Close to the southern German city of Kelheim, the Danube flows through a wild, romantic and rocky landscape where both nature and culture combine in a unique way: at a sharp bend in the river is the Weltenburg Benedictine Abbey, the oldest surviving monastery in Bavaria.

In the eighth century, the rules of the Benedictine order were adopted and in 932 A.D. Weltenburg came into the possession of the Bishop of Regensburg. In 1714 the foundation stone of a new monastery complex was established and the talents of Munich artist and architect, Cosmas Damian Asam, were engaged.

The vestibule with its stucco busts, ceiling painting of the Last Judgement, and stucco reliefs of the Four Last Things gradually introduce the large dimensions of the dome and, from the vestibule, the main room shines out with magnificent altars in gold and marble.

The success of the monastery of today is due to Abbot Maurus Bächl. Under him the Baroque complex was built along with the world famous Asam Church including farm buildings, a mill and a school.

In 1050 A.D. the monastery’s brewery was founded. It is the world’s oldest brewery in which beer continues to be brewed according to Bavaria’s Purity Laws.

Although today only fourteen monks live in the monastery, the guiding principle of the Order is still observed and visitors continue to enjoy the spiritual ambience of this holy place along with its worldly pleasures.