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Temples #2 in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm

Scheyern Abbey

4.5 · 948 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation and rural tradition.
Scheyern Abbey, Schyrenpl. 1, 85298 Scheyern
Interesting facts
1

The Abbey was the original family monastery and burial place of the Wittelsbach dynasty before they relocated to Munich.

2

The brewery is one of the oldest monastery breweries in the world, maintaining continuous production since the Middle Ages.

3

The abbey church serves as a pilgrimage site for the 'Scheyern Holy Cross,' allegedly containing a relic from the true cross of Jesus.

4

The monastery complex has been run by the Order of Saint Benedict since 1119.

5

The onsite gymnasium (high school) is one of the oldest in the region, having educated students for generations under monastic supervision.

Overview

Scheyern Abbey is a Benedictine monastery founded in 1119, serving as the ancestral seat of the House of Wittelsbach until 1180. The current structure features a late-Romanesque basilica with significant Baroque alterations performed in the 17th and 18th centuries. It functions as an active monastic community and includes a gymnasium school, a monastery shop, and a brewery. The abbey church houses the Holy Cross relic, which has made the site a pilgrimage destination for centuries. The complex includes a brewery that has been producing beer on-site for over 900 years, utilizing ingredients from its own agricultural lands. The monastery courtyard and grounds contain a traditional beer garden and a farm shop selling regional monastery products. The interior architecture showcases intricate stucco work and frescoes typical of the Bavarian Baroque period.

Photo spot

The elevated path near the main entrance gates provides an unobstructed view of the basilica's towers and the courtyard architecture.

Insider tips

Visit the Klosterladen (monastery shop) to purchase locally produced beer, honey, and artisanal cheese.

Walk the perimeter of the abbey grounds to access the scenic views of the surrounding Upper Bavarian countryside.

Combine your visit with a meal at the Klostergaststätte to sample beer brewed according to traditional recipes.

What to avoid

Attempting to enter private monastic living quarters or restricted areas marked for monks only.

Good to know

The monastery shop and brewery restaurant may observe reduced hours on specific public holidays.

Etiquette

Dress modestly as it is a working religious site; maintain a quiet demeanor inside the basilica.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early autumn, when the monastery courtyard and beer garden are fully operational and comfortable for outdoor seating.
Address
Scheyern Abbey, Schyrenpl. 1, 85298 Scheyern
48.502, 11.453
Get directions
Details
Architectural styleLate-Romanesque basilica with Baroque interior elements
Religious SignificancePilgrimage site for the Holy Cross Relic

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early autumn, when the monastery courtyard and beer garden are fully operational and comfortable for outdoor seating..

The elevated path near the main entrance gates provides an unobstructed view of the basilica's towers and the courtyard architecture.

Close by you'll find Basilika Kloster Scheyern, Ede-Stadion, Peoples Park ("Bürgerpark").