Benediktbeuren
This 8th-century monastery (a flourishing cultural center in the Middle Ages) is the oldest Benedictine site north of the Alps. The frescoes in the monastery's baroque church were painted by the father of the famous Asam brothers. It was here, in this ecclesiastical enclave, that the 12th-century secular musical work Carmina Burana (the Goliardic songs) first appeared, later to become a popular 20th-century work by Bavarian composer Carl Orff.
Benediktbeuren is 15km (9 miles) southeast of Bad Tölz. Admission is free anytime during opening hours of the compounds (daily 9am-6pm), but if you want to participate in a guided tour, you'll pay 3.50€ per person. These guided tours last for about 90 minutes, and they're conducted mostly in German, with occasional bits of translation thrown in. With frequent alterations based on availability of guides and other events scheduled within the monastery, they follow this schedule: Tours are offered April to June Tuesday and Thursday at 2:30pm, Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 2:30pm; from July to September daily at 2:30pm, on Saturday and Sunday also at 11am; October Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2:30pm; from November to March only on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30pm. For information about the monastery and concerts, call tel. 08857/2-48.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
