Lilienfeld Abbey Hiking - Muckenkogel & Klosteralm

At Stift Lilienfeld hiking on the Muckenkogel

We were at Stift Lilienfeld im Mostviertel hike. The area around the Cistercian monastery is ideal for a holiday in Austria with hiking for connoisseurs. During a walk through the monastery park and one Hike on the Muckenkogel to the Klosteralm we visit the surroundings of the Cistercian monastery in Lower Austria.

 

 

A walk in the collegiate park

The Abbey Park near the Cistercian monastery is an inviting place to take a stroll. In the 19th century, Abbot Ambros Becziczka had the former zoo converted into a park with exotic trees. To do this, he had new trees and shrubs imported from all over the world every year. Among the park's plants you can find a Californian sequoia and a gingko tree.

I discover a Sitka spruce and Douglas fir, which I Alaska know. In the undergrowth I see magnolias and even a tulip tree, as in Africa to grow. You will find plants such as a Japanese Katsura tree or a mulberry tree here as well as dogwood plants. This includes the Dirndlstrauch, which blooms pretty in the spring. A walk through this mountainside is like walking through the exotic plants of the world.

 

 

Paths wind their way up the mountain in serpentines. In between there are always places that invite you to take a break. Halfway up there is a temple on the mountainside, and at the highest point of the park a pavilion watches over the park area. These buildings are signs of exoticism, which is also expressed in the choice of plants. Nevertheless, the park does not give the impression of an artificially created facility. Rather, it looks like a naturally grown forest with its paths.

 

 

With the chairlift on the Muckenkogel

From Lilienfeld you can reach the summit of the Muckenkogel on foot or with the Muckenkogel chairlift. We choose to take the chairlift. Firstly because we don't like hiking uphill, and secondly because the chairlift ride is an adventure in itself.

Here we ride up the mountainside in individual chairs. A test of courage for people with a fear of heights. The ride goes past rock faces. Every now and then I catch a glimpse of the hiking trail that leads through the forest below the lift. In one clearing I even see a deer grazing.

• If you want to go up the mountain on foot, you will find a Directions for the hike on the Muckenkogel.
• The Opening hours and prices for the chairlift here.

 

 

 

Lilienfeld's local mountain is 1248 meters high. From above you have views of the Vienna Woods, the Traisental and Lilienfeld Abbey. In the sun you have a view of four monasteries. Gottweig Abbey, Stift Lilienfeld, Melk Abbey and Herzogenburg Abbey. To the north you can see as far as the Danube. To the south we can see the Alps. At the top we reach a high plateau. Its alpine pastures belong to Lilienfeld Abbey.

 

 

Hiking at Lilienfeld Abbey to the Klosteralm

Although we are here at the end of June, it is still fresh on the summit of the Muckenkogel. The wind ensures temperatures at the summit of the Muckenkogel that are cooler than the early summer temperatures in the valley suggest. We are therefore glad that the way to the Klosteralm is not far. On the way there we walk across the alpine pasture. Those who want it more comfortably choose the gravel path. This leads from the mountain station of the Muckenkogel lift down the mountain to the Alm.

The Klosteralm has been around since the Middle Ages. At that time, the Muckenkogel Hut was run as a granary. This is a complex of farms that was farmed. These were often found in Cistercian monasteries. In the Middle Ages, the Cistercians were often given land as a gift. They gave this to lay brothers to farm. They received support from the monastery's servants and wage workers. However, they were responsible to the abbot or cellarer of the monastery for the operation of the land.

 

 

Lunch in the Klosteralm

Today, however, the Klosteralm is leased and offers hikers and skiers a hut as a rest stop. A range of food that is impressive awaits guests when they enter the alpine pasture. The food on offer is listed on a slate board.

The selection is impressive. In addition to soups, there are everything a hiker's heart desires, from stews such as potato goulash and bacon lentils with bread dumplings to smoked meat and roast pork with dumplings. Vegetarians can choose chanterelle sauce with bread dumplings.

