Winter in Munich is also a time to stop and relax. We can combine this not only with the best restaurants in the city, but also with a day trip to the most beautiful destinations in the surrounding area. For over 900 years, pilgrims and travelers have been drawn to the summit of Andechs Hill. While Andechs Monastery is often crowded in summer, it unfolds its own unique charm in winter. The climb through the cold, clear Alpine air is rewarded with an incomparable view at the top.
The Holy Mountain of Bavaria
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In contrast to the high season in summer, winter in Andechs is often quieter. The combination of invigorating Alpine air and a stop at Andechs Monastery makes the trip a perfect contrast to everyday life. Those who climb the mountain are rewarded with a panoramic view in winter: from the viewing terrace, you can see across the glittering lake landscape of the Ammersee to the Alpine chain.
As one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in Bavaria, Andechs Monastery is a real sight to see. Here stands a magnificent Rococo church, whose onion dome towers far above the Five Lakes Region. Originally, there was no church on the “Holy Mountain,” but rather the ancestral castle of the powerful Counts of Andechs, who were among the most influential families in Europe in the Middle Ages. In the 18th century , the monastery church was magnificently redesigned in the Rococo style , as we see it today.
Things to do at Andechs Monastery
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A visit to the monastery is well worth it! Guided tours of the church take place every Thursday at 12 noon. The monastery brewery is also open to visitors. The monastery beer brewed here (especially the famous Doppelbock Dunkel) is considered one of the best in the world. It is the traditional “reward” for the climb and warms both body and soul. If you are planning an event, you can also rent certain rooms in Andechs Monastery.
And until the end of March, you can try out the winter offers at the monastery restaurant: the famous Andechser Bräustüberl is known for its rustic atmosphere. When the winter wind is whistling outside, you can sit inside at heavy wooden tables and enjoy a hearty snack. As long as supplies last, classic Bavarian fare is available here – from goulash soup to sauerkraut with Andechser bread.
Incidentally, today the monastery is the only one of its kind in Germany that does not receive any state church tax money. It is entirely self-financed through its brewery, restaurant, and agriculture.