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The historical roots of Niederalteich extend back over many centuries. After the migration of peoples within Europe came to an end, and the political situation had stabilised, Duke Odilo asked Abbot Eberswind to found the Monastery of Niederalteich in 741 (731).Twelve monks accompanied Eberswind to the River Danube from Reichenau Island in Lake Constance. The founding of a new monastery at this location made it into an important and strategic site and Niederalteich came to be known as the „*Gateway to the East“. Along with political significance, the Monastery developed a religious mission and became a cultural center (knowledge, education and administration). The first clan laws are attributed to Abbot Eberswind. The economic development of the region was a task that the Monks found particularly important and which continued over the centuries (colonisaton of the Bavarian Forest region, establishment of settlements).
The year 1803 marked the end of the long history of Benedictine influence when the Monastery was abolished. Around 100 years later, monastery tradition was revived with the new establishment of nearby Metten Monastery.
he tradition and influence of spiritual and theological education has continued until today in different institutions in our community: Abbey St. Mauritius, St.-Gotthard-Gymnasium (secondary school), Abt-Joscio-Elementary and Middle School which offer music as a core subject, and an after-school care center, St. Gunther Landvolkshochschule (Rural Adult Education Center), Ecumenical Institute, Byzantine Church ( the only one in Lower Bavaria), St. Primin Education Center and Guest House, the Convent of Ursuline Nuns.
The people of Niederalteich were confronted with a new and difficult situation when the monastery was abolished because this meant they lost their main employer and place of work. The villagers petitioned for re-establishment of the monastery and after this failed, they tried to find employment in small farms, trades and different part-time jobs.
The end of monastic tradition was also significant for the township of Niederalteich. Through municipal and state reforms, the village became an independent authority which from that point on, was responsible for the fortune and community life of the inhabitants by itself. Village development experienced dramatic changes after the end of the Second World War. As in many other towns and communities, refugees came to live in Niederalteich. These were people who had had to flee from Eastern Europe and who found a new home in our village.
The economic upswing after the war had a very positive impact on Niederalteich. The number of jobs increased as larger businesses were established which gave people the possibility to earn their living within the village once again. Today there are 70 businesses and service industries registered in Niederalteich. Many farm jobs, on the other hand, have disappeared. The social structure has experienced a dramatic shift. Out of 100 businesses there is only one family who now earns their living as full-time farmers.
A milestone in the development of Niederalteich was the restructuring of the village (completed in 1986) into the loveable and liveable community that it is today. The village restructuring process included re-modeling of the so-called Bürgerhaus (previously the summer house of the Abbots), building a new Rathaus (town hall) and the opening of the youth club in a structure which had been the Poor House of the village.
The Basilica was restored and the Byzantine Church was consecrated during this period of village restructuring. Tradition and the past, the future and innovation: both aspects fit together perfectly in Niederalteich. The historic walking path leads visitors past well kept-up historic family homes, barns and chapels. In the village center there is a futuristic glass structure, the Airplane Museum „Gerhard Neumann“, the only such museum in Lower Bavaria.
One could almost say that our village lies near two different streams of transport: for one thing, our village is on the banks of the River Danube, the longest river in Europe. In ages past, the Danube provided one of the most important east-west routes. Today that role has been taken over by the A3 motorway which, after the Fall of the Iron Curtain, now connects our region to south-eastern Europe. Not far away in Plattling (20 km), there is the east-west train junction and the Munich airport is only about one hour from here.
From the standpoint of traffic, Niederalteich is ideally situated, both from its scenic attractions and geographical situation. On the one side, a network of walking paths crisscrosses the Danube River valley and the soft hills of the Vilz Valley, and on the other side, paths lead into the front range mountains of the Bavarian Forest region. The pilgrimage a route called Gunthersteig,crosses into Bohemia (Czech Republic) to the grave of St. Gunther, and then to Prague. The ViaNova, the European Pilgrimage route dedicated to St. Wolfgang, leads from Austria’s Salzkammergut past Niederalteich to Regensburg.
Visitors can take the ferry „Altaha“ to cross the Danube to other side. Bicycle riders along the Danube Bike Route, in particular, like to cross the river here. Nature reserves and bird protection areas on the other side of the river are inviting places for recreation and relaxation. Anglers enjoy the quiet countryside at the many small lakes. The experience of quiet and stillness, becoming more seldom nowadays, is one our specialities. This is partially what makes Niederalteich so charming; it is far away from modern noise and is a center of peace and quiet. For centuries, as well as today, Niederalteich has always been a place of quiet strength and vitality.
The total area of the municipality comprises 10 km. Niederalteich is a compact village with 1,960 inhabitants, without counting the outerlying hamlets. The local infrastructure, water supply and sewage system connect the entire area. Many streets have natural gas taps for heat and energy. Due to the people of Niederalteich’s highly developed level of ecological awareness, the county’s first recycling center was constructed here.
During the county reforms in the 1970s a few premature decisions were made. Niederalteich was incorporated into an administrative collective with the nearby town of Hengersberg. In 1986 this decision was revised and since then, Niederalteich has again been an independent municipality, as it became after the secularisation (the first municipal warden was in 1810). The development of the infrastructure in Niederalteich began and finished early. There has always been enough new land for building. Because of this there have been no major expenditures in the last years.
On the church and pastoral level, there is a special aspect which should be mentioned: along with Roman Catholic and Evangelical-Lutheran church services, there is also a Byzantine service. In the 1930s, at the urging and wish of Pope Pius the 11th, the Monastery implemented a dialogue with the Eastern Orthodox Church in order to strengthen their ecumenical work. The Ecumencial Institute of the Monastery was founded for this express purpose.
There are numerous shopping possibilities in Niederalteich: 2 backeries, 2 butchers, an organic-biological gardener with their own shop, drug store, gift stores, an Edeka grocery store, angler speciality shop, toy store, wine merchant and 2 banks (Raiffeisen Bank and Sparkasse) all of which round out the opportunities for the daily shopping needs of Niederalteich inhabitants.
The large number of guests who come here find a variety of pensions and other possiblities for staying the night. There are three comfortable pubs offering food and refreshment. Niederalteich is a convivial village, happy about each and every visitor, and gladly welcoming them here.
* Haus der Bayerischen Geschichte |
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