Zwettl: Cistercian Abbey and Waldviertel Beer Culture
Gothic, baroque and brewing tradition in the heart of the Waldviertel
FoodNiederösterreich- Duration
- 2.0 hours
- Languages
- German, English
This private tour of Zwettl combines its Cistercian abbey, one of the oldest monasteries in Austria, with the beer culture of the Waldviertel. You see one of the country's finest medieval cloisters.
Zwettl Abbey was founded in 1138 by the Kuenring family and settled by Cistercian monks, who still live here today. Its Romanesque and Gothic cloister is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Austria. The abbey church combines a high Gothic choir with a baroque west front and a striking tower.
In the Middle Ages the Cistercians cleared large parts of the Waldviertel forests and shaped farming and crafts. The region is known for poppy seeds, potatoes and carp, and brewing has a long tradition in Zwettl, carried on today by a private brewery.
Your guide explains monastic life and architecture, tells of the Kuenrings and the monks and on request rounds off the visit with a beer tasting and Waldviertel specialties.
Highlights
- One of Austria's oldest Cistercian abbeys
- A Romanesque and Gothic cloister
- High Gothic choir and baroque facade
- The Kuenrings and the Waldviertel
- Optional: local beer and specialties
The route
-
1Abbey courtyard
Start with the founding in 1138.
-
2Cloister
Medieval Cistercian architecture.
-
3Abbey church
Gothic and baroque under one roof.
-
4Abbey garden
Monastic life and landscape.
-
5Zwettl
Finish with Waldviertel beer culture.
Who this tour is for
For culture travelers and foodies who want to experience the Waldviertel through abbey and table.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are never included in the tour price. When you book, we are happy to tell you which admissions apply to your group.
How is the price calculated?
This is a private tour for your group only. The price is per group, not per person, which makes it great value for families and friends traveling together.
What is the best season for the Waldviertel?
In early summer the poppy fields bloom, in autumn the forests and carp season beckon. The abbey is worth a visit all year.
