Melk Abbey (Stift Melk) has been the home of Benedictine monks since 1089. It is one of the largest and most impressive Baroque complexes in Europe. The splendid architecture of this place has made it a must-see destination when touring the Wachau Valley. The impressive structure stands on a high hill, dominating the entire area, so the views from it are absolutely wonderful.
Despite the many hardships the monastery and the entire region have endured (fires, enemy invasions, etc.), it remains standing and active to this day. Benedictine monks still live and work here, and about 900 students attend the monastery school.
A Monastery Inside a Castle
The monastery was founded back in 1089 when the ruler of the region, Leopold II, housed several monks in one of his castles. A few hundred years later, a monastery school began to operate on the site, where monks were heavily involved in writing articles and preserving knowledge. The abbey’s library soon became renowned for its rich collection of manuscripts.
The current Baroque structure of the abbey was built in the early 18th century. The building is exquisitely decorated, and its library, in particular, received special attention with a variety of impressive ornaments and paintings.
The Marble Hall and Paul Troger’s Ceiling Fresco
One of the most impressive rooms in the abbey is the large Marble Hall, which originally served as a dining and reception room for the noble family who lived in the castle. The walls of the hall are covered with real marble imported from the Salzburg region. On the ceiling, there is a stunning fresco by the artist Paul Troger from 1731, symbolizing the House of Habsburg as a ruler leading his people from darkness to light and from evil to good.
The Abbey Park
The serene and green park located next to the abbey building was designed in the Baroque style. The park presents an interesting combination of nature and spirituality and is divided into 3 areas. This garden was established in the 18th century on land that was previously a vineyard and fruit orchards. At the heart of the garden is a central pavilion, also designed in the Baroque style, which served the monks as a place for thought and creation. Today, this building serves as a small café.
Throughout the garden, there are well-tended flowerbeds with colorful varieties of roses. Some of the trees in the garden have been standing for no less than 250 years.
How much time should you set aside for a visit to Melk?
The abbey and its extensive surrounding gardens are open to visitors (for a fee), and it is advisable to dedicate at least two and a half hours to the visit. After entering the complex, you can admire the monastery itself and the beauty of its interior rooms. In addition, the entrance ticket includes access to the impressive gardens and the Northern Bastion. For a small additional fee, you can also see the mineral collection on display and various temporary exhibitions.
If you don’t wish to enter the abbey and gardens, you can simply sit in the entrance courtyard. There is no charge to enter the courtyard, and there is a café on site. You can sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the views of the Wachau Valley from the abbey. This quick visit takes about an hour.
After visiting the abbey, you can continue for a short tour of the lovely village of Melk and look at the old village houses.
This is what Melk Abbey looks like
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
You can reach the abbey by car, with a large, free parking lot located right in front of the entrance. For visitors with disabilities, there is an elevator instead of the stairs leading to the entrance courtyard. The abbey courtyard is open to visitors free of charge, and there is a café on site. If you wish to enter the abbey or the gardens, you must purchase entrance tickets. You can also join a guided tour in English offered by the abbey.
Opening Hours:
April to October
- The abbey itself can be visited without a guided tour. The site is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Guided tours in English take place at 10:55 AM and 2:55 PM (from May to September, there is also a tour at 2:00 PM).
- The Northern Bastion is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
- The Abbey Park is open during these months only, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
November to March
- The abbey itself can be visited without a guided tour. The site is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Last admission is at 4:00 PM.
- Guided tours in English take place daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
- The Northern Bastion is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
- The Abbey Park is open daily from the beginning of April to the end of October from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Admission Costs:
Combined Ticket (Abbey, Bastion, and Park):
- Adult without guided tour: €16
- Adult with guided tour: €19.50
- Child and Student: €8 without tour, €11.50 with tour
Ticket without the Abbey Building (Bastion and Park):
- Adult: €5.50
- Student: €4
- Child (6-16): €1.50
You can purchase an audio guide for a self-guided tour of the abbey gardens starting from €3.50.
Official Website
Address: Abt-Berthold-Dietmayr-Straße 1, 3390 Melk
Map:
If you start your trip in Krems, a visit to Melk Abbey will likely be your last stop before returning to Vienna. If you wish to continue touring the valley, you can see several other interesting places in the Wachau Valley.
Additionally, you can join a daily tour from Vienna to the Wachau Valley to hear interesting stories and taste some of the valley’s wine. More information about the trip to the Wachau Valley.
