EA 10
1 / 10

Engelszell Abbey

4.6
·897 reviews·Engelhartszell, Austria

Austria's only Trappist brewery, offering unique beers and a stunning Baroque church. A serene escape with rich history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Loading map...
EA 10

Engelszell Abbey

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Austria's only Trappist brewery, offering unique beers and a stunning Baroque church. A serene escape with rich history.

4.6
(897 reviews)

"Magnificent Abbey, great Trappist beer brewing there, Austria's only Trappist beer brewery!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🍺 Taste the Trappist Brews

Don't miss sampling the Gregorius and Benno beers, Austria's only Trappist brews. They're brewed with local honey!

⛪ Admire Baroque Artistry

The Abbey church is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Take time to appreciate the intricate details.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Trappist Beer Tasting

Trappist Beer Tasting

Brewery Shop

Sip on unique Trappist ales like Gregorius and Benno, brewed with local honey. A true taste of monastic tradition.

Baroque Church Interior

Baroque Church Interior

Abbey Church

Marvel at the exquisite Rococo and Baroque artistry within the Abbey's stunning church. A hidden gem of Austrian architecture.

Monastic Gardens & Nursery

Monastic Gardens & Nursery

Abbey Grounds

Wander through peaceful gardens and discover the Abbey's nursery. A tranquil escape offering natural beauty.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Savor Austria's Only Trappist Beer

Engelszell Abbey is home to Austria's sole Trappist brewery. Sample their unique beers, brewed with local honey, before the brewery operations potentially cease. It's a chance to taste a piece of monastic history.

Baroque Beauty & Tranquility

Beyond the beer, the Abbey boasts stunning Baroque architecture. Explore the serene church and grounds for a peaceful escape. It's a hidden gem offering both spiritual and visual delights.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, late morning
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, early afternoon
Why
Experience lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Taste & Description: Engelszell Gregorius Trappist is a Quadrupel with 9.7% alcohol and is brewed by Stift Engelszell in Engelharstzell an der Donau. A dark and complex Trappist beer. Delicious scents emerge from under a small head of foam. The beer is sweet on the one hand, but has a good bite and a nice bitterness. Partly due to the use of honey from our own abbey garden, this beer has a very sp...
robbiebieren
189 likes • 1.2K views

🍺 Taste the Trappist Brews

Don't miss sampling the Gregorius and Benno beers, Austria's only Trappist brews. They're brewed with local honey! TikTok

⛪ Admire Baroque Artistry

The Abbey church is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Take time to appreciate the intricate details. Reddit

Once upon a time in Austria we visited Engelszell Abbey, a Trappist monastery with a pretty unique side hustle--brewing beer!⁠ ⁠ Here we are, a few pints in, learning the Austrian Waltz from their brewmaster and our new BFF, Michael. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #landandseetours #trappistbeer #monkswhobrewbeer #austrianbeer #engelszellabbey #engelszellbeer #austrianwaltz #doremi #drunkmonks #austria
land_and_see_tours
5 likes • 335 views
15th #DecemBeer Today's craft beer is #benno brewed by @stiftengelszell in #Austria 🍻#Cheers!🍻 Named after Abbot Benno Stumpf who arrived at St.Engelszell after being expelled from Abbey Mariastern during World War II. Under his leadership Stift Engelszell renovated its buildings and church which was built in the mid 18th century in a Rococo Style.<br /><br />Malts used: Pilsner Malt, Caramalt<...
myonlybeercommunity
13 likes • 66 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Wander through the peaceful gardens and nursery for a serene experience away from the crowds. Reddit

🎶 Learn the Waltz

You might even learn the Austrian Waltz from the brewmaster! Instagram

Tips

from all over the internet

🍺 Taste the Trappist Brews

Don't miss sampling the Gregorius and Benno beers, Austria's only Trappist brews. They're brewed with local honey! TikTok

⛪ Admire Baroque Artistry

The Abbey church is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Take time to appreciate the intricate details. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Wander through the peaceful gardens and nursery for a serene experience away from the crowds. Reddit

🎶 Learn the Waltz

You might even learn the Austrian Waltz from the brewmaster! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(897 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Engelszell Abbey for its unique Trappist beer and the stunning Baroque architecture of its church. The peaceful gardens and friendly service are also highlights. However, some find the food menu limited, and the cake has received mixed reviews. There's also a poignant note about the potential closure of the brewery.

"Good beer. Cake is not best"

j H

"Nice food, quiet and garlic bread was good. Would come again."

Paul Miklovits

"Clean and modern. Very friendly service. Menu a little thin on choice."

Leo Luyendijk

What People Like

Unique Trappist beer
Beautiful Baroque church
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited food menu
Cake quality

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Engelszell Abbey is accessible by car or public transport from Linz. Taking a train to Engelhartszell an der Donau and then a short bus ride or walk is a common route. Driving offers more flexibility, with parking available on-site. Reddit

While possible, it's a long day trip from Vienna. Many visitors combine it with a trip along the Danube Valley. Consider staying overnight in the region for a more relaxed experience. Reddit

You can take a train to Engelhartszell an der Donau station and then it's a short walk or bus ride to the Abbey. Check local bus schedules in advance. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available for visitors at Engelszell Abbey, making it convenient for those arriving by car. Reddit

Absolutely! Engelszell Abbey is located along the scenic Danube Cycle Path, making it a perfect stop for cyclists. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Abbey church and grounds is generally free, but there might be a small fee for guided tours or specific exhibitions. The brewery shop is also free to enter. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially for the brewery shop and church. It's best to check the official Engelszell Abbey website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase the famous Trappist beers brewed at Engelszell Abbey directly from their on-site shop. TikTok