 

 

Hike in Lilienfeld:

• On the Mathias Zdarsky Panorama Trail, you walk on a circular route from the top station of the chairlift back to the top station. The route leads over Muckenkogel and Hinteralm, over Schwarzwald and Klosteralm. Duration: approx. 2,5 hours
• The Mathias Zdarsky Inventor Trail also shows you the inventions of the ski pioneer on a circular trail. Duration: approx. 1 hour
• The waterfall path goes from the mountain station to the Klosteralpe and the Lilienfelder Hütte. From there you then follow forest paths to the small and large waterfalls. The path finally ends at the valley station of the chairlift. Duration: approx. 2 hours
• On the waterfall trail you start at the valley station of the Lilienfeld chairlift. You follow the blue trail markings. Walking time: 1,5 hours; distance: approx. 1,5 km; the trail ends at the Lilienfelderhütte.
• The Jägersteig begins at the Lindenbrunntal bridge and goes to the Freiland train station. Walking time: 3 hours. From there you can also follow the Mathias Zdarsky circular hiking trail. Walking time varies from person to person. Trail marking: yellow; route length: approx. 1,4 km
• The Pater Exinger Trail, on the other hand, begins at the Friedhofsgasse/Höhenstraße intersection. It leads into the Stille Tal. Trail markings: yellow. Walking time: 40-50 minutes. Distance: approx. 2 km
• The Mathias Zdarsky circular hiking trail begins and ends at the Lilienfeld District Museum. Trail marking: red. Walking time: 11 hours. Distance: 15 km

 

After hiking at Lilienfeld Abbey, however, we take the chairlift back down into the valley. This time we don't look at the rocks and the forest. Facing the valley, we take the chairlift down. This opens up a view of Lilienfeld Abbey.

Questions and answers about hiking at Stift Lilienfeld

Which hiking trails lead to the Muckenkogel near Stift Lilienfeld?

There are several routes to climb the Muckenkogel. One of the most popular routes starts directly at Lilienfeld Abbey and leads up through varied paths through forests and alpine meadows. You can either take the hike at a leisurely pace or opt for a more challenging route. Along the way, you will be rewarded with wonderful views of the surrounding mountain landscape. The view into the Lilienfeld valley is particularly impressive.

How challenging is the hike up the Muckenkogel?

The hike up the Muckenkogel is considered moderately difficult and is doable for both experienced hikers and sporty beginners. However, you should have a good level of fitness, as the climb is steep in places and will take several hours. Some sections can be slippery, especially after rain, so sturdy shoes and surefootedness are an advantage. Overall, the tour is well marked and can be completed in around three to four hours, depending on your pace.

When is the best time to hike the Muckenkogel?

The Muckenkogel can be hiked all year round, although the best months for a hike are between May and October. In spring and early summer, the alpine meadows are in full bloom and you can enjoy the clear air and pleasant temperatures. Autumn also offers ideal conditions with colorful foliage and mild weather. In winter, the hike is more suitable for experienced mountaineers, as snow and ice can make the terrain more challenging.

Are there places to stop for refreshments on the way to Muckenkogel?

Yes, on your hike you have the opportunity to take a break and recharge your batteries in cozy huts. We particularly recommend the Lilienfelder Hut, which is in a wonderful location right on the Muckenkogel. Here you can enjoy a hearty snack and take in the fantastic view of the surrounding mountains. Some hikers plan their tour so that they take a break in the hut before climbing to the summit.

What sights are there around Lilienfeld Abbey?

In addition to the hike up the Muckenkogel, you should definitely visit the impressive Lilienfeld Abbey itself. The abbey is the largest medieval monastery complex in Austria and an architectural jewel. The Gothic church and the beautiful cloister offer a peaceful atmosphere that invites you to linger. You will also find exciting exhibits on the history of the monastery and the region in the Abbey Museum. A visit to the abbey can be perfectly combined with your hike and rounds off the trip.

 

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Travel Arrangements

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Arrival by plane and/or car for hiking at Lilienfeld Abbey

Compare and book flights here* (advertisement). The nearest airport is Vienna. From there you then travel by car. Travel time from Vienna to Lilienfeld is about 1 hour. From Munich one drives 4 hours, from Salzburg sowie von Graz about 2,5 hours.

Car Rentals:

Cheap rental cars - book here! *

Accommodation:

For example, book yours here Accommodation Lilienfeld *. In addition, the night in the pen is possible. Registration via this email: pforte@stift-lilienfeld.at

 

If you book through one of these offers, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.

By the way: Do you already know the hiking opportunities on the Lofer Alm in the Salzburg region? Or have you already been to Admont Abbey in Styria?

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Do you know this?

• Gifts for hikers
• the Mostviertel
• Heiligenkreuz Abbey and Mayerling Castle to savor
• Waldviertel Austria
• Hotel Schwarz Alm in Advent
• Freshly smoked trout and char from the Chiemsee fisherman
• Vianden - a castle in the Ourtal

 

We would definitely like to thank Klösterreich for inviting us to hike at Lilienfeld Abbey.

You are also looking for more Travel tips to monasteries? You will find what you are looking for at this link. Also discover others Slow Travel Tips.

Text hiking at Lilienfeld Abbey: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Videos: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline

try-title">Stift Lilienfeld Hiking – Muckenkogel & Klosteralm