Winter in Munich is also a time for taking a break. We can combine this not only with the city’s finest dining experiences 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 the Andechs Hill. While the Andechs Monastery is often crowded in the summer, it reveals a charm all its own in the winter. The ascent through the cold, crisp Alpine air is rewarded at the top with an unparalleled view.
Bavaria’s Holy Mountain
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In contrast to the summer high season, winter in Andechs is often quieter. The combination of the invigorating Alpine air and a subsequent stop at Andechs Monastery makes the excursion a perfect break from everyday life. Those who climb the mountain are rewarded with a panoramic view in winter: from the observation deck, you can look out over the glittering landscape of Lake Ammer all the way to the Alpine range.
As one of Bavaria’s oldest pilgrimage sites, Andechs Monastery is a true must-see. Here stands a magnificent Rococo church, whose onion-domed tower rises high 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 during 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 for tours. 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 alike. If you’re planning an event, you can also rent specific rooms at Andechs Monastery. If a standard tour seems too boring, you can embark on a virtual reality journey through time through the monastery’s halls, complete with a beer tasting afterward. Tickets for this special experience are available here.
And until the end of March, you can try out the winter offerings at the Andechs Monastery’s restaurants: The famous Andechser Bräustüberl is known for its rustic atmosphere. While the winter wind whistles outside, you can sit inside at heavy wooden tables enjoying a hearty snack. While supplies last, classic Bavarian fare is served here—from goulash soup to sauerkraut with Andechs bread.
By the way: Today, the monastery is the only one of its kind in Germany that operates without state church tax funds. It is entirely self-financed through its brewery, restaurants, and agriculture.
