Stift Schlierbach

About the museum

A castle once stood on the site of the abbey and came into the possession of the Lords of Wallsee. In 1355 Eberhard V of Wallsee founded a convent here for Cistercian nuns, who gradually converted the castle and prayed for the souls of the founding family. During the Reformation monastic life died out, and the buildings fell into disrepair for over six decades.

In 1620 Cistercians from Rein Abbey in Styria resettled the monastery and took over pastoral care in the surrounding area; the community has existed without interruption ever since. From the late 17th century the complex was renewed in the Baroque style, largely by the northern Italian family of artists Carlone: the abbey church was built between 1680 and 1682 as a richly stuccoed and frescoed total work of art, followed in 1712 by the cruciform library with around 45,000 volumes.

Today the monks look after several parishes in the region. The abbey also houses a stained-glass workshop with the Margret Bilger Gallery, an organic cheese dairy, an education centre and the Panorama Café. On guided tours visitors see the abbey church, library, Bernardisaal and the cloister with the Gothic Schlierbach Madonna.

Highlights

• Baroque abbey church by the Carlone family of artists (1680–1682)
• Abbey library of 1712 with around 45,000 volumes
• Bernardisaal with stucco and ceiling frescoes
• Gothic Schlierbach Madonna in the cloister
• Stained-glass studio with the Margret Bilger Gallery
• Tasting of Schlierbach organic cheese

Founded

1355

Operated by

Zisterzienserstift Schlierbach

Admission & discounts

Prices for the abbey tour include a tasting of Schlierbach organic cheese, for groups of 4 or more. Discounts with the Pyhrn-Priel Card. Free cancellation up to 3 working days before the appointment.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Panorama Café is accessible step-free via a lift, and there is an accessible toilet there. The abbey gives no information on the accessibility of the abbey rooms.

Kids & families

Reduced price for pupils aged 6 to 15 and a discount with the Upper Austria Family Card.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café

Panorama Café & Lounge with a view over the Krems Valley (Monday–Thursday and Saturday 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.–1 p.m., closed on public holidays); SPES Hotel right next to the abbey.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 120 guests.

The Panorama (500 m²) for weddings of up to 100 guests, seminars of up to 60 and receptions of up to 120 people, with kitchen; ceremony and celebration possible on site.

Plan your visit