Lilienfeld: Abbey, Mountain Trails and Nature

In Lilienfeld, traces of monastic history meet trails on Muckenkogel and views across the mountains. The Cistercian Abbey, the landscape and the many ways to hike and cycle give your trip several distinct themes—from history and nature to outdoor activity.

Abbey History, Park and Museum

Lilienfeld Cistercian Abbey was founded in 1202 by Leopold VI the Glorious, Duke of Austria from the House of Babenberg. Another historical connection leads to Duke Frederick II the Quarrelsome: the seal on the document with which he confirmed the abbey’s foundation shows the Bindenschild, the Austrian coat of arms, for the first time. These two connections tell different chapters of the abbey’s history and help put Lilienfeld’s past into context.

Lilienfeld Abbey Park includes a landscaped area with exotic trees, winding paths, streams and small ponds. At the park’s highest point stands the so-called “Chineser,” a pagoda-like observation tower. The Lilienfeld Museum covers a range of topics from the history of the district, including silver and coal mining, the pilgrimage route to Mariazell, and industrial and natural history. Exhibits include minerals and fossils. The story of a pioneer regarded as the founder of alpine skiing technique is also traced through remarkable winter sports equipment from earlier times.

Mountain Scenery and Views

Even botanists call the peaks of Lilienfeld “orchid mountains.” The Orchid Route runs halfway up the steep mountain massif; check trail conditions before setting out. The altitude is also an important consideration at the Parapluie viewpoint: from a rock ledge, the observation tower on 587-metre-high Parapluie offers a magnificent view of Lilienfeld Abbey and Spitzbrand.

At 1,313 metres, Hinteralm is the highest point in Lilienfeld. From there, the view stretches north across the Danube Valley and south far into the Alps. This is distinctly different from the view of the abbey and Spitzbrand from Parapluie. The forest landscape is also on a different scale: three quarters of Lilienfeld District is covered by forest, which is why the district is known as Lower Austria’s “green lung.” This figure refers to the district, not just the town.

Hiking on Muckenkogel

You can reach Muckenkogel on foot, by bicycle or on the rustic single-chairlift. The lift operates seasonally, so check whether it will be running on your chosen date if you plan to use it. The mountain has well-marked hiking trails of varying difficulty. The Mathias Zdarsky Inventor Trail is particularly suitable for beginners, while Muckenkogel is also popular with ski tourers.

The Wasserfallsteig trail leads from the Lilienfeld chairlift’s valley station to Lilienfelderhütte (Gschwendt); the stated distance is about 1.5 kilometres, with an estimated walking time of around 1.5 hours. The Pater Exinger Weg leads from the Friedhofsgasse/Höhenstraße junction to Stilles Tal and is described as taking 40 to 50 minutes over about two kilometres. This means the stated time for the Pater Exinger Weg is shorter, even though it is listed as the longer of the two routes.

Another option is a 2.5-hour circular hike from the mountain station via Muckenkogel and Hinteralm, returning via Klosteralm. The route connects these stops in a loop; check lift operations separately. If you would rather cycle, the Traisental Cycle Route runs from Traismauer via St. Pölten, Lilienfeld and St. Aegyd am Neuwalde to Mariazell. It is designated as a family and pilgrimage cycle route. On the section via Wilhelmsburg to Lilienfeld, it follows paved riverside paths and quiet side roads; there are no major climbs on this stretch. Check for current disruptions before setting off.

More Experiences and Events

For a swimming break, Lilienfeld Outdoor Pool offers a heated pool, a splash area for toddlers, a play stream and a spacious sunbathing lawn surrounded by peaceful nature. Check seasonal opening information before your visit. In the abbey’s scriptorium, children can try medieval writing with quill and ink; check before visiting to see whether the activity is currently available.

Recurring events may also factor into your travel plans. A traditional alpine pasture mass is held each year at Klosteralm for the Nativity of Mary, marking the return of the livestock from the alpine pastures. The Nostalgia Ski Race takes place every March and starts at the hut. Check the dates and arrangements for the year in question before planning your trip around them. This helps distinguish Lilienfeld’s year-round offerings—its abbey, museum, mountain trails and landscape—from events scheduled for specific dates each year.

Discover more destinations: Annaberg bei Mariazell, Kaumberg, Ramsau bei Hainfeld, Türnitz, Hohenberg, Eschenau an der Traisen, Erlaufboden, Mitterbach am Erlaufsee, Wienerbruck, Sankt Veit an der Gölsen, Oberried, Sankt Aegyd am Neuwalde, Traisen, Lilienfeld, Kleinzell, Rohrbach an der Gölsen.

Go to the regional travel overview: Lower Austria.