Ettal is a captivating pocket of Bavaria with history, culture and spectacular mountain scenery. Sip beer brewed by Benedictine monks at a centuries-old monastery, explore one of the most famous castles built by one of Bavaria’s most notorious kings.
Things to do in Ettal
Ettal Monastery is set within sprawling grounds and is the region’s signature attraction. The ancient Benedictine abbey was founded by the Duke of Bavaria in the 1300s and will impress you with its beautiful white façade and soaring domes. Guided tours take you behind the scenes of the working monastery and offer a chance to visit the brewery, distillery and basilica.
Magnificent Linderhof Schloss is one of three palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 1800s. Guided tours are a unique chance to visit rooms like the Hall of Mirrors, which is decorated with lavish Rococo furniture. The grounds are a highlight and feature flower-filled gardens, bubbling fountains and cascading terraces inspired by the Italian Renaissance style.
Charming cafes, bistros and guesthouses make the village of Ettal a great base for exploring the region. After a day of sightseeing, return to the village for a meal at a cosy tavern. Enjoy Bavarian classics like smoked pork chops, blood sausages and buttery “semmelschmarrn” bread pudding for dessert. Wash down your meal with a glass of traditional Bavarian beer.
Ettaler Weidmoos is a short drive from the village and immerses you in the beautiful Bavarian landscapes. A family-friendly hiking trail winds through the moorlands, which are blanketed in wildflowers in the spring and summer.
Getting around Ettal
Rental cars are an easy and flexible way to explore Ettal at your own pace. The village is compact and easy to get around on foot. Munich is a one-hour drive away, while trains run between Munich and Oberau in around one hour. From here, it’s a 10-minute drive to Ettal.