Bavaria is known not only for its picturesque natural scenery but also for its imposing architectural landmarks. In Munich, we have the privilege of being able to reach many of these attractions on a simple day trip without having to endure overly long travel times. In addition to castles and fortresses, there are also several monasteries that impress with both their architecture and their history, such as Schäftlarn or Benediktbeuern. Less well-known, but particularly charming due to its location, is Seeon Monastery in Chiemgau. You can not only visit this complex as a day-tripper, but even stay overnight there!
From Monastery to Castle
Seeon Monastery was founded in 994 as a Benedictine abbey and belongs to the municipality of Seeon-Seebruck near Traunstein. It is located near Lake Chiemsee and sits on an island in the monastery lake. At the heart of the complex lies the Romanesque Basilica of St. Lambert with its two onion domes, reminiscent of Freising Cathedral. A school of writing developed early on at Seeon Abbey, and over time it blossomed into a culturally significant place that was even visited by famous composers such as Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The latter even wrote two masses about Seeon Abbey and is said to have preferred spending his time under an oak tree by the lake.
With the secularization of 1803, the monastery was dissolved and the building found a new owner in Munich’s Franz Xaver Distler. He operated Seeon as a brewery and a spa before it came into the possession of Amélie von Leuchtenberg. The Leuchtenberg family lived in Seeon Monastery as a castle, but in the 1930s it fell into the hands of the NSDAP, which misused the premises for its own purposes. Today, however, the monastery houses a hotel, so you can not only visit it but even stay overnight there.
Visiting Seeon Monastery
There is plenty to discover on a trip to Seeon Monastery: its unique location on an island in the Klostersee alone makes it charming. Furthermore, its architecture combines Romanesque, Baroque, and Late Gothic elements, as new sections of the building were repeatedly added or renovated during various construction phases. The monastery church is particularly impressive with its detailed ceiling frescoes and wall paintings . The Abbot’s Chapel of St. Nicholas, on the other hand, captivates with its Rococo stucco work.
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, settle down by the Mozarteiche on the lakeshore , where the famous composer is said to have once sat. Last but not least, you can stock up on specialties and souvenirs at the monastery shop. If you’d like to stay overnight, you can do so at the conference hotel, which is now located within Seeon Monastery. In addition, the complex is now a cultural center where various events such as concerts and exhibitions take place. You can also book it for your own events, whether they’re private celebrations like weddings or business occasions like conferences and seminars.
