Melk Abbey, Austria
History of Melk Abbey:
Located west of Vienna, Melk Abbey is one of the better known Abbeys in all of Europe. Founded in 1089 when Margrave Leopold II of the Babenberg dynasty gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks from Lambach Abbey. Monks have lived there continuously ever since. A monastic school (forerunner of today’s Stiftsgymnasium Melk) began in the 12th century. The abbey became a major center of learning and manuscript production.
In the 15th century it led the “Melk Reform,” which revitalized Benedictine life across Austria and southern Germany. Then, in the 16th and 17th Centuries, it was threatened both by the forces of the Reformation and the invading Turks. Having survived both, the site was expanded and filled with many marble statues and frescoes.
The current golden-yellow Baroque complex was built 1702–1736 under Abbot Berthold Dietmayr to designs by architect Jakob Prandtauer (with contributions from others). It ranks among the finest and largest unified Baroque ensembles north of the Alps. It escaped dissolution under Emperor Joseph II in the late 18th century thanks to its fame and academic standing. A fire in 1974 damaged parts of the interior; restoration took place in the following decades.
The abbey holds the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and remains of several early Babenberg rulers.Highlights for VisitorsAbbey Church (Sts. Peter and Paul) — Spectacular High Baroque interior with frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger, elaborate stucco, gold leaf, and a dramatic high altar.
Melk Abbey has one of the most beautiful monastic libraries in the world, with roughly 100,000 volumes (including medieval manuscripts and early printed books). The main hall features stunning ceiling frescoes. (Note: major restoration work on the Baroque library rooms began in January 2026.)
♦ Marble Hall (Marmorsaal) — Grand reception room with illusionistic ceiling frescoes by Paul Troger.
♦ Imperial Wing / Museum — Former guest apartments for nobility and emperors, now a museum on the abbey’s history.
♦ Terrace (Altane) — Connects the Marble Hall and library and offers panoramic views over the Danube, Melk, and the Wachau.
♦ Abbey Park/Gardens — Attractive grounds with a Baroque pavilion.
It remains an active monastery with a school, pastoral work, and cultural events.
Opening hours (main season): Roughly late March to early November, typically 9:00–17:30 (last entry 17:00); shorter or guided-tour-only hours in winter. Check the official site for exact dates.
Tickets (approximate current prices): Adults ≈ €16 (self-guided), +€4 for a guided tour; reduced rates for students/families. Park-only tickets available. Audio guides offered.
Official website: stiftmelk.at
About Melk Abbey today:
In addition to the stunning architectural features, be sure to see the library and museum. There is also a restaurant on site.
Visitors are welcome year round, with or without a guided tour…be sure to check their website for latest hours. May to September the Abbey is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (last admission at 5:00 p.m.) In April and October the hours are 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (last admission at 4:00 p.m.)
From April to October they offer daily guided tours in English at 10:55 a.m. and 2:55 p.m.
It can be a bit crowded during the tourist season as many tour groups may visit at roughly the same time.
Check out these great Danube River Catholic cruises from Select International Tours
Traveling to Melk Abbey:
Melk Abbey is a top day-trip destination from Vienna (about 1 hour by train or car) or Salzburg (two hours) and is also a highlight of Danube River cruises. Its dramatic yellow-and-white silhouette rising above the river is one of Austria’s most iconic sights.The Abbey can be reached by car or train from Vienna (one hour) .
It is also a popular stop on many river cruises, such as the one shown above from Select International Tours. And there are some one-day tours from Vienna that combine a short cruise as well as a visit to the Abbey.
Address: Abt-Berthold-Dietmayr-Strasse 1, 3390 Melk, Austria
GPS coordinates: 48° 13′ 41.2140” N, 15° 20′ 6.4068” E
Tel: +43 (0) 2752-555-232
email: tours@stiftmelk.at
Visit the official website of Melk Abbey in Melk, Austria.