Austria’s Wachau Valley is a popular destination for river cruises or as a day trip from nearby Vienna. Situated on the winding banks of the Danube River, Melk has all the elements that make for any charming European town.
Narrow cobblestone streets perfect for strolling? Check.
Confection colored buildings kissed with flower boxes? Check.
Inviting cafes made for wiling away a few hours with a coffee or glass of wine in hand? Check.
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It also has one more thing going for it that those other charming towns don’t- one of the grandest religious structures this side of the Vatican. It’s impossible to miss the Melk Abbey (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which sits atop the village of Melk, Austria like a golden halo. Originally built as a castle the primary structure of the abbey was gifted to an order of Benedictine Monks in the 11th century. The Abbey has historically been a bastion of learning with its library housing one of the world’s greatest collections of medieval manuscripts. Having survived the Reformation and occupation by both Napoleon and Hitler, Melk Abbey is the longest continuously running Benedictine monastery in the world. The Abbey continues to serve as a premier monastic academy with over 900 students and even today you can often spot black-robed monks going about their work.
Located behind Melk Abbey, the Abbey Park and Gardens were only recently opened to the public in 2000. Meant as an area of relaxation for the monks the gardens and pavilion are a playful combination of formality and whimsy. The park itself features a pristine English Garden as well as a casual medicinal garden dotted with sculptures. This mixture of styles extends to the cotton candy hued baroque pavilion which features a whimsical fresco of exotic animals and jungles. As you meander through the gardens you’ll also find panoramic views of the Danube and the pastoral Austrian countryside.
I personally like to think the white faced monkeys spotted throughout the gardens were gifts from a group of visiting Capuchin monks with a playful sense of humor.
After a fire destroyed the original Abbey in the early 1700s the building was completely renovated in a high baroque style popular at that time. A more recent renovation(partially funded by the sale of the Gutenberg Bible to Harvard University) was completed in 1996 as part of the celebration for the 1,000th anniversary of the first reference to a country named Austria. The opulence found throughout Melk Abbey is drawn from the Benedictine tenet of “Glory to God in Everything”. The Marble Room is remarkable for not only its unique red marble columns but also its fresco ceiling which is meant to represent the house of Hapsburg in which “The ruler brings the people from dark to light, from evil to good”. This fresco is also a visual illusion- while it appears to curve upward in reality the ceiling is actually flat.
The church itself is the highlight of Melk Abbey. In contrast to many of Europe’s dark gothic cathedrals, the richly ornate church is illuminated in plenty of natural light with the soft rose and gold hues giving the space an ethereal feel. A 200 foot frescoed dome crowns the beautifully gilded baroque church and draws your eyes towards the heavens.
Melk Abbey is also home to what is arguably one of the most beautiful (and most photographed) spiral staircases in the world. Rococo in style, the Melk Abbey staircase connects the library to two upper level reading rooms that are not accessible to the public. If there is a stairway to heaven I’m pretty sure it looks a lot like this.
As mentioned before Melk is a popular stop for Danube river cruises but you can also reach Melk from Vienna via the super efficient Austrian train system. If you feel like combining the two you can purchase a combination ticket which includes a train from Vienna, entrance to the Melk Abbey and a Danube river cruise back to Vienna. There are also a number of tours to Melk from Vienna that include visits to the beautiful villages and wineries throught the Wachau Valley, a visit to Melk Abbey and an afternoon river cruise back to Vienna.
I found Melk Abbey to be one of the most beautiful religious buildings I’ve been to. What sacred sites have made an impression on you? Please share with me in the comments!
Shikha (whywasteannualleave) says
Gorgeous architecture! I wish I had done this as a day trip when I went to Vienna last year – the hilltop views are beautiful as well!
Juergen says
What a beautiful building. Although: I’m always split about the riches the church used to display – whilst ordinary people lived in appalling poverty. Churches in Latin America, Mexico in particular, seem to go over the top with their gold-leaf stucco and altars everywhere you turn.
Brianna says
That’s something I always think about too. Imagine all the good that money could do…
Jowita says
I haven’t been to Melk Abbey but it looks stunning. When I will be in Austria I’ll go there for sure 🙂
Brianna says
I loved Austria, I’m sure you’ll have a grand time!
