Weltenburg Things to Do

4 more images

This was part of the complex that was built between 1713 and 1736 by the finding from Asam brothers of Ingolstadt, who were also architects. The front was completed in 1751. The middle is oval and has outlying naves for separate prayer sessions. The entry has symbolism of the four last things; death, judgement, heaven and hell. Inside icons are represented all around and the interior is elaborate.

1 more image

Arriving at Kehlheim by ship on the Donau and towering over the valley you can't help but see this famous monument Befreiungshalle" the Liberation Hall at Kelheim in the national park Altmuehl valley.
The walls of the circular building are divided by 18 pilasters with 18 chandeliers. The pilasters are crowned by female figures which symbolise the German tribes who took part in the Great Battle (e.g. Hessians, Suabians, Thuringians ...)
In the zone of the walls above the figures there is a gallery with pillars in Tuscan order, and the final part is an open passage which allows the view on the wide valleys. Its stone balustrades correspond to the divisions of the gallery, and its wall is equipped with pilasters and decorated with trophies.
The Hall is crowned by a cone-shaped copper roof and a glazed opening in the apex. The colossal Hall measures 96.7 feet in diameter and is 147.6 feet high. Inside, the walls are covered with marble. There are two storeys, a row of niches and, upstairs, a gallery with pillars. The 18 niches form the background for the bigger than life-size victory sculptures (sculpted by Schwanthaler and Widenmann).
These sculptures symbolise the 34 states which formed the German Confederation. Two by two the victory figures carry bronze shields with names of the battlefields of the War of Liberation (e.g. Grossbeeren, Leipzig, Laon, Waterloo ...). 18 plates in the middle between the storeys announce the glory of the most famous generals, e.g. Bluecher, Wrede, Wellington ...
Golden letters in the architrave of the gallery tell the names of the conquered fortresses.
The original motive for building the Liberation Hall is made clear by a saying of King Ludwig´s which is to be read in the marble floor:

4 more images

The cathedral was built in baroque style by the Asam brothers. They started with the work in 1716, the entrance was finished in 1751. Have a look at the four niches, which are rather beautiful decorated. There are lots of beautiful angels as well.

On their website is a good description of the church and the different parts. Unfortunately most of the pages are in german. There is only a summary in english available. Here the link of the german detailed description.
http://www.urbanplus.com/weltenburg/fuehrungkirche.html

1 more image

When we decided to visit Kloster Weltenburg, we planned to visit 2 main destinations. One was the Donaudurchbruch (see my general tips), the other was drinking a beer in the beer garden. Yes, I know, that's not the usual thing when visiting an abbey. But of course, we also visited the cathedral. But we didn't visit the visitor's center, where you can learn more about the history of Weltenburg. You can get there also informations about the Danube.
Today the benedictine monks take care for pastoral things, have meetings and meditations in Weltenburg, have guests, ...
Have a look on their website for more informations

1 more image

The abbey of Weltenburg is on the Danube, it was founded long time ago, in 617. It is the oldest monastery of Bavaria. As it is just on the banks of the Danube, there is always the danger of flood. When you come from the boat stop, you have to walk along the monastery until you come to the big door.

You can get to Weltenburg by car but a better option is to take a boat from Kelheim or Regensburg. Regensburg is only about a half hour or forty-five minutes by boat and the trip is a pleasure. The Danube Gorge is stunning, particularly in the autumn. The river is also the best place to get a good view of the monastery.