Mayerling Castle

About

Karmel Mayerling is the former hunting lodge of Crown Prince Rudolf, and the location of an infamous Austrian tragedy. On January 30, 1889, the Crown Prince and his mistress, Mary Vetsera, died in an apparent suicide pact – an incident that changed Austria forever. With this day ticket to Karmel Mayerling, which was converted into a Carmelite monastery by Emperor Franz Josef I, you can delve into this sad tale and see authentic artifacts. The site of the incident is in the exact spot where the church alter sits. Read the farewell letters of Mary Vetsera and learn about the history of the Habsburgs. Audio guides can also be purchased at the monastery for a small fee, and money from these tours directly helps the Carmelite nuns in their work.