The Benedictine Göttweig Abbey towers majestically at 422 m above sea level on the eastern edge of the world-famous Wachau region. It has been a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and is now not only an international attraction, but also a lively spiritual center in the heart of Lower Austria, supported by a community of 42 monks.
The monastery, often reverently referred to as the "Austrian Montecassino", was originally founded in 1083 for a community of canons and handed over to the Benedictines in 1094. Although only remnants of the medieval buildings have survived - including the Chapel of St. Erentrude (1072), the Old Castle, the crypt and the choir of the church - the current baroque building was constructed after a devastating fire in 1718. The imperial court architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt provided the plans for this grandiose monastery building, which was begun in 1720 under Abbot Gottfried Bessel and completed two thirds of the way through.
Baroque splendor and deep insights
Visitors can experience this baroque splendor up close in the museum in the Kaisertrakt. The monumental imperial staircase with Paul Troger's ceiling fresco (1739) is one of the most beautiful and largest Baroque staircases in Europe and is an absolute highlight. In the adjoining Princes' and Emperors' Rooms, the abbey's art collections also present annually changing special exhibitions.
On the way from the entrance to the abbey to the abbey courtyard, guests are accompanied by a permanent exhibition entitled "Monastery Life", which offers fascinating insights into the life and work of the Göttweig monks.
Vacations, culinary delights and panoramic views
For overnight guests, the monastery offers both simple monastic and contemporary rooms under the motto "Vacation in the monastery: luxury silence - quiet luxury". All of the accommodation boasts fantastic views, and the former abbot Benedict's 120m² apartment is also available for special stays.
Guests are treated to regional dishes and exquisite wines from the monastery's own vineyards in the restaurant. The panoramic terrace offers a unique panoramic view of the Danube Valley and the Wachau - a perfect place to round off your visit.
Arrival by train and bus
From Vienna and Salzburg: Westbahn to St. Pölten - train connection to Paudorf or Furth/Göttweig.
From Vienna: Franz-Josefs-Bahn to Krems - train connection to Furth/Göttweig or Paudorf.
Classifications
Quality Partner Lower Austria
TOP excursion destination
Opening hours
März bis November:
BESICHTIGUNG (ohne Führung) täglich von 10 bis 18 Uhr,
letzter Einlass um 17 Uhr.
