Around 1119, Benedictines established a monastery in Scheyern Castle in the Gerolsbach Valley. The town’s history can be seen in the basilica and on trails that take in archaeological traces, viewpoints and a range of themes.

Monastery and history

The monastery’s three-aisled basilica was consecrated in 1215 under Abbot Konrad. While 1119 marks the establishment of the monastery in the castle, 1215 is the date of the basilica’s consecration; the two dates mark different stages. The term “three-aisled” describes the division of the church interior into three naves. The Holy Cross of Scheyern is displayed in the Basilica’s Holy Cross Chapel.

The guided tour is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays. It includes the basilica, the cloister area, the sacristy and St. John’s Church. Before visiting, check whether the tour is currently taking place and whether any exceptions apply.

Trails and archaeological traces

The Panorama Trail offers views of the valley, ponds and monastery. Below Vieth, it follows a sunken lane back to Scheyern. Check current trail conditions before setting out. Four burial mounds dating from around 300 BC are located on the Benediktus Trail; two lie a few metres after the start of the trail, and two more about 50 metres farther on.

The Scheyern Celtic enclosure is located in the Winden district and is described as a Celtic rectangular earthwork. The Akazien Trail, just under 2.5 kilometres long, starts at the car park below the vineyard. Both the Benediktus Trail and the Scheyern Celtic Trail start at the Klosterschenke car park. This means two of the named trails share a starting point, while the Akazien Trail starts from a different car park.

An astronomy project in Scheyern makes the scale of the universe easy to grasp through playful activities. In addition, the “Ruck ma wieda zamm” trail between Hettenshausen and Scheyern was designed and signposted with seven stations; it is intended to provide strength for challenging situations.

Monastery products

Goat’s cheese is made in the monastery’s own cheese dairy. The hard cheeses have a slightly grainy, creamy taste and the distinctive character of goat’s milk; the range may change. Scheyern monastery beer’s origins are associated with 1119. The same year thus appears both in the monastery’s history and in the beer’s origins.

In the wider destination of Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm

The southern part of the Pfaffenhofen a.d. Ilm district is characterised by the tertiary hill country, with gentle hills and valleys. The district has well-signposted cycle paths through river valleys and themed cycling tours focused on asparagus and hops. Themed hiking trails and walking paths can be found in many communities. The German Hop Museum in Wolnzach offers insights into more than 1,000 years of hop-growing history. It displays old hop weighing receipts and introduces visitors to the art of brewing beer. The district also offers guided tours through historic streets, hop farm tours and herb walks for nature lovers.

Discover more destinations: Gerolsbach, Pörnbach, Schweitenkirchen, Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm, Münchsmünster, Jetzendorf, Reichertshofen, Wolnzach.

Go to the main travel overview: Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm.