Stift Göttweig

About the museum

Bishop Altmann of Passau founded Göttweig in 1083 on the mountain of the same name south of Krems, initially as a double monastery, which from 1094 lived according to the Rule of Saint Benedict. From here, in the 12th century, other monasteries such as Garsten and Seitenstetten were settled; in the 15th century the crypt and choir of the monastery church were built, among other things.

After a devastating fire in 1718, Abbot Gottfried Bessel commissioned imperial court architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt to build a baroque new building. Until the 1740s, the complex grew wing by wing, but was never completed. Among the highlights is the imperial staircase, one of the largest baroque staircases in Europe, with a ceiling fresco by Paul Troger from 1739.

The museum in the imperial tract is considered the oldest museum in Lower Austria. The tour leads via the imperial staircase into the prince and emperor's rooms and into the Altmanns hall with a view over the Wachau. Annual exhibitions show excerpts from the monastery's collections, which include library, graphic collection, music archive, coin collection and painting gallery. The monastery, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, is still inhabited by a community of around 40 monks.

Highlights

• Imperial staircase with ceiling fresco by Paul Troger (1739)
• Prince and emperor's rooms
• Altmanns hall with balcony and view of the Wachau
• Monastery church with crypt
• Apricot garden (freely accessible in warm seasons)

Permanent exhibition

• Museum im Kaisertrakt – Tour via the imperial staircase with Troger's ceiling fresco through the baroque prince and emperor's rooms to the Altmanns hall with Wachau views.

Founded

1083

Operated by

Benediktinerstift Göttweig

Admission & discounts

Audio guide (German or English) included in admission. One free admission with the Lower Austria CARD (not at Advent enchantment). 1 € discount with an admission ticket from the current season of partner institutions (e.g. Kunstmeile Krems, Cartoon Museum, State Gallery Lower Austria, Loisium, Museum am Dom) as well as for GÖD members. Apricot garden freely accessible in warm seasons.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is not barrier-free (historic thresholds, narrow door, baroque staircase without lift); wheelchairs and strollers can be parked in the cashier area. Monastery restaurant, foyer and monastery church are accessible via ramps or lift; accessible toilets at main entrance and in the monastery courtyard. Disabled parking spaces at parking lot 2 and at the southern access road. Only guide dogs are allowed in the museum.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Large playground in the south of the monastery grounds; changing room at main entrance. The museum cannot be accessed with a stroller; stroller can remain in the cashier area. Family ticket for parents with children up to 16 years.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A1 to junction St. Pölten and further toward Krems to exit Mautern, from Vienna via the S5 to junction Traismauer and toward Krems to Mautern; from there signposted.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Monastery restaurant with panoramic views of the Wachau (daily 10–18 hrs café operation, warm food Wed–Sun midday); monastery shop at the gate with wines from the monastery wine estate, apricot products and books. Dogs on leash allowed in the restaurant and monastery courtyard.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Seminar rooms, fountain hall, summer refectory, panorama hall, Benedictine hall and upper viewing terrace; imperial staircase and Altmanns hall outside opening hours for exclusive events. Weddings in the monastery church.

Plan your visit