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Monastery · Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Baviera
Kloster Ettal
Benedictine abbey founded in 1330 by Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian, about 10 km from Garmisch. The Baroque basilica has a dome over a twelve-sided plan. The monastery maintains a brewery and a liqueur distillery.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Kloster Ettal
Kloster Ettal is a Benedictine abbey founded in 1330 by Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian on the road between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Oberammergau. The first church, Gothic, had a twelve-sided plan, rare in Europe. In the 18th century it was transformed into a Baroque basilica with a large painted dome.
The main object of devotion is the Madonna of Ettal, an image of Mary brought from Pisa by the emperor, which has attracted pilgrims for centuries. The church is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.
The monastery is still active, with monks, a school, a hotel and lands. It runs a brewery and an herbal liqueur distillery, with guided visits on set dates, and a shop selling its own products.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on guided tours of the brewery or the liqueur works.
Best time
During the day, outside Mass times, you can walk around the basilica. Guided tours of the basilica, the brewery and the liqueur factory have their own dates; check the calendar on the monastery's website.
How to get there
It is about 10 km from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, on the road to Oberammergau. Regional buses connect Garmisch, Ettal and Oberammergau; by car there is parking next to the monastery.
Tip
Combine with Linderhof, about 15 km away, and Oberammergau, 5 km. When entering the basilica, respect Masses and wear clothing appropriate for a church.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kloster Ettal
Is there an entrance fee for the basilica?
Free visits to the basilica are usually not charged; guided tours of the church, the brewery and the liqueur factory are paid. Check the monastery's website.
Is the monastery still active?
Yes. It is an active Benedictine community, with a school, a hotel, a brewery and a liqueur factory.
How do I get to Ettal without a car?
Regional buses link Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Ettal and Oberammergau. Check the schedules, as services are spaced out.