Discover Andechs

Pilgrimage and the Festival of the Three Hosts

The Andechs pilgrimage shapes the town’s religious character: it has been documented since the 12th century and is considered Bavaria’s oldest pilgrimage. Every year, more than 30,000 organized pilgrims from around 120 communities come to Andechs; this number may change over time. Historical depth and recurring participation are therefore two distinct aspects of the pilgrimage. If you are considering Andechs as a destination for a stay, the town can be understood above all through this tradition and its associated ecclesiastical and monastic themes.

The Festival of the Three Hosts is a recurring occasion. It is celebrated on the church’s consecration day, the last Sunday in September, and is connected with the Andechs pilgrimage. After the festive service, the monstrance containing the Three Hosts is carried in a solemn procession around the hill. If you would like to coordinate your stay with this date, check the exact day for the year in question. This lets you plan around the recurring occasion without losing sight of its fixed connection to the last Sunday in September.

For planning your schedule, this is a useful distinction: the festival provides a specific point in the annual calendar, while the church’s location and dedication are enduring features of the town.

The Pilgrimage Church on the Holy Mountain

The Andechs Pilgrimage Church stands at the highest point of the Holy Mountain, more than 700 meters above sea level. Its distinctive onion dome is a notable architectural feature. The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra and Saint Elizabeth of Thuringia. Its location and dedication offer different points of reference: topographically, the highest point of the Holy Mountain; religiously, the two saints to whom the church is dedicated.

Brewery, Herb Garden and Nature Playground

The brewery is another facet of the monastery: the monastery beers are brewed exclusively in Andechs using the traditional multiple-mash process. Thus, alongside pilgrimage and church architecture, the location and method of beer production are distinct themes associated with Andechs.

The monastery also includes the Andechs Herb Garden in the sculpture park. Its raised beds were created in collaboration with Steierl-Pharma GmbH in Herrsching as an educational garden for visitors. The company produces natural medicines. The Andechs monastery also has a nature playground for families with children.

Further information in the wider Starnberg destination

In the wider Starnberg destination, the Bismarck Tower near Assenhausen was inaugurated on July 1, 1899. The heritage-listed Feldafing lido is still largely in its original 1927 condition; its seasonal operation may change. At Bucentaur Park on Lake Starnberg, bathing and swimming are prohibited by order of the lake shipping authority because of the immediately adjacent shipyard harbor. Check this regulation again before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Allmannshausen, Inning Am Ammersee, Bernried Am Starnberger See, Feldafing, Gauting, Gilching, Herrsching Am Ammersee, Starnberg

Go to the wider travel overview: Starnberg.