Engelszell Abbey

The foundation of Engelszell Abbey took place in 1293 by Bishop Wernhart von Prambach, Prince-Bishop of Passau, with the aim of establishing a Cistercian monastery there. Two years later, in 1295, it was settled by Cistercian monks from Wilhering Abbey. Throughout its history, the monastery faced numerous challenges, including a dissolution during the Reformation period from 1577 to 1618, which led to a significant decline. After a devastating fire in 1699, which destroyed large parts of the complex, the abbey was rebuilt in the Baroque style and reconsecrated in 1764. In 1786, it was secularized under Emperor Joseph II and subsequently served secular purposes, including as a porcelain factory. It was not until 1925 that displaced Trappist monks from Alsace found a new home in Engelszell, and in 1931, it was elevated to an abbey. During World War II, the monastery was dissolved by the Gestapo in 1939, and the monks were expelled or arrested, but they returned after the war ended in 1945 to resume monastic life.

Engelszell Abbey is located in the municipality of Engelszell in the district of Schärding in Upper Austria, Austria, at an elevation of approx. 296 m above sea level.

Today, Engelszell Abbey is an active monastery inhabited by a community of Trappist monks. It continues to operate monastic businesses and is known for its liqueur factory and brewery.

• Altjochenstein Ruin (ruin), approx. 2.0 km away
• Neujochenstein Ruin (ruin), approx. 2.3 km away
• Altenhof Castle (castle), approx. 3.3 km away
• Rannariedl Castle (castle), approx. 3.4 km away