Schäftlarn: Monastic Culture and Isar Trails

Historic traces in Schäftlarn

The Neuchl estate, also known as Stallwastl, is in Hohenschäftlarn. It was first mentioned in 1492, almost completely destroyed by fire in 1828, and subsequently rebuilt. The small farmhouse dates from 1829 and is considered the last authentically preserved example of its kind in Schäftlarn. For 2026, opening hours are listed from May to October on the first Saturday of each month, from 2 to 4 p.m. If you are planning a visit in a later year, check the latest information on visiting hours.

St. George’s Church in Hohenschäftlarn also tells the story of the area. It is one of the oldest branch churches of the former Schäftlarn monastery parish. The present building was constructed between 1729 and 1732 under the direction of Munich master mason Johann Georg Ettenhofer. The Neuchl estate and St. George’s Church offer different points of interest: one is a small farmhouse first mentioned in the 15th century, the other a church built in the early 18th century.

Monastery, Rococo and the Prelate’s Garden

The monastery church is considered a Rococo gem worth seeing and is probably one of the most successful late Baroque religious buildings in southern Germany. Together with the church, the 300-year-old main monastery building forms a significant architectural ensemble and is one of Upper Bavaria’s outstanding cultural monuments. Important for your plans: the main monastery building is not open to visitors. You can appreciate the ensemble’s architectural significance without planning a visit to the main building.

Schäftlarn Monastery is also home to the Prelate’s Garden, an attraction for rose lovers and anyone who enjoys beautiful surroundings. A fountain stands at its center, fed by a spring on the nearby mountain slope. Baroque-era buildings and a curved boundary wall from the same period surround the garden. The fountain, wall and buildings give a garden stroll its own architectural setting; for those interested in roses, the garden offers an additional point of interest.

Walks and trails along the Isar

A short circular trail starts opposite the monastery cemetery. Follow a paved path up the slope, past the “Maria Rast” chapel, and then along the mountainside. The circular trail offers a view of the monastery church. Check local conditions before setting out. If you would like to combine culture and exercise, you can treat this walk as a separate option alongside a longer outing.

The 9.6-kilometer “Nature” themed trail runs along the Isar between the Dürnsteiner Bridge near Schäftlarn and the Icking weir. The estimated walking time for the route is three hours. This makes it quite different from the short circular trail by the monastery: this route centers on a longer hike along the river. Schäftlarn Monastery is also a stop on the Isar Cycle Path, with a church, monastery tavern and beer garden.

Getting here and choosing accommodation

You can reach Schäftlarn Monastery via the A 95 Munich–Garmisch-Partenkirchen motorway and the Schäftlarn exit. Take the S 7 to Ebenhausen-Schäftlarn station; from there, a footpath leads to the monastery. Check the latest timetable information before setting out. When choosing a holiday apartment, it may help to decide on your planned excursions first: a day focused on monastic culture calls for different priorities than the longer route along the river. That way, you can choose Schäftlarn based on the experiences you would like to prioritize during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Feldkirchen, Pullach im Isartal, Munich, Grasbrunn, Grünwald, Baierbrunn, Ottobrunn, Gräfelfing.

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