Welcome to Stift Zwettl Abbey!
The monastery in Zwettl was founded by Hadmar I. of Kuenring in 1138. The first Cistercians developed a rational, integrated scheme for building abbeys, which was used across Europe. They erected their monasteries far away from settlements, partly even in unpopulated regions. Stift Zwettl Abbey preserved its medieval appearance till today.
The cloister was built in the first half of the 13th century. One can follow the different stages of medieval architecture here – if you look at the oldest parts which are the north and the east wings you can see the rounded Romanesque arches, in the fountain house there are lancet Gothic arches. Close to the dormitory, where the monks used to sleep, there is the “necessarium”, which was the latrine. The Chapter House in Romanesque style dates back to the last quarter of the 12th century. Thus it is the oldest extant Cistercian chapter. The Monastery Church has a late Gothic hall choir which combines harmoniously with an ambulatory and a ring of 14 chapels, ist Baroque high altar is dedicated to the Assumption of Virgin Mary. A rare, magnificent library comes from the Baroque period.
Audioguides in English are available. The English audio guide tour begins at the ticket office in the gift shop. The tour takes you through the oldest Romanesque rooms and the famous Way of the Cross with the chapter house and lavatorium (monks’ washroom), where the development from Romanesque to Gothic can be followed. The monastery is surrounded by spacious gardens, which are freely accessible and invite their visitors not only to walk, but also to relax.
Visitor Information
Opening Season
28 March – 31 October 2026
All tours start at the ticket desk in the Abbey Shop.
Route 1 – Medieval Monastery or Monastery Gardens
Explore the Romanesque-Gothic cloister with its fountain house and chapter house, the medieval dormitory and the monastery gardens, including the Terraced Gardens, the Prelate’s Garden and the Lípový dvůr (Pacific Garden).
Self-guided tour with English audio guide
April & October
- 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Last admission: 3:15 p.m.
May – September
- 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Last admission: 4:15 p.m.
Route 2 – Abbey Church & Treasury
Visit the Gothic abbey church with its magnificent Baroque furnishings and the treasury featuring the famous Ivory Madonna and the Zwettl Cross.
Guided tour with a German-speaking guide and English audio guide
- 11:00 a.m. – Monday to Saturday (except public holidays)
- 2:00 p.m. – Daily
- 12:30 p.m. – Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (May–September)
As the abbey church is also an active parish church, tour times may occasionally change at short notice due to church services, weddings or funerals.
Route 3 – Baroque Library
Visit the magnificent historic library with its impressive ceiling frescoes by Paul Troger.
Guided tour with a German-speaking guide and English audio guide
- 3:00 p.m. – Daily
- 11:00 a.m. – Sundays and public holidays
Please note
Routes 2 and 3 are only available as guided tours with a German-speaking guide. An English audio guide is provided. These areas are located within the monks’ enclosure and can therefore only be visited as part of a guided tour.
Admission
| Adults | €12.50 |
| Reduced admission | €11.50 |
| Children (6–17 years) | €6.50 |
| Family ticket | €25.00 |
Information about your arrival
Group Visits
We are pleased to offer guided tours in English for groups. Advance reservation is required.
Abbey & Church
- Duration: approximately 55 minutes
- Groups of 20 or more: €11.50 per person
- Fewer than 20 participants: €12.50 per person
Abbey, Church & Library
- Duration: approximately 90 minutes
- Groups of 20 or more: €16.90 per person
- Fewer than 20 participants: €17.90 per person
Visitor Facilities
- Free coach parking nearby
- Restaurant
- Abbey Shop
- Monastery gardens
- Electric vehicle charging stations
Group Information & Reservations
E‑mail: info [at] stift-zwettl.at
Address
Stift Zwettl Abbey
Stift Zwettl 1
3910 Zwettl
Austria