Göttweig Abbey stands on a wooded hill above the eastern end of the Wachau, visible from the valley for kilometres. A Benedictine monastery has occupied this site since 1083; the current Baroque buildings mostly date from the 18th century, when Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt rebuilt much of the complex after a devastating fire. The Imperial Staircase, with its ceiling fresco by Paul Troger depicting the apotheosis of Emperor Karl VI, is one of the great Baroque interior spaces in Austria.
The abbey church has exceptional Baroque decoration and an 18th-century organ that is still used for concerts. The monks continue to make wine from their own vineyards on the slopes below the abbey; a wine tavern in the complex serves food and is open most of the year. The view from the abbey terrace over the Danube and the surrounding countryside — with the Wachau valley visible to the west — is outstanding and worth the visit in itself. Göttweig receives far fewer visitors than Melk despite being equally impressive, which makes it the better experience.