The Monastery

Weltenburg Monastery was founded around the year 600 by the Irish-Scottish wandering monks Eustasius and Agilus of Luxeuil, making it the oldest monastic settlement in Bavaria. Around the year 800, the abbey adopted the Rule of St. Benedict. Today, seven Benedictine monks still live at Weltenburg Monastery. Thomas Maria Freihart has been serving as the abbot of the monastery since 1998. Among other duties, the monks work as pastoral caregivers and host guests at the St. Georg meeting place.

Weltenburg Monastery is located right at the entrance of the legendary Danube Gorge in the heart of Bavaria. The Weltenburger Narrows, situated about 25 kilometers southwest of Regensburg, has been awarded the ‘European Diploma’ by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg due to its special significance. Over a stretch of about five kilometers, the Danube flows between towering rock walls reaching up to 70 meters high. Especially in the morning, when the mist rises, it is a breathtaking natural spectacle.

Surrounded by the impressive Baroque architecture of the Asam brothers and shaded by old chestnut trees, the Weltenburger Klosterschenke offers enjoyment and genuine Bavarian hospitality in a unique atmosphere with its large beer garden. To this day, an underground beer pipeline runs directly from the storage cellar to the tavern. Many claim that this is why the beer still tastes just a little bit better there.

Weltenburger am Dom, located in the heart of Regensburg, delights guests in its cozy tavern room with fine delicacies and offers a unique outdoor experience thanks to its exceptional location. Just steps away from the venerable Regensburg Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in southern Germany, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the special atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The ‘Weltenburger Enge’ nature reserve is a popular destination for walks, hikes, and bike tours. However, the legendary Danube Gorge is most impressive when experienced directly from the water. Traveling by ship you slowly wind your way upstream from Kelheim, passing rugged rock formations all the way to Weltenburg Monastery. At the monastery tavern, revitalizing beers and traditional Bavarian delicacies await all guests. Right outside the monastery gates the Hallertau hop country stretches to the south and the Bavarian Jura to the north. Besides cycling or hiking through the hop gardens, attractions such as the Hall of Liberation, Brunn Castle, the town of Kelheim, and the Altmühltal invite you to recharge your energy.

Experience the stunning landscapes of the Danube and Altmühl valleys, some of the most fascinating river landscapes in Bavaria. On board the passenger ships cruising the Danube and Altmühl valleys, you will enjoy unique views of towering rock formations, captivating architectural landmarks, and romantic scenery, all while being treated to delicious cuisine. Between Kelheim and Weltenburg Monastery, the Danube has created a remarkable natural spectacle. Experience a unique journey through the Danube Gorge, the deepest and narrowest point of the Bavarian Danube, aboard the excursion boats.
Steep rock formations rising up to 80 meters from the water line flank the route through the ‘Weltenburger Enge’ nature reserve leading to Weltenburg Monastery – one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and spectacular river landscapes. Due to its exceptional significance, the ‘Weltenburger Enge’ is the only nature reserve in Bavaria to have been awarded the European Diploma.
Contact:  +49 9441 5858 (Mon. – Sun. 8 am – 6 pm)
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Visit the exhibition showcasing the more than thousand-year history of Weltenburg, the Benedictine Abbey, and the monastery brewery, and learn more about the lives of the monks and the natural environment of the ‘Weltenburger Enge’! Experience Weltenburg from a very special perspective through images and sound. The visitor center is housed in a historic rock cellar, where fermentation tanks for Weltenburg beer were stored until before the renovation. In addition, there is an exhibition with artifacts, a natural space within the rock featuring the flowing Danube, and much more. For more information visit the Visitor Center in the Historic Rock Cellar.

Surrounded by stunning nature, Weltenburg Monastery is a hiking destination well worth the journey. Many trails lead to Weltenburg Monastery — whether it’s the famous Danube route, lesser-known paths along the Altmühl River, or even ancient trails once walked by the Romans. Every hiking enthusiast will find something to love here!

And the best part of the hike? Recharging your energy with a refreshing and delicious Weltenburg Monastery beer at the monastery tavern.

The guesthouse within the historic walls of Weltenburg Monastery offers visitors more than just good food and restful nights. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the monastery, enjoy the natural spectacle of the Danube Gorge and its surroundings, or take part in the monks’ spiritual and educational programs for adults – the Benedictine monks’ hospitality leaves nothing to be desired. A cafeteria serving Weltenburg beer specialties and a guest library with daily newspapers, non-fiction, and fiction also invite you to relax and stay a while.