Wessobrunn can be explored through several themes: the former Benedictine monastery, art in churches and chapels, the Three Springs and a remarkable lime tree. These different highlights let you choose how to shape your stay, focusing on architectural and art history or on nature. If you would like to combine both, the town offers evidence of its monastic history alongside distinctive features of the landscape.
Monastery, Springs and Artworks
Wessobrunn Monastery is an important former Benedictine monastery in Old Bavaria. Its surviving interiors feature Baroque stucco and room decorations. Tours of the Prelate's Wing include visits to the Magdalene Hall and Tassilo Hall. Check the current tour schedule before your arrival. The information centre in the old town hall, formerly Wessobrunn's schoolhouse, offers another way to explore the town's history. It presents the monastery's history and the significance of the Wessobrunn artists. Check the seasonal opening hours before your visit.
At the Three Springs, the springs converge in the shape of a cross; they have been venerated for many centuries. The open, three-arched Fountain Hall was built in 1735 to plans by Joseph Schmuzer. Inside are a painting depicting the founding legend and a view of the monastery based on Johann Schmuzer's ideal plan. The hall thus combines its distinctive design with themes from the monastery's history.
The churches and chapels also offer insights into different periods and artistic works. In the parish church of St. John the Baptist, Thassilo Zöpf created the stucco decoration and altars; Johann Baptist Baader painted the frescoes in 1758 and 1759. The church is also home to the Late Romanesque Wessobrunn Cross. It dates from around 1250, and its artist is unknown. The Kreuzberg Chapel commemorates the monks murdered by the Hungarians in 955. Its ceiling fresco was created by Matthäus Günther in 1771. A stone slab on the eastern side of the chapel tower commemorates the construction period, associated with the year 1595.
The Mariengrotte was built in 2009 from tuff stone taken from the former monastery church and was consecrated by the Bishop of Augsburg on 11 October of that year. The grotto contains a copy of the statue “Mother of Holy Hope”, created between around 1235 and 1250. The ground floor of the medieval bell tower, also known as the Roman Tower or “Grey Duke”, houses a lapidarium. It contains medieval stone fragments from demolished parts of the monastery and monastery church. From April to October, it is accessible free of charge up to the entrance gate; check seasonal access before your trip.
The Tassilo Lime Tree and Yew Forest
Another landmark of Wessobrunn is the Tassilo Lime Tree, a broad-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos) about 17 metres tall, with a trunk circumference of approximately 14 metres. Its age is estimated at 700 to 900 years; its exact age is unknown. The tree has been protected as a natural monument since 1980 and was designated a National Heritage Tree in October 2023. Its size and protection history make the lime tree a destination in its own right, alongside the religious artworks.
The Paterzell Yew Forest is a natural, mixed, multi-layered forest with many old yew trees. Within the municipality, the yew nature trail, established in 1995, passes the forest's most distinctive spots. Alongside architecture, trees and woodland are therefore another option to consider when planning a stay. You can focus on the monastery's history and art, or make the Tassilo Lime Tree and the yew forest the centrepiece of your visit.
Discover more destinations: Steingaden, Altenstadt, Habach, Pähl, Oberhausen, Polling, Bernbeuren, Peiting.
Go to the main travel overview: Weilheim-Schongau.
