The Weltenburg, the Abbey for St. George is a Benedictine Abbey. It is the part of the Bavarian Congregation. Located amidst some of the most scenic sights, ancient rocks, modern day cycling tracks, including the most fascinating socio-political history, and ecclesiastical importance. Along with this and above all the legendary and the world’s oldest monastic brewery is also located here. It is a must visit site which is rich in Bavarian heritage.
The locale
It is located in Kelheim district which is further located in Lower Bavaria on the southern bank of the river Danube. Danube in-fact makes a peninsula around here which is often referred to as the Weltenburg Narrows or Danube Gorge.
Welternburger is in-fact well connected with roads and also the public transport system works really well. Along with these there are parking facilities which is approximately at a distance of about 1 kilometre form the abbey. In between spring and autumn you can enjoy the commute using passenger ships between Kelheim and Weltenburg. The drive through involves passing though the Danube Gorge and there is indeed nothing as gorgeous a view that you will find there.
History
Weltenburg Abbey is situated where once began the Roman frontiers and its military road. As the Danube flows upstream it passes through Fort Hufingen which is again near to Donaueschingen – this point in-fact has been the main connector between the eastern and western wings from the north of Alps.
The first foundation of the Abbey was laid in A.D. 620 by the monks from the Hiberno-Scottish mission. This probably makes Weltenburger the oldest living monastery in the whole of Bavaria. However, the traditional story seems to predate this particular account by three years. Agilus and Eustace of Luxeuil the students of Columbanus have said to founded the abbey in A.D. 617. Furthermore, in the first half of the 8th century, Tassilo III the Duke of Bavaria began to support the abbey as it came formally under the Benedictine order. Later-on Bishop of Regensburg took control of the abbey in A.D. 932 and a church was thus built there.
As the time moved so did the number of abbots and administrators, thus came in a number of reforms and also quite a few wars. The Schmalkaldic War and the Thirty Years War saw massive looting and damage to the monasteries. The consecration of the abbey church took place in the year 1191 and later-on was replaced in 1716 as a single nave with a crypt. The abbey was also reformed and renovated under the leadership of abbot Konrad V (1441-1450). The Weltenburg Abbey reached its prominence only during the 18th century at the time of Abbot Maurus I. The Baroque buildings were constructed during this time which became the highlights of the church. This church was built by Asam Brothers between 1716 and 1739 and was dedicated to St. George. Just as the new century approached, in 1803 the abbey was dissolved and all its silvers were confiscated – all of this happened during the secularisation of Bavaria. Furthermore, the various economy generating buildings along with the brewery were sold off and in 1812 they were turned into schools, parish house and church for the Weltenburg village.
By the time it was 1842 Weltenburg was re-founded in accordance with the initiative of King Ludwig I. Properties were repurchased and the entire complex was renovated. The Weltenburg Abbey again became a part of the Bavarian Congregation of the Benedictine Confederation and later-on in 1913 it was elevated to the status of an independent abbey. In addition to all of these, the latest set of renovations took place between 1999 and 2008.
These days the abbey is responsible for two parishes along with the age old duties related to hospitality. Moreover, the abbey has become an active contributor towards adult education and farming techniques, in addition to all of these, you can also attend concerts and public lectures at the abbey. Also, the abbey is open for exploration apart from certain sections which are completely reserved for the monks.
Weltenburg Abbeybrauerei is the brewery at Weltenbug Abbey. It is known to have been operating since the year 1050 and as a matter of fact considered to be the oldest monastic brewery in the whole world. World’s Best Beer Cup Awards is an award which is given out every year and Weltenburger has received this award three times – in 2004, 2008, and 2012 till date. Weltenburger received this award for being the world’s best Dunkel beer. Summers can be quite amazing as the guests are served in the biergarten which is located in the monastery’s courtyard. It feels really good with the wind blowing and just being present with the sounds of nature along with the myriad hues brought in by the tourists and definitely the historic abbey being right at the back adds up to the very basic essence. The view, the history and the splendid mysteries – all of these combined can make an exquisite trip.
More reasons to visit?
The most fascinating part about the sceneries is the Jurassic rocks. Also, if you happen to visit Weltenburger during a weekend, make sure that you go and attend the guided tours offered by the Monks at Weltenburg brewing beer. It definitely will be an enriching experience to firstly, learn about the oldest monastic brewery in the world and secondly, at the same time get to taste its world famous dark beer.
The International Danube Cycle Path and the German Limes Cycle Path are located near Weltenburger Abbey and invite a lot of visitors each year. The locale becomes very lively as a result of these events.
What else is around?
- Befreiungshalle Kelheim
- Kuchlbauer-Hundertwasser-Turm
- Nikolaus Kapelle
- Archaeologisches Museum
- Wittelsbacher Castle
- Matthias-Kraus-Denkmal
- Spatromisches Kleinkastell
- Alter Kanalhafen
- Johannes (Ottokapelle)
- Old Town Hall
- Stadtknecht Burgerturm
- Deutsches Haus
- Prunn Castle
- Erasmusturm
- Kastell Abusina am Limes
- Alte Pfarrkirche Hl. Kreuz
- -Luth. St. Markus-Kirche
- Aunkofer Biolandhof
- Kreuzweg am Kalvarienberg