Ettal – Monastic Heritage and the Nearby Weidmoos

Ettal brings together the history of the monastery, its basilica and a nature reserve nearby. When planning a stay, it is worth distinguishing between places to visit in the village and excursions in the surrounding area: the monastery complex is shaped by its architectural and religious history, while the Ettaler Weidmoos and other historic sites offer their own points of interest.

Ettal Monastery: Architectural History and Religious Significance

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. The medieval origins and the later redesign of the interior thus stand side by side as distinct phases of construction.

The churchyard, or 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 the focus of the basilica for almost 700 years and is a destination for many pilgrims. The courtyard and miraculous image point to different aspects of the monastery: its layout and the religious significance of the basilica.

Tours and Cultural Tradition

The monastery offers tours of the basilica, brewery and liqueur workshop. Public tours are available by prior reservation; groups of ten or more should register in advance. The brewery tour shows how Ettal beer is brewed using traditional craftsmanship, followed by a tasting. The brewery and liqueur workshop can only be visited as part of a tour. As tour offerings and arrangements may change, check the latest details in advance.

Another cultural tradition is the folk costume association “Ettaler Manndl”. It was founded in 1899 to preserve and promote the Werdenfels folk costume and to foster music. The association’s name resembles that of the Ettaler Manndl, which has a mountain hiking route with a via ferrata; the association and the mountain hike are separate topics.

The Nearby Ettaler Weidmoos

The Ettaler Weidmoos lies in the area near Ettal. It covers 159 hectares and was designated a nature reserve in 1982. Its water conditions make it unusual among Bavarian moors: these include transitional bog complexes and small raised-bog islands. At the spring pools of the Ammer springs, bog and floodplain habitats are closely interwoven.

Birds found in the Weidmoos include the European stonechat, red-backed shrike, crested tit and tree pipit. The species-rich litter meadows are home to numerous orchid species as well as marsh gentian, bog gentian and fringed pink. Protective rules apply to visitors: in the nature reserve, visitors must stay on designated paths, including when accompanied by dogs; bathing in the spring waters should be avoided. Camping, lighting fires and parking outside designated areas are prohibited. Check the posted rules on site.

Chapel, Palace and Mountain Hike

In Dickelschwaig, a separate nearby village, Ettal Monastery had the Chapel of St Gertrude built in 1694. Linderhof Palace is outside Ettal, 12 kilometres away. King Ludwig II had it built between 1869 and 1877. In 1886, six weeks after his death, the palace opened to visitors.

The mountain hike to the Ettaler Manndl, which includes a via ferrata, starts and ends at Ettal Monastery. Appropriate equipment is required for the via ferrata. This mountain hike is clearly distinct from tours of the monastery complex and its facilities.

Getting There by Train and Bus

You can travel by train and bus via Oberau railway station, then take bus route 326 (Garmisch-Partenkirchen–Füssen) to the Klostergasthof stop at Ettal Monastery. Check current services and timetables before travelling, as routes and services may change.

More Places to Visit in the Wider Garmisch-Partenkirchen Destination

The wider Garmisch-Partenkirchen destination also offers distinct cultural and natural attractions. At Partnach Gorge, visitors can experience the rushing water below them between towering rock walls; in 1912, the gorge was declared a natural monument and opened to visitors. The Richard Strauss Institute is housed in the historic Villa Christina in Partenkirchen’s spa gardens and features a permanent exhibition about Strauss’s life and work.

Discover more destinations: Murnau am Staffelsee, Oberau, Grainau, Riegsee, Unterammergau, Seehausen am Staffelsee, Ohlstadt, Mittenwald.

Back to the wider travel overview: Garmisch-Partenkirchen.