Kloster Andechs

Leave a group of grown Bavarian men to their own devices, and you can really only expect one thing: they’ll find a way to make beer. Although it’s known as the “holy hill”, the Andechs Abbey is probably most famous for its brewery, where the heavy labor is still carried out by monks. From beers to cheeses, the profits of their labor go to funding the monastery. (With that good cause in mind, you won't swallow an ounce of guilt with your maẞ of lager.) Just 40 minutes south of Munich, Andechs is well known among Munichers. At the same time, it’s probably one of the lesser-known spots for travelers. However, making the pilgrimage is well worth it. Simply hop the S8 south to the end of the line at Herrsching. From the train station, you can either catch a bus to Andechs, or follow the signs for a four-kilometer hike. (A note on geography: remember, Andechs is called the “holy hill” for a reason, so the hike is, well, uphill.) On arrival don’t just make a beeline for the food! Walk through the gardens, and you’ll see hops growing on the vine. Then, take a tour of the actual brewery to find out how the holy suds are made. (Another note: you might want to book the tour in advance.) Next, check out the Abbey’s Rococo church, St. Nicholas Chapel. (In my opinion it looks a bit like an elaborate birthday cake on the inside.) There, you’ll find out that Andechs is called the “holy hill” for the religious relics it’s held since the time of Charlemagne. Finally, tuck in for a nice lunch. If you’ve hiked all the way up to the top, you’ll have earned it. A local on the train recommended the pork knuckles, which took some nerves for this ex-vegetarian, but they were way better than the name suggests. So try the pork knuckles! Of course the main event is the seven types of beer on tap: lagers, weißbeirs, and dunkels, among others. Settling on a place to sit is easy, as the halls, terrace, and biergarten seat over 3,500. From some spots, you can even see the Alps on a clear day. After lunch, you may feel more like a nap than a walk; in that case, take the bus back down. Otherwise, retrace your footsteps for a nice downhill hike to Herrsching.

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14.Jun 2013