---
title: Can I visit Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) and Heiligenkreuz Abbey without a car?
description: "Yes, you can absolutely visit the **Vienna Woods (Wienerwald)** and **Heiligenkreuz Abbey** without a car. Public transport is reliable, and you can even combine it with some walking for a scenic day trip. Here’s how: ## 🚍 1. Getting to…"
url: "https://allaboutvienna.com/docs/can-i-visit-vienna-woods-wienerwald-and-heiligenkreuz-abbey-without-a-car/"
updated: "2025-09-07"
category: Day trips and excursions
---

# Can I visit Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) and Heiligenkreuz Abbey without a car?

Yes, you can absolutely visit the **Vienna Woods (Wienerwald)** and **Heiligenkreuz Abbey** without a car. Public transport is reliable, and you can even combine it with some walking for a scenic day trip. Here’s how:

## 🚍 1. Getting to Heiligenkreuz Abbey by Public Transport

- **From central Vienna (Karlsplatz or Oper):**

  - Take **Badner Bahn** (local tram/train) from *Karlsplatz → Baden* (about **1 hour**).
  - From [**Baden Josefsplatz**](https://www.city-walks.info/Baden-bei-Wien/Josefsplatz.html), take **bus 360 (direction Mödling–Heiligenkreuz–Alland)** to *Heiligenkreuz Abtei*. (~20–25 minutes).
- **Alternative route (faster, fewer changes):**

  - Take **S-Bahn (S2 or S3)** from *Wien Mitte / Wien Meidling → Mödling* (~20–25 minutes).
  - From **Mödling Bahnhof**, take **bus 364 or 365** directly to *Heiligenkreuz Abtei*. (~20 minutes).

⏱️ **Total travel time:** About **1–1.5 hours** one way.

## 🌲 2. Visiting the Vienna Woods

- The **Wienerwald** is vast, but many access points are reachable by tram or train.
- Popular spots near Heiligenkreuz:

  - **Mayerling** (former hunting lodge, bus stop on the same line).
  - **Helenental valley** (nice walks along the Schwechat river).
  - **Walking trails** link Baden, Heiligenkreuz, and Mayerling.

## ⛪ 3. At Heiligenkreuz Abbey

- Founded in 1133 — it’s a **working Cistercian monastery**.
- [**Guided tours**](https://allaboutvienna.com/viennas-historic-city-center-a-walking-tour-guide/) (German & English) available daily except Good Friday and December 24.
- Don’t miss the **Romanesque-Gothic cloister** and **Gregorian chant** by the monks.

## 🎟️ Practical Tips

- **Tickets:** Buy [public transport](https://allaboutvienna.com/moving-around-vienna-public-transport-and-more/) tickets via Wiener Linien / ÖBB app. Standard Vienna ticket won’t cover beyond the city — get an *“extra zone”* ticket (to Mödling or Baden + bus).
- **Timing:** Plan at least **half a day** (better a full day if adding hiking or Baden).
- **Food:** The abbey has a guesthouse/restaurant (*Stift Heiligenkreuz Klostergasthof*) serving traditional Austrian meals.

✅ **Bottom line:**
Yes, it’s easy and worthwhile without a car. The **Mödling + bus 364/365 route** is the most straightforward. You can combine a cultural visit to Heiligenkreuz with a **forest walk or Baden spa town** for a rich [day trip](https://allaboutvienna.com/item/bratislava-private-day-trip-from-vienna/).