Stift Geras

The door is open, but the heart is even more open: the Premonstratensian monastery in Geras extends a warm welcome to its guests. The monastery, which was founded around 1150, is now a landmark and focal point of its idyllic Waldviertel surroundings.

Art and culture are consciously lived and experienced on the basis of ancient monastic tradition. In addition to the permanent exhibitions "Herbal priest Weidinger and his monastery" and "Monastery treasures", changing special exhibitions are presented. The inviting herb garden reveals many an old medicinal secret: it goes back to the initiative of herbalist priest Hermann Weidinger, who as a canon made the healing properties of plants popular again. Cultural events and seminars such as silent retreats and monastery fasting round off the offerings at the monastery.

Especially beautiful for nature lovers: right next to the Premonstratensian monastery - and surrounded by woods and meadows - is the 132-hectare Geras Nature Park. Animal enclosures, a petting zoo and a fish pond invite you to look, marvel and relax.

The history of Geras Abbey
The monastery is thought to have been founded in 1153. The first Premonstratensians came here from the Moravian abbey of Želiv/Seelau. Founded by Count Ulrich II von Pernegg, Geras became a center of culture, pastoral care and business. Over the centuries, however, the borderland monastery was repeatedly caught between the fronts: The monastery was occupied, plundered, confiscated or set on fire several times. After the Thirty Years' War, it finally lay completely in ruins - with only five confreres left. After they found the almost intact statue of the Mother of God in the ruins, they began to rebuild.

Today, the canons are entrusted with the pastoral care of over 20 parishes. In addition, the confreres play a key role in schools, adult and youth education as well as cultural and art education.

Extra tips:

• Geras Abbey Basilica is freely accessible.
• The monastery herb garden is also freely accessible from May to October (except for the first and second week of October = potato festival weekend)
• The Marble Hall, Imperial Room, Corridor Gallery, Veduta Hall and Columned Hall can be visited as part of the special exhibitions.
• The entrance to the nature park is located approx. 800 meters outside Geras in the direction of Horn.

Public arrival and departure

Bus/Train
From Retz train station, you can take the 875 bus to the "Geras Hauptstraße/Stift" stop and arrive directly in front of the Excursion destinations. You can also take the Reblaus-Express.
Taxi
Weinviertler cab service (Retz): 0664/280 69 70
Dietrich company (Mallersbach): 0664/423 91 99
Bicycle
If you like cycling, the Excursion destinations are on the monastery cycle path.