Melk Abbey, Austria
History of Melk Abbey:
Located west of Vienna, Melk Abbey is one of the better known Abbeys in all of Europe. Originally owned by the Babengerg family, it was handed over to Benedictine Monks in the 11th Century. It became a center of religious learning for much of this part of Europe. 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.
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. 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:
The Abbey can be reached by car or train from Vienna (one hour) or Salzburg (two hours). Get train & bus schedules, see fares & buy tickets here.
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
Click here for the official website of Melk Abbey.
