Mayerling: Monastery History and Hiking Trails

Mayerling combines the history of a former hunting lodge with the Carmel, an exhibition, and hiking trails through the Wienerwald landscape. At its heart is the Carmel of Mayerling: here, the events surrounding Crown Prince Rudolf meet a monastery church, a historic pavilion, and a walking tour. Those who prefer the outdoors will find trails at Bischofsmütze as well as hiking and cycling routes.

Monastery History and Historic Sites

In 1886, Crown Prince Rudolf acquired the estate in Mayerling and had it converted into a hunting lodge. The Carmel of Mayerling is this former hunting lodge and the original site of the tragedy on 30 January 1889. The Carmel church stands exactly where Crown Prince Rudolf and Mary Vetsera died. After the tragedy, the hunting lodge was converted into a Carmelite convent; the neo-Gothic Church of St. Joseph was consecrated in 1891.

The heritage register entry dated 23 June 2026 lists the Carmel of Mayerling, Rudolf’s former hunting lodge, as protected by decree. The Franciscan convent in Mayerling is also a protected monument. It was formerly the service yard of Mayerling hunting lodge.

The pavilion is also 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.

Exhibition and Visiting the Carmel

The visitor centre serves as an information point and the starting and finishing point of the tour. The exhibition covers the heir to the throne and the circumstances of the deaths, and displays impressive original items relating to Rudolf’s life. Individual visitors can follow it with accompanying texts in German and English. Guided tours are available for groups of 15 or more. They are offered in German; translation is possible.

During the specified summer period, the Carmel is open daily except Mondays from 10:00 to 17:30; last admission is at 17:00. Before visiting, check that these seasonal hours suit your travel dates.

The “Mayerling altes Jagdschloss” Postbus stop is directly in front of the Carmel entrance. Buses 306 and 308 run regularly from Baden bei Wien. Check the timetable before travelling so you can plan your connection for your travel day.

Bischofsmütze and Trails Around Mayerling

Bischofsmütze lies south of Mayerling and is recognisable by its rocky pulpit. A narrow ridge and steep rock faces define the terrain; from there, the view extends over historic Mayerling, Alland, and the surrounding Wienerwald. Bischofsmütze can be reached via the Alland Circular Trail No. 8. Alland itself is part of the Wienerwald Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO.

The Via Sacra passes through the Wienerwald between Vienna and Mariazell, by the Carmel of Mayerling. The 121-kilometre pilgrimage route runs from Brunn am Gebirge to Mariazell. Because parts of it have an alpine character, it is recommended only for experienced hikers. Another hiking route runs on foot from Heiligenkreuz to Mayerling and is called “Heiligenkreuz–Mayerling”.

The “Tut Gut!” Alland Steps Trail is a circular route from Feldgasse via Mayerling and Untermeierhof back to Feldgasse. By bicycle, the Klöster Kaiser Künstler Tour runs to the Carmel of Mayerling and continues to Heiligenkreuz Abbey. The routes mentioned therefore differ not only in their starting points but also in their format: a pilgrimage route, a hiking connection, a circular route, or a cycling route.

Choose a Holiday Apartment Based on Your Travel Focus

If you are looking for a holiday apartment for a stay in Mayerling, you can start by deciding what matters most: are you primarily interested in the Carmel’s history and the exhibition, or would you rather hike and cycle? The seasonal opening hours and the stop directly in front of the Carmel help you plan your visit; the trails vary in their starting points and type. Choose your search based on what you want to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations:

Baden, Schönau An Der Triesting, Weissenbach An Der Triesting, Reisenberg, Hernstein, Sooß, Traiskirchen, Bad Vöslau

To the main travel overview: Baden.