To experience something different from the typical sights in Munich, you don’t have to go far. How about a trip to the most beautiful places in the immediate vicinity? These include picturesque villages such as Herrsching am Ammersee, but if you want to get off the beaten track, visit Altomünster –a real insider tip in the Dachau hinterland. It is a place that radiates tranquility, deep Bavarian history, and a very special spiritual atmosphere.
Between monastery and brewery
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The panorama of Altomünster is dominated by the monastery church, which is considered one of the most important Baroque sacred buildings in Bavaria. From the outside, it looks imposing, but inside you will find a bright, magnificent room with fantastic ceiling frescoes.
Until a few years ago, Altomünster was the last place in Germany where the Order of Saint Birgitta was based. The architecture of the church is unique, as it was designed as a “double church” to comply with the strict cloister rules of the monks and nuns, who prayed separately from each other.
The town also has a centuries-old brewing tradition that is closely linked to the monastery.Kapplerbräu is one of the most traditional breweries in the region. After visiting the church, you can stop here for a bite to eat and enjoy the local beer . There is also a small brewery museum.
After the cultural tour, it’s time to go hiking
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Altomünster is small, but that’s precisely why the museums in the town are all the more remarkable. For a village with only 8,100 inhabitants, the density of museums is really high. In addition to the brewery museum , there is also the Altomünster Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the monastery and the Birgitten Order. The Gaudnek Museum, on the other hand, is a curiosity: it is dedicated to the artist Walter Gaudnek and offers a humorous contrast to the rather serious history of the monastery.
And in addition to an unexpected amount of culture, Altomünster also offers beautiful nature. The village is nestled in the hilly landscape of the Dachau region. The Alto-Quellweg is a circular trail that leads to the Alto spring. According to legend, Saint Alto struck his staff into the ground here, whereupon a spring gushed forth. The water is even considered to have healing properties.