Ettal Abbey: A Benedictine Jewel in the Bavarian Alps

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Discover Bavarian tradition at Ettal Abbey: a historic Benedictine monastery with stunning architecture, brewery, distillery, and cultural treasures.

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Ettal Abbey

Ettal Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded in 1330 by Emperor Ludwig IV, is a major attraction in Bavaria, Germany. Nestled in the Ammergau Alps, the abbey boasts a stunning Baroque basilica, a historic brewery, a distillery, and a cheese-making facility, offering visitors a multifaceted experience of Bavarian culture and monastic tradition.

A brief summary to Ettal Abbey

Kaiser-Ludwig-Platz 1, Ettal, 82488, DE
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Monday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 8:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

Visit the Ettal Abbey brewery and distillery to sample the famous Ettaler Klosterbiere and Klosterlikör, made using traditional methods.
Explore the abbey's grounds, including the basilica, cloisters, and gardens, to appreciate the Baroque and Rococo architecture.
Check the schedule for guided tours of the basilica, brewery, and distillery to learn about the abbey's history and traditions.
Combine your visit to Ettal Abbey with nearby attractions such as Oberammergau and Linderhof Palace.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Munich, take a train to Oberau station. From Oberau, take bus line 9606 directly to Ettal. Get off at the Klostergasthof stop, a short walk to the abbey. Bus line 9606 also runs directly from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Ettal Klostergasthof. The bus ride is approximately 25 minutes and departs hourly. A single bus fare within Garmisch-Partenkirchen is around €2-3.
Driving

From Munich, take the A95 towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen. At the Murnau/Kochel exit, continue on the B2 to Oberau, then take the B23 directly to Ettal. From Garmisch-Partenkirchen, take the B2 to Oberau, then the B23 to Ettal. Ample parking is available on the grounds of Ettal Abbey for a fee. Parking spaces for visitors with disabilities are available in front of the monastery shop. Parking fees vary depending on the parking location. Expect to pay around €2 for a short stay.

Discover more about Ettal Abbey

Ettal Abbey, or Kloster Ettal, is a Benedictine monastery with a rich history and stunning architecture, located in the village of Ettal, close to Oberammergau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria, Germany. Founded in 1330 by Emperor Ludwig IV, the abbey has been a significant religious and cultural site for over 700 years. The legend says that Ludwig's horse kneeled three times on the site, marking it as the place to build the monastery. The abbey's basilica, rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 18th century after a fire, is a highlight, featuring intricate stucco work and impressive frescoes. The abbey also houses a brewery, dating back to 1609, where monks produce the famous Ettaler Klosterbiere using traditional methods and the crystal-clear waters of the Ammergau Alps. A distillery produces the well-known Ettaler Klosterlikör, a herbal liqueur based on centuries-old recipes. Visitors can also explore a cheese-making facility, a gymnasium school, and a souvenir store. Ettal Abbey has played diverse roles throughout its history, including serving as a Knight Academy in the 18th century and a military hospital during World War II. Today, with around 50 monks, Ettal Abbey continues as an active Benedictine monastery, welcoming visitors to experience its spiritual atmosphere, architectural beauty, and traditional crafts. The abbey's grounds offer a blend of Baroque and Rococo architecture, with cloisters adorned with frescoes and a peaceful garden.