Casey O'Connell says
I love your descriptions- “playful combination of formality and whimsy.” Thats such a great line. Your pictures of the outside are so crisp… it must have been a beautiful day when you went! I honestly have never heard of Melk Abbey, but it sounds like a place I’ll definitely visit when I find myself in Austria. 🙂
Brianna says
I had seen pictures but it took my breath away in person
Lauren says
It is a really beautiful religious building! I love the outdoor and indoor views. What beautiful architecture and design!
Brianna says
Thanks Lauren, I was awestruck by its beauty.
Sandra @ Tripper says
I have a soft spot for baroque 🙂 And detours like these. Thank you for the tip.
Brianna says
This kind of felt like understated baroque-is that even a thing?
Elena says
Beautiful architecture! My hometown is on Danube river and it brings back some memories 🙂
Brianna says
I loved traveling along the Danube 🙂
Sammi Wanderlustin' says
I’ve literally spent an hour in Austria, and each time i see more pictures of it, I want to spend more time there!
Brianna says
I spent a week there and barely scratched the surface, I’d love to go back!
Harvey (H-Bomb's Worldwide Karaoke) says
Wow, what a stunningly beautiful place, inside and out! I would love to see some of those medieval manuscripts, too.
Brianna says
I had know idea that until recently this was the home of the Gutenberg Bible
Claudia says
You managed to describe the place to perfection, and the pictures are really good too. Should I still go there? 😉 just kidding!
Brianna says
lol, It’s even more impressive in person!
Els says
Wow, that’s a very ornate building! I’ve only been to Vienna, but would love to see other parts of Austria. However, I wasn’t really into Vienna, it all seemed too “clean”…
Brianna says
I enjoyed Vienna, especially once you get out of the 1st district.
Emily @alongdustyroads.com says
Gosh, I love that staircase. Definitely one thing the Church does well is fine architecture.
Brianna says
The staircase is mesmerizing isn’t it?
Heather Cole says
I love that spiral staircase, great that a bit of solitude and reading comes with a workout too! And the monkeys are so fun, I love the idea of monks with a sense of humour!
Brianna says
They just seemed out of place in Austria si I was trying to figure out why they were there. My theory is as good as any, right?
Tim says
Really gorgeous place with some quirks which is always good to see. Was not expecting to see a low hanging monkey in Austria. Just goes to show you never know what to expect 🙂
Brianna says
I know, right? I thought it was a fun addition to the garden.
Margherita @The Crowded Planet says
This really makes me want to go back to Vienna. What a place for a day trip!
Brianna says
There was not one thing in Austria I didn’t like. I will definitely return.
Hannah says
Beautiful! I love the spiral staircases. Austria has some really beautiful buildings.
Brianna says
I think this was by far the prettiest (sorry Schonbrunn)
Adelina // Pack Me To says
What a gorgeous building! I love the painted ceiling. So much detailing and gold!
Brianna says
I was blown away by all the details
Leah says
The natural lighting really does make it stand out from other similar cathedrals. Really beautiful. The buddhist temples of Luang Prabang, Laos, were so gorgeous and really left an impression on me. Even the most modest looking temples were just insanely ornate on the inside, like stepping into another world.
Brianna says
The temples throughout SE Asia look other worldly tome. I definitely need to check them out in person.
Amanda C @ UnrestingSea says
I feel like Austria is one of those greatly overlooked places. Amazing architecture!
Brianna says
I agree, I felt like a stumbled upon a great European secret.
Maria from Nerd Nomads says
I love old castles, and this looks absolutely stunning! Great photos! So cool that it is still a monastery! That garden looks gorgeous too!
Brianna says
Both the grounds and the Abbey are just stunning in person.
Adrian of Adrian's Travel Tales says
Amazing architecture, vibrant colors but the best was the staircase. I’m in love with spiral staircases and this was amazing! 🙂
Brianna says
That staircase was what attracted me to Melk in the first place 🙂
Sarah Ebner says
I can’t believe I haven’t been here, even though I’ve visited Vienna a few times. Will add to the list as it looks fab! (PS Love those monkeys)
Brianna says
Its an easy day trip from either Salzburg or Vienna. Afterwards you can take the kids on a cruise or a bike ride along the Danube.
