In Ettal, the history of the monastery complex and the distinctive features of the nearby Ettal Weidmoos appeal to a range of interests. The monastery’s highlights include the basilica, courtyard and guided tours; Weidmoos offers insights into moorland landscapes and their plant and animal life. When planning your visit, it is worth keeping the conditions for tours and the conservation rules in the nature reserve in mind.
Ettal Monastery: architectural history and culture
Construction of the church at Ettal Monastery began in 1330, and its foundations date back to the Middle Ages. The churchyard, or courtyard, measures approximately 100 × 100 metres and has been the centre of the complex since the monastery was founded. After a devastating fire in the 18th century, the basilica’s interior was redesigned in the Baroque and Neoclassical styles.
The Ettal miraculous image is a revered figure of the Virgin Mary, has been the focus of the basilica for nearly 700 years and attracts many pilgrims. Another aspect of the area’s cultural history is the traditional costume association “Ettaler Manndl”: founded in 1899, it aims to preserve and promote Werdenfels folk costume as well as foster music. The monastery’s architectural history and the association’s story thus offer different insights into Ettal’s religious and cultural traditions.
Tours and brewing tradition
Public tours give visitors the opportunity to see the basilica, brewery and monastery liqueur distillery. Advance reservations are required; groups of ten or more should register beforehand. The brewery and liqueur distillery can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Tour options and arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.
The brewery tour shows how Ettal beer is brewed according to age-old craft traditions, followed by a tasting. This offers a clear distinction between visits to the basilica, brewery and liqueur distillery. If you are considering several tours, check the reservation and participation requirements for each one.
Ettal Weidmoos: moorland landscape and conservation rules
The nearby Ettal Weidmoos covers 159 hectares and was designated a nature reserve in 1982. Its water conditions, with transitional mire complexes and small raised bog islands, make it distinctive among Bavarian moors. Around the spring pools of the Ammer Springs, moorland and floodplain habitats are closely interwoven.
The habitats of Weidmoos can also be recognised through specific examples: its species-rich hay meadows are home to numerous orchid species as well as marsh gentian, bog gentian and pinks. Bird species living there include the stonechat, red-backed shrike, coal tit and tree pipit; the species you may spot can vary.
Visitors must keep to the paths in the nature reserve, including when walking dogs; bathing in the springs is prohibited. Camping, parking outside designated areas and lighting fires are prohibited. Follow the rules displayed on site. These requirements are part of planning your visit, along with choosing routes through the protected area.
Other destinations and a mountain hike
Nearby, in the separate locality of Dickelschwaig, St. Gertrude’s Chapel was built by Ettal Monastery in 1694. Linderhof Palace is also a separate destination outside Ettal: King Ludwig II had it built between 1869 and 1877. It opened to visitors in 1886, six weeks after the king’s death.
Another way to explore the area is a mountain hike to Ettaler Manndl via a via ferrata. It starts and ends at Ettal Monastery; appropriate equipment is required for the via ferrata to the summit. The hike therefore cannot be equated with simply visiting the monastery complex: it combines a starting and ending point at the monastery with a mountain destination and a via ferrata.
Getting there by train and bus
The train and bus connection goes via Oberau station, from where bus route 326 (Garmisch-Partenkirchen ↔ Füssen) takes you to the Klostergasthof stop at Ettal Monastery. Check the current timetable and service before travelling, as routes and connections may change.
More destinations in the wider travel destination
The wider travel destination of Garmisch-Partenkirchen also has its own nature and culture highlights. Visitors can walk between the massive rock walls of Partnach Gorge and experience the water rushing below. The gorge was declared a natural monument and opened to visitors in 1912. A cultural highlight is the Richard Strauss Institute in the historic Villa Christina in Partenkirchen’s spa gardens; it houses a permanent exhibition on Strauss’s life and work.
Discover more destinations: Riegsee, Unterammergau, Murnau Am Staffelsee, KrĂĽn, Wallgau, Grainau, Ohlstadt, Uffing Am Staffelsee
Back to the wider travel overview: Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
