Kremsmünster
Tucked away in the folds of Upper Austria’s foothills of the Alps, the Benedictine Abbey of Kremsmünster was founded AD 777 by Tassilo III, Duke of Bavaria. The imposing pile of buildings, as they now stand, is mostly of the eighteenth century.The Observatory, eight stories high and considered “Europe’s first Baroque tower block” , was built between 1748 and 1758 as a research center for natural sciences and as a museum. Deeply rooted in tradition, the Abbey has run a high school since 1549; among the school’s many graduates is Adalbert Stifter. The Abbey's rich art collection encompasses several art galleries and the treasury, which shelters the beautifully engraved golden Tassilo Chalice. Exhibits on display include an elaborate Tassilo Candelabra, the world-famous "Codex Millenarius" manuscript, important European paintings from the 15th to the 19th century, an armory, an arts & wonder chamber and a library. The magnificent Emperor’s Hall serves as stunning backdrop to fine concerts.
Visitors to Kremsmünster Abbey encounter a whole world of traditional culture and enological connoisseurship. A living place of home, work and prayer for the monks of the Benedictine Order. Soon after the foundation of the Abbey a village grew around it that received the market town charter by Friedrich III in 1489. Rich in historic wealth and architectural grandeur, the town of Kremsmünster with its beautiful town homes, balconies and windows bedecked with flowers, is a truly rewarding destination.
The Musical Instrument Museum on Kremsegg Castle is recognized as a worldwide hub for brass instruments from virtually all cultures and historical periods. This extensive brass musical instrument collection has no rival. Special items on display range from the Russian Tsar’s French horn over the Jazz trumpets of Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie to most innovative instruments. Kremsmünster’s calendar of events is jam-packed with concerts, exhibitions, theater performances, and much more. Kremsmünster satisfies the visitors who come to rejoice in this pleasant small town so rich in beautiful things.
The gently rolling hills around Kremsmünster lend itself to outstanding nature exploration, far away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Take some quiet time listening to nature and absorbing the magnificent scenery. There are great way-marked trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding (Wolfgang Trail, Adalbert-Stifter-Cultural Theme Trail), recreation areas, and lakes and ponds for fishing and swimming. Epitomizing the true essence of escape, the Tassilo Spa Resort at Bad Hall invites you into a world of indulgence and pampering beyond any experience imaginable. This unique spa resort is fed by 32°C iodine thermal waters which impart an array of beneficial impacts on health and well-being. With 34 hectares, the Spa Park of Bad Hall is a grand museum of gardening and landscaping—and a great place to relax, rejuvenate, and experience the wonders of nature. The Hall Forum is home to a unique Crafts Museum and to an outstanding Local Heritage Museum. The museum’s most impressive possession is the first frontdoor collection in the world.
Dine on the finest gourmet cuisine and enjoy individualized spa dishes, lovingly prepared with fresh produce by Kremsmünster’s best chefs. Matching seasonal food delicacies to local fruit wines adds another glorious dimension to the simple act of refreshment. And when it comes to a good nights’ sleep, Kremsmünster has a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Pick from the range of three star hotels, friendly bed & breakfasts and campgrounds.
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View of the village and of Kremsmünster Abbey.
