Head straight for the cemetery (Petersfriedhof) to see the wrought-iron crosses and rock-cut catacombs that inspired 'The Sound of Music.' It is one of the oldest active monasteries in the German-speaking world, but the real draw is the eerie, aesthetic atmosphere of the burial grounds. Spend 45 minutes exploring the chapels before grabbing a sourdough loaf from the nearby 12th-century watermill bakery. Avoid the midday crowds; early morning light makes the mountain backdrop look surreal.
Stepping onto the grounds of this ancient institution offers a stark contrast to the nearby bustle of the commercial city center. It functions primarily as an active monastery, yet the perimeter grounds and carved rock chambers serve as a somber meditation on medieval engineering and local funerary rites. The sheer density of wrought-iron grave markers and the verticality of the surrounding cliffside create an environment that feels disconnected from modern urban life. Visitors often overlook the quiet dedication of the resident monks, focusing instead on the dramatic limestone faces that frame the narrow, winding pathways throughout the area. Reaching the site requires a short walk from the central Kapitelplatz area, following signs toward the Benedictine monastery entrance. Aim to arrive shortly after sunrise to avoid the midday tours that clog the stone corridors. Budget at least one hour to traverse the full burial site and ascend the small, steep stone stairs leading toward the higher cliff chambers. Skip the overly polished souvenir shops nearby and focus on the Stiftsbäckerei bakery, which has operated since the twelfth century and provides a tangible connection to the monastery’s long-standing agricultural history. Most visitors rush through the cemetery and miss the quiet, upper-level chapel tucked away from the main thoroughfare. Finding the small entrance to the higher catacombs allows for a view over the roofs of the old town that remains unmatched by larger, more crowded platforms. Combine this visit with a late afternoon walk through the Nonnberg Convent nearby to understand the full scope of monastic influence in this valley. Historical records indicate the site has persisted since the late seventh century, anchoring much of the early medieval development in the region. The limestone rock used for the catacombs provides a natural insulation, keeping the air cool and damp even during the peak of summer, which dictates the pace at which one can comfortably explore the winding rock passages without rushing.
Visitors can access the catacombs independently during standard operating hours by purchasing a ticket at the small kiosk near the entrance. Navigating the narrow, uneven rock-cut stairs requires sturdy footwear and personal caution.
Arriving before the arrival of large tour groups, usually prior to ten in the morning, allows for a quiet walk through the grounds. Midday and early afternoon periods see the heaviest traffic from tour operators.
The ancient watermill bakery sits just outside the main monastery gates along the street. They sell traditional wood-fired sourdough loaves, but availability often runs low by early afternoon, so visit early in your day.
Most of the cloistered living quarters and specific monastic libraries remain strictly off-limits to casual visitors. Respect the signs marking private areas to ensure the resident monks can maintain their daily prayer and work schedules.
The specific catacomb ticket provides entry to the rock-cut chapels and burial chambers only. The courtyard, the main church exterior, and the public areas of the graveyard do not require a ticket for entry.