Andechs combines a pilgrimage tradition documented for centuries with a distinctive monastery site and other visitor attractions. The pilgrimage church stands at the highest point of the Holy Mountain; other attractions include the annual Three Hosts Festival, a herb garden in the monastery’s sculpture park and a nature playground. When choosing where to stay, it is therefore helpful to consider whether religious tradition, monastic culture or family-friendly attractions matter most to you.
Pilgrimage, Church and Festival Date
The Andechs pilgrimage has been documented since the 12th century and is considered the oldest pilgrimage in Bavaria. Every year, more than 30,000 organized pilgrims from around 120 communities come to Andechs. These figures may change over time; the annual pilgrimage remains the constant point of reference. If you choose the destination primarily for its religious history, you will find a tradition that is both historically rooted and visible throughout the year.
The Andechs pilgrimage church stands at the highest point of the Holy Mountain, more than 700 metres above sea level, and features a distinctive onion dome. It is dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra and Saint Elizabeth of Thuringia.
The Three Hosts Festival is associated with the Andechs pilgrimage and is celebrated on the church’s consecration day, the last Sunday in September. After the festive service, the monstrance containing the three hosts is carried around the mountain in a solemn procession.
For travel planning, the Three Hosts Festival is the clear recurring calendar event. The church, herb garden and brewing tradition offer other thematic focuses, so consider whether the festival date or the monastery’s other themes should shape your stay.
Other Monastery Themes
The monastery beers are brewed exclusively in Andechs using the traditional multiple-mash process. This makes the brewing process a tangible part of the local monastic tradition, alongside the pilgrimage and church.
The Andechs herb garden is located in the monastery’s sculpture park. Its raised beds were created in collaboration with Steierl-Pharma GmbH in Herrsching as an educational garden for visitors; the company manufactures natural medicines. The educational garden offers a different way to explore the site than the church and pilgrimage, focusing on herbs and sharing knowledge about them. Families with children can also enjoy a nature playground at the monastery.
Starnberg: Other Regional Attractions
In the wider Starnberg travel area, the Bismarck Tower near Assenhausen was inaugurated on 1 July 1899. The heritage-listed Feldafing lido is still largely in its original 1927 condition; seasonal operating conditions may change. Check them before visiting. Swimming and bathing in Lake Starnberg at Bucentaur Park are prohibited by order of the lake navigation authority because of the nearby shipyard harbour. Check the regulations again before visiting in case operating conditions change.
Discover more destinations: Feldafing, Wörthsee, Pöcking, Gauting, Allmannshausen, Bernried on Lake Starnberg, Herrsching on Lake Ammersee, Inning on Lake Ammersee
Go to the main travel overview: Starnberg.
