Melk Abbey
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsReligious Sites
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Melk Abbey is one of the biggest and most beautiful European Baroque Ensembles. Its splendid architectur ist famous worldwide an part of UNESCO´s World Cultural Heritage. Since 1089, Benedictine Monks have continually been living and working in Melk Abbey. Following the rules laid down by St. Benedict, they try to translate into action the words ORA et LABORA et LEGE (pray, work and read) by working in pastoral care, education as well as organizing numerous cultural Events. A visit to the abbey includes the abbey museum, the marble hall, the balcony, the library, the church, the abbey park with the baroque garden pavillion (open May-October)and the Bastion.April to September: Visits are possible daily with (10.55 a.m. and 2.55 p.m.)or without guided tourOctober to March: Visits are possible only with a guided tour. For individuals: 10.55 a.m. and 2.55 p.m. / tour for Groups may be reserved.Recommended time to spend at the abbey: 2,5 hoursADVISE for your visit: If possible, visit Melk Abbey around midday or in the afternoon, it´s not so crowed. Large monastery parking lot free of Charge.
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  • Shane B
    Te Awamutu, New Zealand811 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good for walk around, great library.
    As our European tour progressed we got to see a few Abbeys, pretty impressive though and a walk through the Library a must. Unfortunately on our tour run out of time to see the gardens probably could have spent a bit more time there. Enjoyed the visit though wouldn't go out of my way to get there as if you are in Europe bound to come across a Monastery/Abbey in your travels.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 November 2023
  • wardgarner
    Castro Valley, California614 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful self guided tour
    First, if you are not taking a guided tour, you will definitely want to download (for a small fee), the audio guide. The guide really helps you "see" the details of the Abbey. If you don't download the guide, the explanations of things you are looking at are in German and English. Take your time to look at everything being shown. We did the audio guide self-tour and were very happy with it.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 11 December 2023
  • rosietomato
    155 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Melk Abbey, a no miss.
    A visit to Melk Abbey was a shore excursion from our river cruise (Tauck). It is a beautiful abbey, sadly you couldn't take pictures inside. The two biggest highlights (as if the Baroque architecture isn't enough!) is the library and the church. On display in one of the rooms on the tour is a 1784 burial fail. A reusable coffin. Innovation doesn't always mean acceptance . Google it to learn more and see a picture.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 December 2023
  • Sunburned_8
    Marshfield, Massachusetts36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Melk Great !! OBB train Not
    The Abbey is amazing. The church is the most beautiful that I have ever seen. However one caveat DO NOT BUY THE COMBINATION TICKET from the train co. OBB Th e ticket buys a train ride from Vienna to Melk Abbey , entrance to the Abbey then a return trip via a boat on the Danube to Krems for a return train to Vienna. The problem arises when there is only one boat each day off season. they dont tell you that!! and yes we missed the boat . Had to take the train back. Buy your tickets separately. It will save you alot of agravation.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 May 2024
  • Diana R
    Birch Run, Michigan2,888 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gorgeous abbey & cathedral
    Absolutely one of the most beautiful places we saw on our recent trip to Germany Austria and Switzerland! The cathedral itself is beyond breathtaking. The grounds are wonderful to explore. The library was amazing. Definitely worth your time to visit.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 May 2024
  • maryofmassachusetts
    Plymouth, Massachusetts741 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Monastery and School with beautiful historical story
    Chapel was just beautiful. The Garden Pavilion was a surprise with wonderful wall art. The Maine Library, last part of the Abbey Tour is just incredible. No photos are allowed in the Abbey, however the bookstore/gift shop has nice postcards, books and other souvenirs from this region. It was a very interesting tour, I would recommend. Nice area photographs from this site of the surrounding area.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 30 May 2024
  • sleepingbeautyUSA
    94 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you're in Melk already...
    I'm not sure I would make a special trip to Melk, just for this. It is VERY commercial. Plus there is a ton of construction going on right now (summer 2024) so access is restricted and the crowds are enormous. The on-site cafe however, is fantastic. The food is fabulous, the service is great, and the views of the fountain and garden are lovely. If you're already planning to visit the city of Melk - which I would highly recommend - then by all means head up to the Abbey.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 15 June 2024
  • BobN06
    Avondale, Pennsylvania721 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Main attraction and doesn't disappoint
    Vast Benedictine Abbey that still serves as an active monastery as well as a secondary school. Set on a rock above the town, the abbey makes a striking statement. The guided tour takes you through this history of the abbey and the evolution of the Benedictines through the ages. It’s a bit biased to present things in a positive light but it is their abbey. The marble hall and library are large and beautiful rooms well worth the time spent as is the highly ornate chapel. Overall highly recommended as a representation of the former wealth and prestige of the church.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 June 2024
  • Crofton M
    Airlie Beach, Australia2,080 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Imposing in size and condition
    The Abbey is imposing in its position and by its size. The gardens are extensive but structured as mainly woodlands with well maintained paths. It is a working school with 800 students, and monks live there. Thus our tour was restricted to the library area. The ceilings and halls are outstanding with brilliant ceiling friezes
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 July 2024
  • KatielouAustralia
    Hobart, Australia1,910 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exquisite Baroque Abbey
    This Benedictine Abbey was founded in 1089 with quiet arched passageways, large courtyards, the monks' residences, a school, and an ornate church inside. The guided tour begins in the courtyard before ascending the Imperial Staircase. See the imperial rooms, which are now home to a museum chronicling the abbey’s history from its inception to modern times. Give yourself enough time to visit the adjoining garden pavilion.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 29 August 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,929 reviews
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eliensis
Ely, UK36 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019 • Solo
Without doubt the abbey of Melk would have warranted 5 stars - the architecture, the dramatic setting above a bend in the Danube - but then I entered the abbey church and saw the late 20th century liturgical reordering of the sanctuary.

