About this experience
In half a day, you will visit the main attractions of the Viennese Forest: sail on the largest underground lake with a captain, visit the ancestral nest of one of the most influential princely dynasties, and discover the history of the ancient monastery and learn about the resort glory of the historic town Baden.
What to Expect
Beautiful Viennese Forest
In a journey through one of the most beautiful biosphere parks in Europe, included in the UNESCO list, you will learn about the incredible biodiversity of the 'lungs of Vienna' and the animals that are under the threat of extinction. You will also hear about the specific climate and geographical location of the region, thanks to which viticulture developed here 2000 years ago and wines that have gained popularity not only in Austria, but also beyond its borders.
Largest underground lake in Europe
The first point of the program will be one of the main attractions of the Viennese Forest. Accompanied by a captain, you will glide on a boat on the waters of the underground lake kingdom, admire the beauty of the mysterious Seegrotte, and hear the curious history of the origin of this natural wonder.
Lichtenstein Castle
Next, I will take you to the ancestral nest of one of the most influential princely dynasties in Europe, which has been able to preserve its traditions and significance to this day. Here you will appreciate the scale of the construction, hear the history of the complex's construction, in which dreams of a fairytale castle from the Gauf novel were realized, and get acquainted with a specimen of typical fortification construction of the mid-12th century.
Heiligenkreuz Abbey
You will also visit the active male monastery of the Cistercian order—one of the oldest monastic communities in the world. Here you will immerse yourself in the preserved atmosphere of asceticism and extraordinary tranquility. You will learn about the relics of the abbey, the main values of the white monks, and get acquainted with the architectural appearance of the building, atypical for monasteries of the medieval era.
Resort town of Baden
Finally, you will visit the historic town, long beloved by many famous personalities. You will hear about the healing springs, known since the Roman Empire era. And you will see one of the largest casinos in the world—Grand Casino Baden, near which we will talk about the gambling glory of the town, which dates back to the monarchy times.
Organizational Details
We do not visit the monastery during this tour—only the monastery courtyard and two monastery churches (free entrance).
