Fiaker Museum, Vienna

Even today, you can still find horse-drawn carriages in the heart of Vienna's city center, particularly in the streets of the first district. This mode of transportation is known for its exclusivity and comes with a hefty price tag.

In 1863, the Vienna Fiaker Cooperative acquired a building constructed in 1852. This building would later house the Fiaker Museum, established by the specialized group dedicated to the passenger carriage industry in 1968. The Fiaker Museum is a place where you can experience a piece of Viennese nostalgia. It provides a comprehensive account of the 300-year history of horse-drawn carriages and their owners through various forms of documentation, including documents, paintings, graphics, engravings, and photographs.

In Vienna, we can trace back a 300-year history of the Fiaker, which holds a significance similar to what gondolas represent for Venice. The Fiaker consists of three key components: the horses, the carriage, and the coachman.

The term "Fiaker" originally derives from the French language, and it was first associated with the Rue de Saint Fiacre in Paris, where the first pay-carriage stand was established. This concept dates back to as early as 1662 when a merchant began using carriages for hire. Interestingly, the name "Fiaker" was linked to an Irish monk named Fiacrius. Saint Fiacrius became the heavenly patron of this emerging profession.

In Vienna, the first Fiaker license was granted approximately 30 years later. During the 19th century, Vienna boasted about 1,000 Fiakers. However, since the First World War, Fiakers in Vienna have primarily been used for city tours, visits to the Prater (especially popular for confirmations), and special occasions like weddings.