Andechs Abbey

Andechs Abbey (Kloster Andechs) crowns the "Holy Mountain" above the Ammersee lake, about 22 miles (35 km) southwest of Munich, and is one of the most rewarding day trips from the city. Here a dazzling Rococo pilgrimage church, a working Benedictine monastery and a historic brewery share one hilltop. The abbey's beer hall with its sunny terraces is a beloved Bavarian institution, whether you arrive as a pilgrim, a hiker or simply a beer lover.

A short history

The hill was once home to the castle of the Counts of Andechs, a powerful medieval dynasty that died out in 1248. In 1388 a hidden treasure of relics was discovered beneath the altar of the old castle chapel, and pilgrims soon began to flock here. A Gothic church went up between 1423 and 1427, and Duke Albrecht III founded the Benedictine monastery in 1455. Between 1751 and 1755, the artist Johann Baptist Zimmermann gave the church its spectacular Rococo interior. After Bavaria's secularization in 1803 the abbey was dissolved, but King Ludwig I handed it back to the Benedictines in 1850. Today Andechs is the third-largest pilgrimage site in Bavaria.

What to see

• The pilgrimage church: A light-filled Rococo interior with ceiling frescoes, white-and-gold stucco and an ornate high altar.
• Carl Orff's grave: The composer of "Carmina Burana" chose to be buried in a side chapel here in 1982.
• The beer hall (Bräustüberl): Grab a mug of Andechser beer and Bavarian snacks such as grilled pork knuckle and Obazda cheese spread. In keeping with its tradition as a pilgrims' inn, you may even bring your own picnic food.
• The monastery shop: Books, souvenirs and products from the abbey's brewery and distillery.

Opening hours and admission

As of October 2026, the church is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is free. The beer hall serves Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends and holidays from 10 a.m.; it closes on December 24 and 25, New Year's Day, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The shop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The abbey also offers brewery and monastery tours; check its website for dates.

How to get there from Munich

• By train and bus: Take the S8 S-Bahn from central Munich to its last stop, Herrsching, in roughly 50 minutes. From there, bus 951 climbs to the "Andechs Kloster" stop. The same bus line also connects with Starnberg.
• On foot: Many visitors hike up from Herrsching through the wooded Kiental valley, about 2.5 miles (4 km) uphill along a stream. Allow around an hour.
• By car: A large parking lot sits just below the abbey. On sunny weekends it fills up quickly, so arrive early.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you want a taste of rural Bavaria without a long journey. Combine the hike, the church and a long lunch on the terrace, and you have a perfect half-day. Weekdays are calmer than weekends. Remember that Andechs beers are strong; non-alcoholic options are available for drivers.

Nearby

• Ammersee and Herrsching: Lakeside promenade, swimming spots and passenger boats below the Holy Mountain.
• Lake Starnberg: Easy to combine via Starnberg.
• Dießen Minster: A Baroque church on the opposite shore of the Ammersee, reachable by boat.