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Schloss Mayerling: Tragedy and Transformation

Explore Schloss Mayerling: A site of imperial tragedy, transformed into a Carmelite convent in the heart of the Vienna Woods.

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Schloss Mayerling, a former hunting lodge turned Carmelite convent, is steeped in Austrian history. It's infamous as the site where Crown Prince Rudolf and his mistress, Baroness Mary Vetsera, met their tragic end in 1889, an event that shook the Habsburg Empire. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into this poignant past and a place for quiet reflection.

A brief summary to Schloss Mayerling

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds and experience a more peaceful atmosphere.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Heiligenkreuz Abbey for a deeper exploration of the region's history and religious heritage.
  • Check the Karmel Mayerling website for current opening hours and any special events.
  • Consider taking a guided tour for in-depth historical insights and stories about the site.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Vienna, take the train to Baden bei Wien. From Baden, take bus line 306 or 308 to the 'Mayerling Altes Jagdschloss' stop. The bus ride is approximately 20 minutes. A single bus fare from Baden costs around €4-6. Alternatively, bus 365 from Mödling also stops in Mayerling. Check the bus schedule in advance.

  • Driving

    From Vienna, take the A21 motorway towards Linz. Exit at Alland and follow the signs to Mayerling. Parking is available near Schloss Mayerling. Parking fees are approximately €3-5 per day.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Baden bei Wien to Schloss Mayerling will cost approximately €20-30 and take around 15-20 minutes. From Vienna, a taxi would cost approximately €40-50.

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Discover more about Schloss Mayerling

Schloss Mayerling, nestled in the Vienna Woods near Alland, Lower Austria, is a site of profound historical significance. Originally a medieval manor, it gained notoriety as a hunting lodge of Crown Prince Rudolf, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. In 1889, the infamous Mayerling Incident occurred here, where Rudolf and his young mistress, Baroness Mary Vetsera, were found dead under mysterious circumstances. The event sent shockwaves through the empire and remains a subject of intrigue and speculation. In the wake of the tragedy, Emperor Franz Joseph I, Rudolf's father, transformed the lodge into a Carmelite convent. The Discalced Carmelite nuns were entrusted with praying for Rudolf's soul. The church was consecrated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with the high altar positioned where the couple's bed once stood. A statue of the Virgin Mary in the Lady Chapel bears the features of Empress Elisabeth, Rudolf's mother, with a dagger piercing her heart, symbolizing the family's grief. Today, Schloss Mayerling is a place of quiet contemplation and historical exploration. Visitors can explore the chapel, the Elisabeth Chapel, and a museum showcasing exhibits related to the Mayerling Incident and the convent's history. The museum displays artifacts such as the royal monastery chalice and a tableau of the Mayerling tragedy. The surrounding park and gardens offer a serene backdrop for reflection. A visitor center provides further information, and a restored tea pavilion displays objects from the 19th century. Schloss Mayerling offers a unique opportunity to delve into Austrian history and experience a place transformed from tragedy into a sanctuary of peace.

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