Maria Laach Abbey

Maria Laach Abbey (Abtei Maria Laach) stands on the southwest shore of Lake Laach in the Eifel volcanic region and is famed for its six-towered Romanesque basilica, one of the finest in Germany. The Benedictine abbey was founded in 1093 and is still home to a living monastic community. If you are looking for things to do in the Eifel, you can combine a historic church, a monastery shop and a lakeside walk in one stop.

Where it is and how to get there

The abbey lies near Andernach in Rhineland-Palatinate, roughly 30 minutes by car from Koblenz and about an hour from Cologne. By car, leave the A 61 motorway at the Mendig/Maria Laach exit; it is about 1.2 miles (2 km) from there. By train, the nearest stations are Niedermendig and Andernach, with a bus from Andernach to the stop "Kloster/Parkplatz, Glees - Maria Laach". Since 1 April 2026 the car park charges fees: the first 30 minutes are free, then 2 euros per hour, with a daily maximum of 12 euros from six hours.

Why it is worth a visit

Count Palatine Henry II of Laach and his wife Adelheid founded the abbey in 1093. The basilica is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, and its western forecourt, the "Paradies", is the last of its kind preserved north of the Alps. Napoleonic authorities dissolved the abbey in 1802; Benedictines from Beuron re-established it in 1892. In 1933 Konrad Adenauer, later the first chancellor of West Germany, took refuge here for a year. About 25 monks lived here in 2021, and the library holds around 260,000 volumes.

What to see

• The basilica: the exterior with its six towers is the classic photo, and inside you will find the canopy altar and the founder's tomb.
• The Paradies: a columned forecourt with fine stone carvings.
• The lakeshore: paths lead down from the abbey to Lake Laach.
• Bookshop, monastery shop and nursery: open daily, with books, art and garden products.
• Library tours: the library can only be visited on a guided tour.

Tickets and opening hours (as of October 2026)

The abbey church is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the abbey does not mention an admission fee. The bookshop and monastery shop are open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A monastery tour including the library runs Tuesday to Saturday at 3 p.m. A Saturday tour of the sacristy and library at 10 a.m. costs 12 euros and lasts about an hour; register at least three days in advance. Bookings go through the abbey's booking platform. Tours are not described as being offered in English, so ask in advance.

Tips for visitors

Autumn is a lovely season, when the forests around the lake change color, and early morning is the quietest time in the church. Weekends and holidays bring more visitors and fuller car parks. Allow one to two hours, or half a day if you also walk around the lake. This is a working place of worship, so keep quiet and dress modestly. We found no information on accessibility, so contact the abbey if you need step-free access.

Nearby

Lake Laach, Europe's only water-filled caldera, lies directly beside the abbey and has a circular walking path. The Rhine town of Andernach is about 10 miles away.