There are a number of libraries in Munich that are great for learning and reading. First and foremost is the reading room in the New Town Hall, which is reminiscent of a film set for “Harry Potter”! But those who take the short trip will be rewarded with a true fairytale library. Wiblingen Abbey is not only an outstanding example of the combination of baroque and rococo architecture. It is also considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world!
Only recently, the “2025 Top 10 Most Beautiful Libraries in the World ” ranking included the library hall in the list of the best. To be more precise, the hall is ranked ninth among all libraries worldwide. No other literary venue in Germany can compete with it. We reveal the secrets of this famous place.
A story with divine relics
Wiblingen Abbey is a former Benedictine abbey with a 700-year history. It was founded in 1093 near the mouth of the Iller and Danube rivers. The monks living there even received a fragment of the cross of Christ as an important relic, which the founders brought back from the first crusade. During the Thirty Years’ War, the monastery suffered from plundering, quartering and plague. The famous relic was hidden and only later miraculously rediscovered.
In the 18th century, prosperity slowly but surely began to return. This also marked the start of the expansion into a baroque monastery complex with a huge hall, which is now considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The hall was completed in 1744 and impresses with its vibrant colors, especially the red and blue marble columns. In its heyday, the library contained around 15,000 volumes, which was far more than many university libraries of the time.
Probably the most beautiful library hall in Germany
The hall captivates with richly decorated figures, a large ceiling fresco and curved shapes that make up the magnificent rococo design. An inscription above the portal proudly proclaims that “all the treasures of wisdom and science” are gathered here. Even the design of the literature itself contributes to the calm ambience. The spines of the books were painted white or covered with light-colored paper in order to blend harmoniously into the room concept and save on the cost of fine bindings.
The library not only served as a place to store books, but also as a prestigious reception hall for guests of the monastery. The figures in the famous monastery hall symbolize various virtues and fields of knowledge such as faith, history, science and mathematics. The interior design is intended to impress visitors and inspire them to learn.
What you need to know before your visit
Wiblingen Abbey is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts: it is world-famous for its harmonious fusion of Baroque and Rococo styles. You will also find numerous works of art and presentations that impressively showcase the knowledge and art of past eras. The literature in the library hall is also well worth seeing. Today, many of the original works are scattered in various libraries, but there are still a number of historical books on display.
You can easily reach one of the most beautiful libraries in the world from Munich:like many other beautiful cities around Munich, Ulm can be reached quickly and easily by train. The library is located at Schloßstraße 38, 89079 Ulm. It is open to the public, although opening hours vary seasonally. Stop by and be inspired by a fairytale hall!