The magnificent baroque high altar was covered in pot plants, and looked more like a plant stand in a garden centre! Quite clearly it is never used for its true purpose, the celebration of Mass.

And then the modern forward altar. What can I say! It reminded me of a large wallpapering table, and was surrounded by little wooden mushrooms as seats for the clergy. What were the monks thinking of, to install such monstrosities in that heavenly setting? How on earth did they get permission? They probably didn't ask, knowing that the answer would be a loud 'no'! Sorry, Melk. Only 3 stars!

A much smaller niggle - the only way into the church is through the museum (entrance fee) and the only way to get out is through the shop. Full marks to the Bursar!

eliensis
Written 24 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

maurizio s
Florence, Italy37 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
Imposing abbey much visited but perhaps a little overrated by the tourist circuit and certainly not suitable for non-Germanic or Anglo-Saxon speaking tourists. There is no audio guide in Italian for a ticket of 13 euros per person. A guided tour is offered at 2.30 pm or a mini guide which partly re-proposes the panels displayed in the museum and partly a fairly long-winded history of the abbey. The museum offers a lot of fluff and little content. Personally I found the visit to the Sankt Florian Abbey much more interesting (see review). Photos are not allowed, obviously for economic reasons because you are trying to sell some postcards in the shop, as there is no longer any motivation relating to the use of flash as some have done.
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Written 18 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mike H
Phoenix, AZ2,015 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
We got to this abbey and it is impressive from the parking lot. You can't see it all but once you start going through the abbey you find out that there is a lot here. The abbey has a school, Library, a garden and many exhibits that will take you time to read and understand. There are painted ceilings and the library has hidden doors that go to reading spaces behind the shelves. At the end of the tour you end up at a spiral staircase that leads to the Church.
The only drawback is that you can't take photos of the inside. However there is a book for sale in many languages that show pictures of the inside that you can keep.
Written 3 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

marriott946
London, UK817 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2022 • Friends
This Abbey is imposing from the Danube and demands a visit. Use a tour guide to understand the history of this very old Abbey.

Please remember this is an Abbey so don't expect laser lights and noise.

The relics are many and although some stories about them a little far fetched, I think, do take it all in to build the story. The paintings are many and the library huge. Many books aren't books as original manuscripts have to be locked away.

The balcony is high giving views of the valley which are simple views rather than riveting views. Melk Abbey dominates the entire area.
Written 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

zimmys57
Delavan, WI742 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019
I revisted the Abbey after last seeing it in 2006. I was again amazed at the stunning shear beauty of the well preserved inside and out architectural creation. Be sure and take the guided tour to learn more of the historical significance and see the beautiful rooms. My friend that was with me said it was one of the highlights of her trip.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Toon
23 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2024 • Couples
Nice sight but pricey for what you get to see. Library was mediocre, church was beautiful. At time of visit large part also under renovation. Tourism takes the upper hand here it is very commercial in my opinion. This is not expected at an abbey. For a lover of churches and beautiful buildings it is a setback that you are not allowed to take pictures anywhere (inside) this is what you expect if you pay a reasonable amount for a viewing at such a location. Personally more enjoyed the Abbey of Göttweig which is definitely recommended!
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Written 25 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Barb T
Toronto, Canada246 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023
ncredible Abbey with amazing views of the Danube. Note that you are unable to take photos inside, but there are excellent books in various languages for sale in the gift shop. Wonderful display of artefacts over the centuries. For river cruisers: you will likely have the option to take the bus back to your ship, or walk down to the ship. If you have the slightest mobility issue, or are not physically fit, I strongly encourage you to take the bus back. For walkers, you exit the Abbey, walk down the stairs through the town, and then you will come to a road and a bridge - cross the bridge, walk around the corner towards what looks like a wooded area, and along the road. You will pass a camp site, then turn left to the river. It is not clearly marked how to get back to ships so I am adding this for OCD folks like me who need to know exactly where they are going. This Abbey is beautifully maintained, and on a sunny day, the yellow exterior is magnificent against a blue sky. You can taste the history!
Written 1 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

William P
Glendale, AZ1,250 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
We have passed this abbey many times on our various river trips, but this time the boat stopped in Melk and we had an opportunity to visit this astounding abbey! The outside is very inviting, but the inside is even more beautiful. Our guide was quite good and explained lots of its history. We ended up in an incredible library (2 rooms of a total of 8), which was truly inspiring. The view from the top of the abbey shop gives you a birds eye view of the Wachau Valley - really impressive.
Written 11 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Claire L
Eastern Canada315 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
Still an active Abbey and school, this building was fascinating. As part of the Viking experience, visiting Melk was one of my favorite stops on the Budapest to Amsterdam. our guide was very knowledgeable and, although photos are not allowed inside the Abbey, it is well worth visiting. While there, make time to visit the gardens.
Written 11 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KathyZWarsaw_Poland
Warsaw, Poland385 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021
I took the OBB train direct from Vienna to Melk (City jet lines) and only took 1 hour. It was very quiet and peaceful when during my visit. No large tour groups. The church and "caste" were huge and wonderful to explore. My only disappointment is that no photos were allowed. Why not?

Be sure to hang around the village for a drink, ice cream or lunch. it is a beautiful village.
Written 17 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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