Guided tours are often available, offering insights into the Abbey's history, architecture, and brewing traditions. Inquire at the Abbey for tour schedules and booking. Reddit

The brewery shop itself is free to enter, allowing you to browse and purchase their products. Tastings might incur a separate charge. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Engelszell Abbey is renowned for its stunning Baroque church, peaceful gardens, and the monastic atmosphere. It's a place of spiritual and architectural beauty. Reddit

Yes, families can enjoy the serene grounds and learn about the unique monastic life. The gardens offer space for children to explore. Reddit

They brew Trappist beers, including the Gregorius (a Quadrupel) and Benno, known for their quality and unique flavor profiles, often incorporating local honey. TikTokInstagram

Yes, visitors are often welcome to explore the Abbey's nursery, adding another layer to the tranquil experience. Reddit

The Abbey church is a magnificent example of Rococo and Baroque architecture, considered one of the most beautiful in the valley. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the Abbey is primarily known for its beer, there might be a small cafe or restaurant on-site offering light refreshments and snacks. Reviews suggest the cake might not be the best, but garlic bread was good. Reddit

Some visitors have enjoyed the food, noting the garlic bread as a highlight. The menu choice can be a bit limited, so manage expectations for a full dining experience. Reddit

It's possible to pair your beer tasting with some light snacks available at the Abbey's cafe or shop. Reddit

There are likely local restaurants and inns in the nearby town of Engelhartszell an der Donau that offer more extensive dining options. Reddit

Reviews are mixed, with some praising the food and friendly service, while others found the menu limited and the cake not the best. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Baroque church interior, the serene gardens, and the exterior architecture offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Capture the unique beer bottles too! Instagram

Photography is generally allowed in the Abbey church, but it's always respectful to check for any specific restrictions or signs. Avoid flash photography during services. Reddit

A versatile camera that handles both interior low light and exterior daylight is ideal. A wide-angle lens can be great for the church's grandeur. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites and historical monuments. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Reddit

Morning light can be beautiful for the exterior and gardens, while late afternoon can offer dramatic light inside the church. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Engelszell Abbey offers a surprisingly engaging experience for families. While the focus might be on beer and history, the peaceful gardens and nursery provide a safe and pleasant space for children to explore. It's a chance for kids to experience a different kind of environment, away from bustling city attractions. Reddit

Parents can enjoy the unique Trappist beer while the children can wander the grounds. The Abbey's serene atmosphere can also be a calming influence. Consider it a unique educational outing, introducing children to monastic life and historical architecture in a relaxed setting. Reddit

🍺 Beer Enthusiasts

For true beer aficionados, Engelszell Abbey is a pilgrimage site. As Austria's sole Trappist brewery, the opportunity to taste Gregorius and Benno beers is paramount. These brews are crafted with a dedication to tradition and often feature local honey, offering a flavor profile you won't find elsewhere. TikTokInstagram

Given the potential closure of the brewery, this is a critical time to visit. Securing bottles from the Abbey shop is a must for collectors and enthusiasts. The experience of tasting these monastic brews directly from the source is unparalleled. Reddit

🏛️ History & Architecture Buffs

Engelszell Abbey is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by history and architecture. The Baroque church is a standout, showcasing exquisite Rococo and Baroque artistry that is rarely found. It's a chance to witness a preserved piece of Austrian heritage. Reddit

Beyond the church, the Abbey itself offers a glimpse into monastic life and history. The serene grounds and the stories behind the architecture provide a rich historical context that appeals to those who appreciate cultural heritage. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Trappist Brewing at Engelszell

Engelszell Abbey holds the unique distinction of being Austria's only Trappist brewery. This means their beers are brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery, adhering to strict guidelines set by the International Trappist Association. The monks oversee the brewing process, ensuring quality and tradition are maintained. Their beers, such as the Gregorius and Benno, are known for their complex flavors and are often brewed with local honey, adding a distinct regional touch. TikTokInstagram

Unfortunately, there are indications that the brewery operations at Engelszell may be closing in the near future. This makes a visit to sample their unique Trappist ales even more poignant. It's an opportunity to taste a piece of monastic history and support a tradition that has been a part of the Abbey for years. Reddit

Visitors can purchase these special brews directly from the Abbey's shop, making for a perfect souvenir or a delightful way to remember their visit. The experience of tasting a beer brewed by monks, steeped in tradition, is a highlight for many who visit Engelszell. TikTok

Architectural Splendor: The Baroque Masterpiece

Beyond its brewing fame, Engelszell Abbey is a treasure trove of Baroque and Rococo artistry. The Abbey Church, built in the mid-18th century, is particularly breathtaking. Its interior is adorned with elaborate stucco work, vibrant frescoes, and ornate altars, creating a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere. Many consider it one of the most beautiful hidden gems of Baroque architecture in the entire valley. Reddit

Visitors often describe the church as a place of profound beauty and tranquility. The intricate details and the sheer artistry involved in its creation are a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. Taking the time to explore the church, and perhaps even the rest of the Abbey grounds, offers a peaceful respite and a chance to immerse oneself in history and art. Reddit

While the beer might draw many visitors, the architectural magnificence of Engelszell Abbey is an equally compelling reason to visit. It provides a rich cultural experience that complements the unique monastic brewing tradition, offering a well-rounded and memorable visit. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2