Göttweig Abbey
Picture this: high up on a hill, for over a thousand years, sits Göttweig Abbey—like a wise old guardian watching over the Danube River and the vineyards that tumble down its slopes. It’s the kind of place you’d expect to find in a storybook, with its grand Baroque halls and quiet chapels still whispering tales of centuries past.
Founded way back in 1083 by Blessed Altmann, the Bishop of Passau, Göttweig Abbey has stood watch through wars, fires, and empires, always keeping its sacred presence above the river. The nearest city is Krems an der Donau in Lower Austria, and from the abbey’s hilltop perch, the view stretches out like a painted canvas of the Wachau Valley.
This was Day 3 of my Danube River cruise with Viking Cruises, and it was one of those moments that felt both peaceful and powerful—like stepping into living history.
Want to follow along on the rest of my Christmas market adventures? Check them out here.
Here’s how I chased those magical moments during my time visiting:
- Gazed at the mesmerizing “Fame and Glory” painting on the ceiling
- Tasted delicious apricot wine crafted by the Benedictine monks who live and work in the abbey
- Listened to captivating tales of emperors, kings, and renowned scholars who have been there
- Explored the mysterious catacombs within the abbey’s depths
- Made a heartfelt Christmas wish in the small stone chapel, which faces east
The chapel faces east
The small chapel within the monastery grounds is one of the few buildings to have survived the catastrophic fire of 1718. It’s believed to date from the 12th century, making it a rare architectural link to Göttweig’s medieval origins. Facing east, as is traditional in Christian architecture—symbolizing hope, resurrection, and the direction of Christ’s expected return.
The pulpit in Göttweig Abbey is made of gold-plated wood:
The monks at Göttweig Abbey have been making apricot wine for over 900 years:
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