Altenburg Abbey
Altenburg, Austria
A Benedictine abbey with a Baroque library and a painted crypt, usually far quieter than Melk. Its gardens are open in summer.
Altenburg Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in the Waldviertel in Lower Austria, set in rolling countryside near Horn. It was founded in 1144 by Hildburg of Poigen-Rebgau. The abbey was damaged repeatedly in wars, destroyed by the Swedes in 1645, and rebuilt completely and lavishly in the Baroque era.
The painter Paul Troger created frescoes here in the staircase, the abbey church and the library, whose hall is 48 metres long. Remains of the medieval monastery lie beneath the Baroque building; tours show the chapter house, cloister and scriptorium, among others. There are also several gardens, including the Garden of Creation, the Apothecary Garden and the Garden of Religions.
For road trippers: the visiting season usually runs from early May to late October, so it is over for 2026. Sources disagree on opening days and tours (Thursday to Sunday versus daily), so check ahead for 2027 (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Altenburg, Austria
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 48.6458, 15.5942
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Austria: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t need a GO-Box for distance-based tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Seecamping KrumauCampsite12 km from Altenburg AbbeyTentsCaravansElectricityToiletsDogs allowed
- Wohnmobilstellplatz EggenburgMotorhome stopover16 km from Altenburg Abbey · 8 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Amethystwelt MaissauMotorhome stopover18 km from Altenburg Abbey · 4 pitchesCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Camping OttensteinCampsite21 km from Altenburg Abbey · 90 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToilets
- Campingplatz LichtenfelsCampsite21 km from Altenburg AbbeyTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Seecamping LangauCampsite24 km from Altenburg AbbeyTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
All campsites in Austria · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Altenburg Abbey?
Altenburg Abbey is in Altenburg, Austria, at GPS 48.6458, 15.5942. It is about 5 km from Horn.
Can you camp near Altenburg Abbey?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wohnmobilstellplatz Festgelände Horn, about 6 km away; within 25 km there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Altenburg Abbey?
Altenburg Abbey is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Kamptal and Waldviertel: castles beyond the Wachau.
What is there to see near Altenburg Abbey?
Places worth a stop nearby: Rosenburg Castle (4 km), Dürnstein (28 km), Rappottenstein Castle (41 km) and Melk Abbey (50 km).
When is the best time to visit Altenburg Abbey?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)