A stunning Baroque Benedictine monastery in a high Alpine valley near Linderhof, producing its own liqueur and beer
Kloster Ettal is a Benedictine monastery in a high Alpine valley of Upper Bavaria, founded in 1330 and rebuilt in Baroque style after a fire in the 18th century, sitting a short drive or bus ride from Oberammergau and close to Linderhof Palace. The centrepiece is the monastery's domed basilica, a rotunda whose ceiling fresco and elaborate stucco rank among the finest Baroque church interiors in the Bavarian Alps, its dome visible from across the surrounding meadows as visitors approach. Beyond the church, the monastery produces its own herbal liqueur, Ettaler Kloster-Likör, and a range of beers brewed on site, both sold in the abbey shop and served in an adjoining restaurant. The valley setting, ringed by the Ammergau Alps, makes the monastery a pleasant stop for walkers as well as those drawn by its Baroque architecture and monastic products. A visit to the basilica and shop takes about an hour, extending to 2-3 hours with a meal or a short walk in the surrounding meadows; many visitors combine Ettal with a day covering Oberammergau and Linderhof Palace. The basilica is quietest in the early morning before day-tour groups arrive from Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which typically peak around midday.
Highlights
- Baroque domed basilica with elaborate ceiling fresco
- Monastery-produced Ettaler Kloster-Likör herbal liqueur
- On-site brewery and restaurant serving monastery beer
- High Alpine valley setting near Oberammergau and Linderhof
- Easy day-trip pairing with Oberammergau and Linderhof Palace
Tips for visiting
- Combine a visit with nearby Oberammergau and Linderhof Palace for a full day in the valley
- Buy the Ettaler Kloster-Likör or monastery beer directly from the abbey shop
- Visit the basilica in the early morning to avoid midday tour groups
- Check the monastery restaurant's hours in advance, as they vary by season
When to visit
Early morning avoids the midday tour groups arriving from Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Accessibility
The basilica and shop are on ground level and generally accessible, though the surrounding valley paths are unpaved in places.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Kloster Ettal take?
Visiting the basilica and shop takes about an hour, or 2-3 hours with a meal or a walk in the surrounding valley.
Is Kloster Ettal worth it for kids?
The basilica's dramatic interior can be enjoyed by children, though the monastery's food and drink offerings are of more interest to adults.
Is photography allowed inside the basilica?
Non-flash photography is generally permitted, though visitors should remain quiet and respectful during services.