Ettal: Monastery, Basilica and Nature

Monastery Complex and Basilica

Construction of the church at Ettal Monastery began in 1330; its foundations date back to the Middle Ages. After a devastating fire in the 18th century, the basilica’s interior was redesigned in the Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Here, medieval building fabric and a later interior design come together.

The monastery’s inner courtyard measures approximately 100 × 100 metres and has been the centre of the complex since the monastery was founded. The Ettal miraculous image, a revered statue of the Virgin Mary, has been at the heart of the basilica for almost 700 years and is a destination for many pilgrims. This gives visitors two distinct points of focus: the layout of the monastery complex and the religious significance of the basilica.

The local cultural history also includes the “Ettaler Manndl” traditional costume association, founded in 1899. It was established to preserve and promote Werdenfels traditional dress and foster music. Traditional dress and music are the association’s purpose, offering a different perspective on cultural history from the architectural history of the monastery church.

Tours of the Basilica, Brewery and Liqueur Workshop

Public tours of the basilica, brewery and monastery liqueur workshop are available by prior reservation. Groups of ten or more should register in advance. The brewery and liqueur workshop can only be visited as part of a tour. Check the latest dates and reservation details before your visit.

A brewery tour shows how Ettal beer is brewed using traditional craftsmanship, followed by a tasting. The tour combines insights into the brewing process with a sample afterwards. If you are interested in the workshop or the basilica, also check the tour arrangements and reservation requirements rather than expecting open access to these areas.

Nearby Nature: Ettaler Weidmoos

Ettaler Weidmoos is located near Ettal, covers 159 hectares and was designated a nature reserve in 1982. Its hydrological features, including transitional complexes and small raised bog islands, make it exceptional among Bavarian bogs. At the spring pools of the Ammer springs, bog and floodplain habitats are closely interwoven. The landscape is therefore shaped not by a single bog area, but by several closely connected habitats.

The species-rich wet meadows are home to numerous orchid species, as well as marsh gentian, bog gentian and fringed pink. Birds found in Weidmoos include the stonechat, red-backed shrike, coal tit and tree pipit. These examples give a tangible impression of the area’s diversity; sightings of individual species may vary.

Visitors must stay on marked paths in the nature reserve, including when accompanied by dogs. Swimming in the springs is discouraged. Camping, parking outside designated areas and making fires are prohibited. Also check the signs on site and follow the applicable conservation rules.

More Destinations and Getting There

The region’s architectural and local history can also complement your visit. Linderhof Palace, twelve kilometres from Ettal, was built by King Ludwig II between 1869 and 1877. In 1886, six weeks after the king’s death, the palace opened to visitors. St. Gertrudis Chapel stands in the nearby village of Dickelschwaig; it was built by Ettal Monastery in 1694.

Another kind of outing is a mountain hike to the Ettaler Manndl via ferrata. It starts and ends at Ettal Monastery; suitable equipment is required for the via ferrata. This is a specific planning requirement, distinct from the reservation requirements for monastery tours.

For your journey, you can take the train to Oberau station and then bus route 326 to the Klostergasthof stop at Ettal Monastery. The route runs between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Füssen. Check current service and schedules before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Ohlstadt, Unterammergau, Bad Kohlgrub, Seehausen am Staffelsee, Wallgau, Oberammergau, Oberau, Grainau.

For the regional travel overview: Garmisch-Partenkirchen District.