Bavaria offers not only impressive palaces and castles to discover, but also magnificent monasteries and churches. Among the best-known destinations are undoubtedly Andechs and Benediktbeuern, but there are other abbeys worth visiting as well. If you ever find yourself near Kelheim, be sure to stop by Weltenburg Abbey. It stands out not only for its unique geographical location but also for its excellent beer.
The monastery by the river
It is said that Weltenburg Abbey was founded as early as 617. While there is no documented evidence of this, the area around its current location was already predominantly Christian at that time. As a result, most people consider Weltenburg to be the oldest abbey in Bavaria. It is situated directly on the Danube, overlooking the Danube Gorge (or Weltenburg Narrows), and is part of the Weltenburg district of the city of Kelheim. This exceptional location offers you stunning views from and of the monastery, which you can reach not only by land but also by water.
The first monastery church was built around 700, and several new structures were added later. In 1714, the entire Weltenburg Monastery underwent a complete renovation, which also included a new church. The Asam brothers were primarily responsible for this church; they created the ceiling fresco and the stucco work and immortalized themselves in it. On the high altar, you’ll see a sculpture of Saint George, to whom the church is dedicated. As unassuming as it may appear from the outside, its interior is truly magnificent.
The world’s oldest monastery brewery
The monks at Weltenburg Abbey have been brewing beer since 1050, making their monastery brewery the oldest in the world. The local dark beer has been recognized multiple times as the best of its kind internationally. At the monastery tavern with its beer garden, you can sample it alongside the other varieties and see for yourself just how good it tastes.
You can visit Weltenburg Abbey by car, bus, or boat. If you come by car, you’ll need to park it a short distance away in a paid parking lot and walk the remaining few meters. However, we recommend traveling by boat anyway. As you sail through the Danube Gorge and the monastery suddenly comes into view, you’ll be utterly amazed. On the way back, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Hall of Liberation high above Kelheim.
If you’d like to view Weltenburg Abbey from above, we recommend taking a hike up the Frauenberg. From up here, you’ll be treated to a wonderful panoramic view of the river and the abbey. On the mountain itself, you’ll also discover the Frauenberg Chapel, whose interior you can admire through a latticework screen. If you’d like to stay longer at Weltenburg Abbey, you can spend the night at the St. Georg guesthouse.
