Schlägl Abbey

The origins of Schlägl Abbey date back to the early 13th century when it was initially founded as a Cistercian monastery, presumably around 1202/03 by Bishop Wolfger von Erla of Passau. It was settled by monks from the Franconian monastery of Langheim. However, this early monastery lasted only a few years, ceasing to exist around 1209/10 or 1210/11, possibly due to unfavorable climatic conditions and insufficient resources. Bishop Wolfger's successors sought to revive it at a more favorable location and enlisted the Premonstratensians. On June 20, 1218, the Cistercians of Langheim renounced their claims, and on July 9, 1218, Kalhoch von Falkenstein transferred his foundation to the Premonstratensians. The exact origin of the first canons is debated, with both Osterhofen Abbey and the Bohemian monastery of Mühlhausen being considered. It was repeatedly damaged by wars and fires, such as during the Hussite Wars in the 15th century and the Peasant War in 1626, but was always rebuilt. In 1657, it was elevated from a provostry to an abbey. After a fire in 1850, reconstruction took place under Abbot Dominik Lebschy. The abbey also survived its dissolution by the National Socialists in 1941 and was restored after World War II under Abbot Cajetan Lang.

Today, Schlägl Abbey is an active Premonstratensian monastic community. It serves as the spiritual, pastoral, and economic center of the upper Mühlviertel and oversees numerous parishes. Visitors can explore the complex, which includes a Romanesque crypt and parts of the nave of the abbey church dating from the 13th century.