Easy hikes and walks around Heiligenkreuz

As early as 1650, 3 crosses stood on the small plateau above Gaadener Straße, commemorating the Calvary in Jerusalem. In 1670, some Viennese citizens erected a chapel on this spot, known as Bergl or Schneiderbergl, in honor of the Crucified, and in 1671, Abbot Klemens Schäffer had a hermit's hut built next to it. During the Turkish invasion in 1683, the so-called "Berglkapelle" was destroyed, but it was rebuilt just 2 years later with donations from Viennese citizens. In 1728, the "Kirchl auf dem Schneiderbergl" was repaired by the Holy Cross master carpenter Aegidius Bauer, and stairs leading up the mountain are also mentioned. Thus, it can be assumed that the later staircase structure is connected to it.

As early as 1650, 3 crosses stood on the small plateau above Gaadener Straße, in memory of the Calvary in Jerusalem. In 1670, some Viennese citizens then erected a chapel on this spot, known as Bergl or Schneiderbergl, in honor of the Crucified, and in 1671, Abbot Klemens Schäffer had a hermit's hut built next to it. During the Turkish invasion in 1683, the so-called "Berglkapelle" was destroyed, but it was rebuilt just 2 years later with donations from Viennese citizens. In 1728, the "Kirchl auf dem Schneiderbergl" was repaired by the master carpenter from Heiligenkreuz, Aegidius Bauer; a staircase to the mountain is also mentioned. Thus, it can be assumed that the later staircase construction is connected to it.

Reading the sun reflection clock Unlike classic sundials, time is not indicated by a shadow, but by a strip of light that a mirror at the end of the gnomon casts onto the mosaic. This narrow strip of light, unlike a shadow, does not move from left to right, but from right to left. Scales are located at the top and bottom of the mosaic wall, which allow the time to be read. Only at noon does the shadow of the gnomon indicate the time. Depending on the time of day and year and the associated angle of incidence of the sun, the reflected strip of light lengthens or shortens and changes its position. Regardless, the time is always displayed correctly on the scale.

The Sun Reflection Clock On the square in front of the Badener Tor of Stift Heiligenkreuz is the Sun Reflection Clock – the „Monument to Freedom of Conscience and Religion as the Foundation of Peace“. It was erected by the association „Moderner Sakralbau“ and solemnly inaugurated in 2009. Since the association was dissolved in 2024, Stift Heiligenkreuz has been entrusted with the administration of the Sun Reflection Clock.

The magnificent baroque Stations of the Cross with the 13 chapels of the stations and the main chapel of the 12th station were built between 1731 and 1748. The initiator and builder was Abbot Robert Leeb, who had this Stations of the Cross created in memory of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. As a young priest, Abbot Robert had seen the real Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem in 1719 and had walked it himself with great emotion. In 1729, he now considered the plan to create a Stations of the Cross in Heiligenkreuz based on the model in Jerusalem. Building permission was granted to him in 1731 by a declaration from Pope Clement XII. https://www.stift-heiligenkreuz.org/sehenswuerdigkeiten/der-barocke-kreuzweg/

As early as 1650, 3 crosses stood on the small plateau above Gaadener Straße, in memory of the Calvary in Jerusalem. In 1670, some Viennese citizens then erected a chapel on this spot, the so-called Bergl or Schneiderbergl, in honor of the Crucified, and in 1671 Abbot Klemens Schäffer had a hermit's house built next to it. During the Turkish invasion in 1683, the so-called "Berglkapelle" was destroyed, but already 2 years later it was rebuilt from donations by Viennese citizens. In 1728, the "Kirchl auf dem Schneiderbergl" was repaired by the Heiligenkreuz master carpenter Aegidius Bauer, and a staircase to the mountain is also mentioned. Thus, one can assume that the later staircase connects to it.

Unfortunately, the place has closed

A very beautifully laid out Stations of the Cross with the 13 stations.