Andechs

Andechs is a market municipality in the district of Starnberg in Upper Bavaria, Germany. It lies on a hill above the western shore of Lake Ammersee, southwest of Munich, and is part of the Munich metropolitan region. The municipality comprises the village of Andechs and surrounding rural areas, with tourism and agriculture as important components of the local economy.

The key landmark of Andechs is Andechs Abbey, a Benedictine monastery located on the Schlossberg overlooking the town. The abbey has a long medieval history and has played a significant religious and cultural role in the region. It attracts pilgrims and visitors who come to see the church and to experience the monastic heritage, as well as to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The abbey operates a on-site brewery, which produces Andechser beers that are distributed across Bavaria and beyond. The brewery is a major economic and cultural element of the community, drawing tourists to the site and supporting related local businesses. In addition to the brewery, agriculture and rural tourism contribute to the local economy.

Historically, Andechs is associated with the noble House of Andechs, which held the area in the Middle Ages. The abbey’s fortunes reflect broader Bavarian religious and political changes, including disruption during the secularization of the early 19th century and later religious revival. Today, Andechs is best known for its monastic site, its beer, and its scenic setting on the Ammersee region.