Abtei Frauenworth was founded in 782 by Tassilo III, Duke of Bavaria. It has been in continuous operation ever since under the auspices of Benedictine nuns.
Blessed Irmengard who died 16 July 866 was the first abbess known by name and the great-granddaughter of Charlemagne.
The grounds are not open for public viewing but a glimpse may be had through the gates.
Today the updated abbey is used for retreats and conferences. However, along a back wall you can still see the remnants of the original wall that surrounded the abbey.
We began our walk around the public part of the island with the church. It dates back to the original abbey and the courtyard is the island's cemetery.
There were no photographs permitted inside the church. I can say it was unlike any church I had ever seen. The age of the interior was very obvious with low ceilings and old bells and altars. Quite something to see.
After visiting the church we took a walk around much of the island. For the most part it is dotted with small resorts where one can get away for a long weekend once the weather is warmer. There is also a distillery (the large brown brick building) where the nuns make a local liquor.
With the sun shining brightly we braved the chill to have lunch in the beautiful garden of Zur Linde Gasthaus.
While waiting for the ferry we took a stroll along the water's edge. Although the haze prevented the photos from properly showing it, there were beautiful views of the Alps.
We arrived back at the ferry dock to meet up with Heinz who took the long way back to Rosenheim so that we could see some of the sights typical of Bavaria. It was a very pleasant ride.
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