Melk Abbey : The Library

We regret that we were unable to see the library. Restoration work on the library started in January 2026 and is expected to be completed in 2032. A collection of more than 16,000 books was moved to another location. 

Taken from Stift Melk website

Melk Abbey : The Balcony

The Balcony is actually a terrace that connects the Marble Hall and the Library. We could see Melk and the River Danube.

The Danube

Melk Abbey : The Marble Hall

The Marble Hall served as a dining hall for the imperial family.

Hercules and Athena

Melk Abbey

The abbey was founded in 1089 as a Benedictine monastery (a place where monks lived, prayed, and followed the Rule of St Benedict). The current Baroque-style abbey was rebuilt between 1702 and 1736. Today, it is a World Heritage Site and one of Austria's most famous tourist attractions

We chose to visit the abbey on a Saturday because visitors are only allowed to visit the abbey without a guided tour on Saturdays. A timed entry would complicate our plan.

"I would have regretted not coming here" so said Empress Maria Theresa

The Breu Altar

Lock inside a chest

A model of Melk Abbey

Walking to the abbey

We went straight to the abbey upon reaching Melk.

Insect Hotel

A man-made structure designed to house different insects

Mitte to Melk

We took the U-Bahn from Mitte Landstrasse to Wien Westbahnhof. The train to Melk departs from Westbahnhof and takes about an hour, with a change at St. Polten. 

First escalator

We took two escalators up to the train station

Change at St Polten

One stop to Melk