The Mayerling Carmelite Monastery is the former hunting lodge of Crown Prince Rudolf and the original site of the tragedy of 30 January 1889. Alongside this historical focus, there are practical opportunities for hiking and cycling. When choosing where to stay, you can weigh up whether you want to focus on visiting the monastery complex or also include trails on foot or by bike.
Getting there and finding your way
The “Mayerling altes Jagdschloss” Postbus stop is right outside the entrance to the Mayerling Carmelite Monastery. Buses 306 and 308 run regularly from Baden bei Wien. As transport details can change, check the information before travelling.
The visitor centre serves as an information point and as the starting and ending point of the tour. The exhibition explores the heir to the throne and the events of the tragedy, and features striking original artefacts from Rudolf’s life. Individual visitors can follow the exhibition with accompanying texts in German and English. Guided tours are available for groups of 15 or more; they are offered in German, and translation is also possible.
During the summer season, the Mayerling Carmelite Monastery is open daily from 10:00 to 17:30, except Mondays; last admission is at 17:00. Check seasonal information before your visit.
Hunting lodge, monastery and pavilion
Crown Prince Rudolf acquired the manor in Mayerling in 1886 and had it converted into a hunting lodge. After the tragedy, the former hunting lodge was transformed into a Carmelite monastery. The Neo-Gothic Church of St. Joseph was consecrated in 1891. The Carmelite church stands exactly where Crown Prince Rudolf and Mary Vetsera died.
The pavilion is part of the original building complex from Crown Prince Rudolf’s time. Its ceiling painting, dating from 1887, recalls Baroque models. The pavilion was restored in 2014 and has been open to visitors ever since.
The monuments register, dated 23 June 2026, lists both the Mayerling Carmelite Monastery and the Franciscan Sisters’ monastery in Mayerling as protected monuments. The latter was formerly the hunting lodge’s farmyard.
Hiking, pilgrimage and cycling
You can hike from Heiligenkreuz to Mayerling. One long-distance option is the Via Sacra: this 121-kilometre pilgrimage route leads from Brunn am Gebirge to Mariazell and passes the Mayerling Carmelite Monastery in the Vienna Woods. Because some sections have an alpine character, it is recommended only for experienced hikers.
For views of the landscape, the BischofsmĂĽtze lies south of Mayerling. It is recognisable by its rocky pulpit; a narrow ridge and steep rock faces characterise the terrain. From there, you can enjoy views of historic Mayerling, Alland and the surrounding Vienna Woods. The BischofsmĂĽtze can be reached via the Allander Rundweg No. 8.
The “Tut Gut!” Schritteweg Alland is a circular route from Feldgasse via Mayerling and Untermeierhof and back to Feldgasse. Route information was last updated on 5 June 2025. By bike, the Klöster Kaiser Künstler Tour leads to the Mayerling Carmelite Monastery and continues to Heiligenkreuz Abbey.
The routes differ mainly in their type and course: the Via Sacra is a 121-kilometre pilgrimage route with some alpine sections; the Schritteweg is a circular route with named stops; and the Klöster Kaiser Künstler Tour is a cycling route to Mayerling and onwards to Heiligenkreuz. This can help you decide whether your stay should focus mainly on the history of the Carmelite monastery, a hike or a cycling tour.
Discover more destinations: Günselsdorf, Pfaffstätten, Blumau, Traiskirchen, Oberwaltersdorf, Leobersdorf, Kottingbrunn, Schönau An Der Triesting.
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