Ettal

Ettal, a small village with 850 inhabitants, is located just five kilometres from Oberammergau.

Ever since the Holy Roman Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian founded the monastery in 1330, Kloster Ettal has been the cultural centre of the Ammer River valley. The Benedictine Monastery where some 50 monks still live and work is also home to two schools, a brewery and a liqueur distillery. Guided tours are available.

The Distillery
Medieval monks were experts in growing healing plants and in the skilled hands of the cloister pharmacist these plants produced remedies both for monks and ailing pilgrims. The tradition of the distillery continues today with the monks producing a variety of herbal teas and delicious liqueurs - all to secret recipes. They also have created a range of colognes.

The Brewery
In Ettal brewing the ‘liquid bread of Bavaria' boasts a continuous history of more than 400 years. Today, the beer that originally served the needs of the monks and pilgrims, has grown in popularity and is now enjoyed world wide. Brewed from the crystal clear waters from the Ammer mountains and selected locally grown ingredients, Klostierbier ranks among the prize winning specialities of the monastic brewing tradition.

The Basilica
This beautiful Gothic church with its later Baroque additions is at the heart of the monastery complex and well worth a visit. Visitors should note its powerful Baroque dome crowning one of the masterpieces of Bavarian Rococo and its tiny exquisite Madonna and Child statue.