In Lilienfeld, monastic history, a distinctive park landscape and activities on Muckenkogel come together. The Cistercian Abbey was founded in 1202 by Babenberg Duke Leopold VI the Glorious and is considered Austria’s largest medieval monastery. Each destination has a different focus: the abbey’s historic rooms take centre stage, while Muckenkogel offers trails, views and mountain scenery. This lets you choose whether to explore Lilienfeld mainly for its culture or its outdoor activities during your stay.
Lilienfeld Abbey and its history
The abbey can be entered without a guided tour. Its distinctive features include the medieval cloister, the church and the also-medieval chapter house, as well as the Neo-Gothic fountain house. A visit therefore brings together buildings from different periods. The abbey library was established around 1730. Its collection includes 39,000 printed books, 119 incunabula and 226 manuscripts. These three figures give a tangible sense of the different collection groups and offer a glimpse into the abbey’s holdings.
The abbey park offers another perspective on Lilienfeld. Its landscape was designed in the spirit of the early 19th century and includes exotic trees, winding paths, streams and small ponds. Those interested in historic gardens will find a contrast here to the abbey’s rooms and buildings, without having to leave the town’s cultural setting.
Museum and Mathias Zdarsky
The Lilienfeld Museum covers silver and coal mining, the pilgrimage route to Mariazell, and the district’s industrial and natural history. Its exhibits include minerals, fossils and an insect collection; there is also a historic weaving room. As of 4 September 2026, the museum is closed for renovation. Before planning a visit, check whether its status has changed.
Another part of Lilienfeld’s history is linked to Mathias Zdarsky (1856–1940). He lived in Lilienfeld from the late 19th century and designed a sturdy ski binding that made it possible to ski down steep slopes. In the mountains around Lilienfeld, he developed the “Alpine (Lilienfelder) Skiing Technique”. On 19 March 1905, he held the first alpine skiing slalom race in the history of the sport on Muckenkogel. Photos and documents commemorating him can be seen in the Zdarsky-Stüberl at the Eberl inn.
Trails, views and cycling
Muckenkogel offers opportunities for walking, hiking, climbing and mountain biking through forests and meadows. From Muckenkogel, the view stretches north across the Danube Valley and south across the Alps. A chairlift provides access to the alpine pasture region around the 1,248-metre-high mountain. The views, range of activities and lift access offer several aspects to consider when choosing what to do.
The circular route from Lilienfeld to Muckenkogel takes in alpine pastures, viewpoints, two waterfalls and several places to stop for refreshments. Another trail leads from the valley station to Kolmer Waterfall, then continues along the Kolmsteig to Kleiner Waterfall and Lilienfelder Hütte. These destinations help distinguish the routes by their stops: the circular route brings together several landscape features, while the other trail takes in a series of named waterfalls and ends at the hut.
The Traisental Cycle Route also runs through Wilhelmsburg to Lilienfeld. This section follows paved riverside paths and quiet side roads, with no significant climbs. Cycling routes thus complement the opportunities on Muckenkogel with another way to explore the surrounding area. Cultural history, mountain activities and cycling provide distinct options for your time in Lilienfeld.
Discover more destinations: Ramsau Bei Hainfeld, Mitterbach Am Erlaufsee, Kaumberg, Annaberg Bei Mariazell, Türnitz, Rohrbach an der Gölsen, Wienerbruck, Traisen.
Go to the main travel overview: Lilienfeld.
