Weihenstephan Abbey, Benedictine monastery in Freising, Germany
Weihenstephan Abbey is a Benedictine monastery on a hill overlooking Freising, featuring medieval structures arranged around a central courtyard with connected buildings. The complex now houses the Technical University of Munich's brewing and food science faculty along with an active brewery.
The monastery was founded in 801 by Bishop Hitto of Freising and served as an important religious and economic center for centuries. Dissolution came in 1803 during Bavaria's secularization, yet brewing activities resumed and continued.
The monastery has been linked to beer crafting for centuries, and this tradition remains alive today. Visitors can see how the brewery and university work side by side while preserving traditional methods.
Visitors can explore the grounds with its buildings and brewery, often with guided tours available. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended since the hillside terrain is uneven and stairs connect different levels.
The site houses Europe's oldest continuously operating brewery, documented as active since 1040 and now known as the Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan under university control. This unbroken brewing legacy spanning over 900 years makes it a rare example of craft continuity.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
