On 19 March 1905, Mathias Zdarsky held the first alpine ski slalom race in history on the Muckenkogel. This specific date makes the mountain a site of early alpine skiing history, while its trails offer different perspectives on the landscape.
On the Muckenkogel: Trails and Skiing History
The Muckenkogel can be reached on foot, by bicycle or by the rustic single-chairlift; the lift operates seasonally. The mountain has well-marked hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty. The Muckenkogel is also popular with ski tourers. If you are planning a particular tour, you can use the different access routes and time estimates as a guide for planning your day, without assuming that the trails are equivalent.
The Waterfall Trail leads from the valley station of the Lilienfeld chairlift to the Lilienfelderhütte (Gschwendt). The approximately 1.5-kilometre route is estimated to take around 1.5 hours on foot. The Pater Exinger Trail offers a different distance and time estimate: it leads from the intersection of Friedhofsgasse and Höhenstraße to the Stilles Tal and takes 40 to 50 minutes over a distance of approximately two kilometres. A Mathias Zdarsky Inventor Trail has also been laid out on the Muckenkogel and is particularly suitable for beginners. Another circular trail takes about 2.5 hours, leading from the mountain station via the Muckenkogel and the Hinteralm and returning via the Klosteralm.
The Abbey, Museum and Pilgrimage History
The Cistercian Abbey of Lilienfeld was founded in 1202 by Duke Leopold VI the Glorious. A notable detail in its history is the seal on the document with which Duke Frederick II the Quarrelsome confirmed the foundation: it shows the Bindenschild, the coat of arms of Austria, for the first time. The abbey park also has discoveries of its own. Its parkland includes exotic trees, winding paths, streams and small ponds. At the highest point of the park stands the so-called Chineser, a pagoda-like observation tower.
The Lilienfeld Museum explores various themes in the district’s history, including silver and coal mining, the pilgrimage route to Mariazell, and industrial and natural history. Exhibits include minerals and fossils. The museum also traces the success story of a pioneer regarded as the founder of alpine skiing technique, using notable examples of historic winter sports equipment. Lilienfeld itself has been described as an important stop on the Via Sacra since the beginning of the pilgrimage tradition. In the abbey’s writing room, children can try medieval writing with quill and ink; check before your visit whether this activity is available.
Orchid Mountains and Viewpoints
Lilienfeld’s summits are even known as orchid mountains among botanists. The Orchid Route runs halfway up the steep mountain massif. Check trail conditions before setting out. Another viewpoint is the lookout tower on the 587-metre-high Parapluie: from a rocky outcrop, the view extends to Lilienfeld Abbey and Spitzbrand. Check conditions before setting out on this trail, too.
At 1,313 metres, the Hinteralm is the highest point in Lilienfeld. From there, the view extends north across the Danube Valley and far south into the Alps. The district offers a different, broader view of the landscape: three quarters of it is covered by forest, earning it the name “Green Lung” of Lower Austria. At this destination, specific viewpoints sit alongside an extensive forest landscape.
Seasons, Refreshments and Special Dates
Regular events include the traditional alpine pasture mass at the Klosteralm. It takes place every year on the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, in connection with the cattle drive from the alpine pastures. The nostalgia ski race is also held annually in March and starts at the hut. Check the dates and arrangements for the relevant year in advance. Lilienfeld outdoor swimming pool offers a heated pool, a paddling area for toddlers, a play stream and a spacious sunbathing lawn surrounded by nature. As the facility operates seasonally, it is advisable to check the latest opening information before visiting.
At 956 metres, the Lilienfelder HĂĽtte serves hearty local cuisine featuring specialities from nearby farms. As operating days may change, check before visiting. Those wishing to stay overnight will find cosy dormitory accommodation; an overnight stay requires advance booking. The hut is both a destination on the Waterfall Trail and a place where visitors can plan a meal or an overnight stay.
Discover more destinations: Türnitz, Ramsau bei Hainfeld, Kaumberg, Annaberg bei Mariazell, Erlaufboden, Mitterbach am Erlaufsee, Hohenberg, Wienerbruck, Oberried, Sankt Aegyd am Neuwalde, Lilienfeld, Traisen, Sankt Veit an der Gölsen, Eschenau an der Traisen, Kleinzell, Rohrbach an der Gölsen.
To the main travel overview: Lower Austria.
