Pannonhalma is one of those sites that I have visited mainly because it is a World Heritage Site.

In April 2013, I spent a few days in Vienna and decided to make a detour to Pannonhalma. From Vienna, it is only about 1.5 hours by car. I reached Pannonhalma at 11 a.m. on a Saturday, besides me there were only two other individual visitors - and four large tour groups.

There is not much I could add to the previous reviews. Thus, this review is primarily to report a recent change: since March 2013 you can visit the monastery on your own, equipped with an audio guide. I think this is an improvement, since the basilica is rather small and the space in the crypt is narrow, so that a visit with a large group is not really a pleasure. Sometimes I had to wait a few minutes until a tour group had left a certain place, but then I had the site all to myself. The audio guide is available in nine different languages and guides you through the basilica, the crypt, the Porta Speciosa, the cloister, and the library. I agree with the previous reviewers, that the library is the best part of the monastery (photo). It is at least as impressive as similar libraries in Vienna, Melk or St Gall.

I also took a walk to the Millenary Monument and the Chapel, both mentioned by David. Unfortunately, the chapel was closed, it is open from June to September only.

All in all, I enjoyed my visit more than I initially had expected.