rolls past Styrian orchards to the historic stables and the grazing grounds around Piber Castle. Here’s a detail many miss: foals are born dark—chestnut or bay—and only turn white after several coat changes, usually between six and nine years.
Your dedicated driver collects you at your Graz hotel in a Mercedes and keeps the schedule fluid: an easy run to Piber, a photo stop at Gaberln pass (about 20 minutes), then the guided stable tour and indoor arena. While you ride in comfort, he handles tickets and waits on site. The route continues to Bärnbach, 12 km south, to see St. Bartholomew’s Church reimagined by Hundertwasser. Back in Graz, the driver fine-tunes the return—perhaps a cheese stop near Köflach, or straight into the old town.
Your itinerary
- I
09:00 — Pick-up at your Graz hotel and departure via A2 toward Köflach (45 km, about 45 minutes).
- II
09:50 — Photo stop at Gaberln pass with Styrian hill views (10–20 min).
- III
10:15 — Arrive at Piber Stud; guided tour of stables and indoor arena (about 60–75 minutes).
- IV
11:45 — Drive to Bärnbach (12 km, 15 min) to visit Hundertwasser’s St. Bartholomew’s Church (30 min), then return to Graz.
What’s included
- ✓ Dedicated private driver
- ✓ Mercedes E or V-Class
- ✓ Hotel pick-up
- ✓ Waiting time on site
Your chauffeur’s tip
Aim for a weekday morning in spring or early autumn; around 10:30 you’re more likely to see turn-out to the paddocks. Pre-book the guided tour 48 hours ahead through Piber to lock your slot.
Book this experience
Confirmed within 30 minutes · Fixed price quoted in advance