Zwettl Abbey

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Zwettl Cistercian Abbey: A spiritual place full of history

The Cistercian monastery of Zwettl, founded in the 12th century, is one of the oldest monasteries in Austria. Nestled in the idyllic landscape of the Waldviertel, the monastery impresses with its baroque architecture, magnificent gardens and quiet, spiritual atmosphere. Visitors can explore the artistic monastery buildings, the impressive library and the impressive monastery church. A place of reflection and history that invites you to pause and marvel.

brief information

What is the Cistercian Abbey of Zwettl? A historic monastery founded in 1138 and still inhabited by Cistercian monks today.
Where is it? Zwettl Abbey, 3910 Zwettl, Austria.
How much time should I plan for? At least 2-3 hours for the tour.
Is it suitable for children? Conditionally, but there are also family-friendly tours.
Is there an entrance fee? Yes, here you will find all prices. With the NÖ-Card one-time admission is free
opening hours? Audio tours: April and October daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.;
May to September daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., last admission 45 minutes beforehand.
Are there guided tours? Yes, guided tours are offered regularly. You can also take a tour yourself with the audio guide.
Special highlights? The library, the cloister and the baroque altar are particularly worth seeing.

With the audio guide through the monastery

If you explore Zwettl Abbey with an audio guide, you will gain comprehensive insights into the various areas of the monastery. You will receive it in the monastery shop at the cash desk when you buy your ticket. This tour is available in the NÖ-Card included. The audio guide takes you through the monastery and the monastery garden - but excludes the library and the interior of the church (which you can only see from the entrance). For our taste, the guide is a bit too detailed. But maybe that's because we're traveling with a child 😉

Each area is accompanied by detailed explanations that highlight the historical and cultural aspects of the monastery. The audio guide allows you to discover the monastery's architecture, artwork and historical artifacts at your own pace.

The library

This tour costs an additional 3€, but it is really worth it!
The library of Zwettl Abbey is a particularly impressive room that houses a large number of rare and valuable books. The shelves are ornate and the ceiling is richly decorated. The collection includes works from various eras, including many religious texts and scientific treatises. The library illustrates the importance of knowledge and education in monastic life and offers a fascinating insight into the history of book art. We really enjoyed the Library in Admont Abbey reminds, only a little smaller.

The monastery garden

The monastery garden of Zwettl Abbey invites you to stroll and linger.
Admission is free. The well-kept grounds and the variety of plants offer a beautiful contrast to the historic buildings of the monastery. The garden is divided into different areas, including an herb garden and an orchard. Here you can enjoy the peace and nature that characterize life in the monastery. The garden is not only used for relaxation, but also to supply the monastery with fresh food and medicinal herbs.

There is also a cozy café with outdoor seating, but unfortunately the staff was completely overwhelmed during our visit.

The church

The church of Zwettl Abbey is a central place of prayer and worship. The impressive architecture and rich furnishings make the church a special place. The interior of the church requires a separate tour. Particularly noteworthy are the colorful windows, which glow in all colors in the sunshine. The baroque altar is another highlight. It is richly decorated and an example of baroque art and architecture. The church is not only a place of worship, but also a testimony to the religious and cultural history of the monastery.