 W E L C O M E T O O R E G O N Nestled between farmland and foothills, Mt. Angel is located 18 miles northeast of Salem on Highway 214. This little town, founded in the late 1800s by German settlers, has an Old World flavor which is heightened by the many Bavarian style storefronts and the beautiful Benedictine Abbey. They celebrate their German heritage each year during the Oktoberfest, held in September. Mt. Angel Abbey, set high above Mt. Angel on a 300 foot bluff is a century old Benedictine monastic community built in 1883 by Swiss Benedictine monks. Views from the bluff include Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, as well as the lush Willamette Valley farmland. Walking maps are available at the Retreat House and Gift Shop. The tour includes the lovely chapel and the lobby gallery and rare book room. The beautiful library, designed by Alvar Aalto, stores a priceless collection of illuminated manuscripts, and features a display of rare, handprinted books. Guided tours can be arranged by appointment. Meditative retreats at the Abbey can be arranged, for a minimal fee, by writing the Mt. Angel Abbey Retreat House, St. Benedictine, OR 97373, or by telephoning 1-503-845-3045. Biking is a favorite sport due to the varied terrain and lack of traffic. Crops that you will see include hops, filbert orchards, grass seed, Christmas trees, berries and pumpkins. There are also many ornamental plant nurseries and wineries in the surrounding area. |
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