Melk Abbey
A vast golden baroque abbey on a rock above the Danube - a masterpiece of the style, with a dazzling library and church at the gateway to the Wachau.
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Melk Abbey rises like a golden crown on a rock above the Danube, a vast Benedictine monastery and one of the greatest baroque buildings in Europe. Its ornate church, its breathtaking library of ancient manuscripts under a painted ceiling, and its terraces over the river make it the magnificent gateway to the Wachau valley.
What you actually see
- The abbey church - the dazzling gold-and-marble baroque church.
- The library - the great hall of ancient books under a painted ceiling.
- The Marble Hall - the grand ceremonial hall with its frescoes.
- The terrace - the view over the Danube and the Wachau.
When to go
Spring to autumn, when the abbey and its gardens are fully open; it is a highlight of a Wachau visit by road, rail or river boat. A clear day suits the terrace views.
Honest expectations
It is a working monastery as well as a sight, so behave accordingly, and photography inside the church and library is restricted. It is busy in season, especially with river cruises. It is a baroque spectacle rather than a quiet ruin.
Nearby
The Wachau valley and Durnstein are downriver; Vienna is about an hour east.
What to pack for Melk Abbey
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
