Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz Abbey

Idyllically nestled in Heiligenkreuz, in the middle of the Vienna Woods - here lies Heiligenkreuz Abbey, or the mystical heart of the Vienna Woods.

With around 200,000 visitors a year, the monastery is now one of Lower Austria's Top Excursion Destinations and, with its symphony of art, culture and mysticism, is not only a magnet for people from all over the world, but also a place of strength (Pope Benedict XVI) and a spiritual center in the heart of the Vienna Woods.

The almost 900-year-old Cistercian abbey was founded in 1133 by St. Margrave Leopold III of the Babenberg dynasty and has existed without interruption ever since. With a community of almost 100 monks, Heiligenkreuz Abbey is one of the liveliest monasteries in Europe and is experiencing an unprecedented boom.

Experience a piece of Austrian history and immerse yourself in the life of the monks of Heiligenkreuz Abbey when you visit the impressive abbey church or stroll through the Romanesque-Gothic cloister and find out what makes the monastery such a special place and unique experience.

Visitor information:

Open daily!

Monastery tour with audio guide available daily in 9 languages! (Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Hungarian, Czech, Polish and Russian)

For children there is also a children's audio guide in German with an exciting monastery puzzle and a surprise at the gate.

Further information:
Monastery gate:
+43 (0) 2258 8703 0
visit@stift-heiligenkreuz.at