The Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna | Schönbrunn Palace 2026 – Top Sport, Vibrant Tradition, and a Program for Everyone
Vienna, April 21, 2026 – The countdown is on: The Ehrenhof of Schönbrunn Palace will once again become the stage for top international sports. When the Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna stops in Vienna from September 24 to 27, hundreds of horses and top riders from over 30 nations will meet against one of the most spectacular backdrops in international sports. World-class show jumping, for the first time dressage at the international top level, the appearance of the Spanish Riding School, a dedicated Kids' Day with free admission, and a charitable contribution to a social initiative will characterize the event that combines sport, culture, and experience..
There are places where sport is more than competition. Schönbrunn Palace is one such place. When the Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna returns to the ceremonial courtyard of the UNESCO World Heritage site from September 24 to 27, 2026, top international sport will meet not only culture and living history, but also a program that extends far beyond equestrianism.
The Longines Global Champions Tour is one of the most prestigious series in international show jumping, taking the world's best riders through metropolises like Shanghai, Paris, Monaco, and Cairo. Vienna is part of this series and, with Schönbrunn Palace, is one of the most impressive venues worldwide.
Program expansion
In 2026, the Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna | Schönbrunn Palace will be expanded with another discipline. In addition to show jumping, an international dressage competition will also take place in the Ehrenhof of Schönbrunn Palace for the first time. The event will thus combine two Olympic equestrian disciplines in one location.
The Spanish Riding School will kick off the event. Their performance will mark the beginning of the proceedings and will highlight Vienna's long tradition and culture of horsemanship. At the same time, young talent will again be heavily involved this year. In the U25 competition, young talents will compete in direct proximity to the international top class, gaining valuable experience at the highest level on a grand stage.
One day belongs to the youngest
On Thursday, the event will be all about children. With free admission, the youngest visitors can expect a varied program with pony rides, insights into horse-related work, and interactive stations to participate in. Children's Day makes the event an experience for the whole family.
„For me, this event is far more than just a riding competition. It's about bringing people together, creating special moments, and taking responsibility at the same time. I've always been fascinated by the special connection between humans and animals, and that's exactly what makes this sport so unique. The fact that we can also support charity projects with the event is a very essential part of it for me.“, says Sonja Klima, Organizer of the Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna | Schönbrunn Palace. For four days, Schönbrunn will be the stage for international athletes, families, sports fans, culture enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to experience equestrian sport in a special setting.
„Schönbrunn Palace is a place with international appeal, where history and the present are uniquely connected. Especially in the year of its 30th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Longines Global Champions Tour underscores this special significance: we are once again bringing world-class sport to this unique setting and creating an experience that goes far beyond equestrianism.“ emphasized Klaus Panholzer, Managing Director of the Schönbrunn Group, finally.
About the Longines Global Champions Tour of Vienna
The Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna | Schönbrunn Palace (LGCT Vienna) is part of the prestigious international show jumping series, the Longines Global Champions Tour, and brings the world's best riders and horses to the Austrian capital. As a unique equestrian event, LGCT Vienna | Schönbrunn Palace combines top-class sport with a spectacular setting and first-class entertainment. The event aims to showcase equestrian sport in Vienna at the highest level and make it accessible to a broad audience. In addition to the exciting competitions featuring the world's best riders, LGCT Vienna | Schönbrunn Palace offers exclusive hospitality areas, a diverse supporting program, and an unforgettable experience for equestrian fans and guests from all over the world.
About GCL
The GCL Team Series redefines show jumping with a dynamic format where top riders from various nations compete together for the same team. In 2026, 17 teams, featuring many of the sport's Olympic and World champions, will go head-to-head across 17 spectacular events worldwide, running in parallel with the Longines Global Champions Tour. Strategic team selections and high-stakes contention define the GCL season, with each event contributing to the overall standings. The top four teams at the end of the regular season will secure a direct path to the GCL Super Cup semi-finals at the GC Playoffs in Riyadh, bypassing the quarter-finals. With a fierce competitive spirit and thrilling action from start to finish, the GCL offers world-class team sport like never before.
About Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, is celebrating a special anniversary this year along with its gardens and Schönbrunn Zoo: 30 years as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is not only an award but also a commitment to the preservation and further development of the imperial heritage. The palace is a site of the Schönbrunn Group and thus also part of an economic success story, which in turn is the basis for the financial security of scientifically supported preservation measures.
For enquiries, please contact:
Sonja Klima +43 676 663 00 00 office@lgct-vienna.com
Julia Kent +43 664 246 90 55 | julia@komma4.at