Anne Klien says
Wow the interior design is just stunning, I love visiting abbeys and churches.
Brianna says
The colors were so vibrant, I just loved it!
Karen Warren says
Looks like a beautiful building. And a great setting too.
Brianna says
I fell in love with the area surrounding Melk as well, its just beautiful.
Allison @ A Foodie in Europe says
I see why you think that is one of the most beautiful religious buildings! Beautiful inside and out. And the view from the hill top isn’t too bad either!
Brianna says
The Wachau Valley is a gorgeous area of Austria
Cory Lee says
Wow, that looks beautiful! Isn’t Austria an amazing country? I visited Salzburg and it was beautiful as well.
Brianna says
I also visited Salzburg and Vienna and had an amazing time, I’d love to go back!
Ben @ Road Affair says
I have been living in Austria for most of my life but I have to admit that I have never heard of Melk Abbey before. It looks really beautiful and I will definitely check it out the next time I am back home.
Brianna says
I highly recommend it!
christine says
It has such a beautiful interior!
Brianna says
It was just gorgeous!
Veronika says
Beautiful photos..! I was just about to ask how to get there from Vienna, but you explained it well at the end. Great post!
Brianna says
It’s about an hour from Vienna by train and is a great way to explore some of Austria’s countryside.
Stacey Veikalas says
Wow this is really beautiful – it actually looks very similar to a monastery across the boarder in Olomouc Czech Republic same color and everything. Austria is such a beautiful country – I think my site that most impressed me was the Hill of Crosses – although it is not architecture – it is pretty impressive. Thanks for sharing!
Brianna says
Stacy, I’m glad you enjoyed this post! I’d love to return to the Czech Republic and explore more of Bohemia, it was really pretty country.
Jenna says
Wow, what a beautiful place. I will put this on my list for my return visit to Austria.
Christine says
Gorgeous! The Melk Abbey looks beautiful! I especially like the painting on the ceiling of the church, it reminds me of the Sistine Chapel. Beautiful photos!
Jon @ jonistravelling.com says
Looks great, I’ll be in Austria soon and really haven’t read much about it/things to do there!
Brianna says
I loved Austria, its like I stumbled upon Europe’s secret gem.
Lisa says
What a beautiful building. The detail is incredible!
Brianna says
It’s one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve been to.
Lois Alter Mark says
Your pictures are gorgeous. A river cruise through Austria is on my travel wish list, and I would love to visit Melk Abbey.
Brianna says
It’s easy to visit as a day trip from Vienna as well. The Wachau Valley is such a beautiful area!
jen says
Your writing is as beautiful and descriptive as the abbey. I love the phrase confection-colored buildings. And, that ceiling. My gosh. It’s gorgeous. I agree, also – the stairway is heavenly.
Brianna says
Thanks Jen 🙂 My jaw literally dropped at how beautiful the interior of the abbey was.
Local Adventurer (Las Vegas Blog) says
love all these pictures! 🙂 we do need to make it out to Austria at some point.
Brianna says
I absolutely loved Austria and would go back again in a heartbeat!
Andi says
My hubby would love to photograph this abbey from top to bottom! We visited several while living in France and were always fascinated by their beauty and their history!
Brianna says
Andi, it was simply stunning. I couldn’t stop snapping away!
Jillian Michelle says
I’d never even heard of Melk Abbey until now! It’s gorgeous! The painted ceiling is my favorite (and I never would have guessed it’s not actually curved if you hadn’t told me it’s flat). I love it! <3
Stefan says
wow..Awesome! beautiful place visit to Austria.
California Globetrotter says
Boy you were lucky! When I went they didn’t allow photos while inside!!
Brianna says
Wow, I had no trouble at all taking pictures inside.
Ursula (myVideoMedia) says
It is definitely a place to visit and the location on the hill is awesome
Jonas says
Wow, this ons is magic! Would love to go there. Never heard about this before though.
Thanks a lot!
Lori says
We recently visited the Wachau Valley and visited Melk Abbey. Definitely a must do in this part of Europe. It was as incredible as you describe although the sheer volume of tourists from the river cruises detracted from the experience. Love your photos. Thanks.