Helenental Park

Helenental Park is a scenic valley in the Wienerwald, the forested hills that surround Vienna, the capital of Austria. The valley is located near the town of Baden bei Wien, a spa resort famous for its hot springs and thermal baths. Helenental Park is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, cyclists, and history buffs, who can explore the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region.

The Legend of Helena

The name Helenental comes from the legend that Emperor Leopold I named the valley after his wife, Eleonore Magdalene of Neuburg, who was also called Helena. According to the legend, the emperor and his wife were hunting in the forest, when they got separated and lost. The emperor searched for his wife for hours, until he heard her voice calling him from a nearby valley. He followed the sound and found her safe and sound in a beautiful meadow, surrounded by flowers and birds. He was so happy and relieved that he named the valley Helenental, in honor of his beloved wife.

The Castle Ruins of Rauheneck and Rauhenstein

The valley is home to two medieval castle ruins, Rauheneck and Rauhenstein, which were built in the 11th and 12th centuries and later destroyed by the Turks and the Swedes during the wars of the 16th and 17th centuries. The castles were once the residences of noble families, who ruled over the lands and collected tolls from the travelers passing through the valley. The castles also served as strategic fortifications, guarding the entrance to the Wienerwald and the route to Vienna. Today, the castle ruins are open to the public and offer panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding hills.

The Historic Church of St. Helena

The valley also features a historic church, St. Helena, which dates back to 1518 and was renovated in the 18th century in the Baroque style. The church is dedicated to St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, who is credited with finding the True Cross of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. The church contains a relic of the cross, as well as paintings and sculptures depicting the life and miracles of St. Helena. The church is also the starting point of a pilgrimage route that leads to the nearby monastery of Heiligenkreuz, where the monks chant the Gregorian chants every day.

The Biosphärenpark Wienerwald

The valley is part of the Biosphärenpark Wienerwald, a UNESCO biosphere reserve that covers over 1000 square kilometers of forests, meadows, and wetlands. The biosphere reserve aims to protect the biodiversity and the ecosystem services of the Wienerwald, as well as to promote sustainable development and environmental education. The biosphere reserve hosts a variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species, such as the European beech, the black stork, the European pond turtle, and the fire salamander. The biosphere reserve also offers various activities and programs for visitors, such as guided tours, workshops, exhibitions, and festivals.

The Spirit Park and the Trails

The valley offers various trails and paths for walking, running, biking, and horseback riding, as well as a 50,000 square meter Spirit Park with stations for meditation, relaxation, and adventure. The Spirit Park is a unique attraction that combines nature, art, and spirituality, and invites visitors to experience the valley in a different way. The Spirit Park consists of 12 stations, each with a different theme and a different challenge, such as balance, courage, creativity, and harmony. The stations are designed by local artists and craftsmen, using natural materials and elements, such as wood, stone, water, and fire. The Spirit Park is open all year round and is suitable for all ages and abilities.

The Mayerling Incident

The valley is also known for its connection to the Mayerling incident, a mysterious tragedy that occurred in 1889, when Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria and his lover, Baroness Mary Vetsera, were found dead in the hunting lodge of Mayerling, located at the end of the valley. The official version of the incident was that the crown prince, who was unhappy with his marriage and his political situation, shot his lover and then himself in a suicide pact. However, there have been many speculations and conspiracy theories about the incident, suggesting that the couple was murdered by political enemies, or that the incident was staged to cover up a different crime. The mystery of the Mayerling incident has inspired many books, movies, and operas, and has become a part of the Austrian folklore.

Baden bei Wien, Austria