Göttweig Abbey: Austria's Baroque Masterpiece

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Discover Austria's majestic Göttweig Abbey: a Baroque masterpiece with rich history, stunning views, and serene spiritual atmosphere in the Wachau Valley.

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Göttweig Abbey

Göttweig Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded in 1083, stands majestically atop a hill in the Wachau Valley. Often called the "Austrian Monte Cassino," it offers stunning views and a rich history, showcasing Baroque architecture and a vibrant spiritual life.

A brief summary to Göttweig Abbey

Stift Göttweig 1, Furth bei Göttweig, 3511, AT
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Local tips

Visit the Imperial Staircase to marvel at the Baroque architecture and Paul Troger's stunning ceiling fresco.
Explore the abbey museum to discover its vast art collections and learn about the monastery's history.
Sample local wines and apricot products from the abbey's own orchards and vineyards.
Take a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the abbey's history, art, and monastic life.
Enjoy a meal at the abbey restaurant for traditional Austrian cuisine and panoramic views of the Wachau Valley.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Krems an der Donau, take a regional train towards St. Pölten to Furth-Göttweig station. Trains depart hourly, and the journey takes about 6 minutes, costing approximately €1-€2. From Furth-Göttweig station, you can either walk to the abbey (approximately 20 minutes uphill) or take bus line 619 towards 'Furth bei Göttweig, Stift'. The bus stops right outside the abbey's entrance. A single bus fare costs around €3-€5.
Driving

If driving from Krems an der Donau, follow the B37 south. Exit at Mautern and follow signs for Göttweig Abbey. Parking is available near the abbey and is free. During events, parking may be at the RAAB military base in Mautern with a free shuttle bus to the abbey.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From Krems an der Donau, a taxi or ride-share to Göttweig Abbey takes approximately 9 minutes and costs between €24-€29. This is the quickest option, especially if you prefer not to walk uphill from the train station.

Discover more about Göttweig Abbey

Göttweig Abbey, a Benedictine monastery near Krems in Lower Austria, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and a living testament to over 900 years of Benedictine tradition. Founded in 1083 by Bishop Altmann of Passau, the abbey's strategic location on a hill overlooking the Danube earned it the nickname "Austria's Monte Cassino".Initially established as a monastery for Augustinian canons, Göttweig transitioned to the Benedictine Order in 1094. Under Abbot Hartmann, it flourished as a center of learning and strict monastic observance, boasting a renowned monastic school and library. The abbey's history is marked by periods of both prosperity and decline, including a devastating fire in 1718 that necessitated a grand Baroque reconstruction.The abbey's reconstruction was led by the imperial architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt, who drew inspiration from the Escorial. Although the ambitious plans were never fully realized due to economic constraints, the resulting complex is a masterpiece of Baroque design. Highlights include the Imperial Staircase, adorned with a breathtaking ceiling fresco by Paul Troger, and the Abbey Church, featuring a lavish interior and notable ceiling frescoes.Today, Göttweig Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore its rich history, admire its stunning architecture, and experience its spiritual atmosphere. Visitors can explore the abbey museum, attend concerts and exhibitions, and wander through the peaceful abbey park. The abbey also offers accommodation in its guesthouse, allowing guests to immerse themselves in monastic life. The monks of Göttweig Abbey continue to live and work according to the Rule of Saint Benedict, dedicating themselves to prayer, pastoral care, and the preservation of the abbey's cultural and religious heritage.