Bebenhausen Abbey, Bebenhausen, Germany

Bebenhausen Abbey was a Cistercian monastery built by Rudolph I, Count Palatine of Tübingen, probably in 1183. Attractively set in a peaceful valley, it is one of the best-preserved Cistercian abbeys in southern Germany. After the Reformation swept through in 1534, and a boarding school was established in 1560, the number of monks dwindled, until the monastery was finally dissolved in 1648.

The abbey’s idyllic woodland setting also appealed to the kings of Württemberg. Bebenhausen passed into their possession in 1807, when much church property was officially annexed by German states. From 1868, parts of the monastery complex were converted into a royal hunting palace, which became a favourite venue for the monarchs and their entourages.

Today, surrounded by the Schönbuch nature reserve, Bebenhausen vividly conveys the atmosphere of a Medieval Cistercian monastery – offering an experience unmatched anywhere else in southern Germany. Guided tours illuminate the lives of the monks and schoolboys, describe the lavish royal hunting parties and give insights into the buildings’ architectural features. The hunting palace also offers interesting tours.

The church, main monastery building, abbot’s residence, guesthouse and infirmary, surrounded by walls and guarded by towers, are located on a terrace above the Goldersbach valley. The outer precinct of the monastery, with an assortment of buildings, is directly adjacent. The famous Sommerrefektorium (summer refectory), a light and airy hall with two aisles and a fan-vaulted ceiling, demonstrates the mastery of its Gothic architects.

The 19th century interiors, inspired by the Gothic and Renaissance styles, make Bebenhausen an important architectural heritage site. But the Grüne Saal (green room) has a distinct Art Nouveau character. After Württemberg ceased to be a monarchy in 1918, the royal couple, Wilhelm II and Charlotte, were given the right to remain in Bebenhausen for the rest of their lives. The royal bathroom and kitchen are well worth seeing: the luxurious bathroom, dating from 1915, is unusually well preserved. The kitchen also represented the height of modernity when it was installed in 1915 – and still works today.

References:

Kloster Bebenhausen

User Reviews

Robert Silva (14 months ago)
Probably the best castle tour we took. The old monastery has been preserved in its original state with its rich and storied history. The church is still in use and is closed to tourists on Sundays. The grounds are in excellent condition and give you true feeling of 16th century living. The tour of the castle was entirely in German but worth the € as it was super informative.

K Elf (16 months ago)
We visited Kloster Bebenhausen on a Saturday and though there were people there, it was not crowded at all, and parking was easy to find. Touring the monastery took us into varying rooms such as the dormitory (with bedrooms recreated - from lustrous to straw beds), church, interior garden/fountain, excavation site where you can see what looks to be buildings built lower (with roof tiles) than what is standing now, etc. You can easily spend hours exploring everything, as we did. There is a small gift shop inside the information center, where you also buy your entry tickets. They have items such as books, decorative eggs (some that hang, others in a stand), their own whiskey, and other things. What I have not seem before and found inspiring is that the grave sites have small gardens actually built on them where herbs, plants, and bushes grow. It would be nice to see this type of thing used more often instead of fake or dying flowers and plants. The paintings on the walls and ceilings are beautiful, as well as the spiral staircase leading to the pulpit in the church. The whole place really is a sight to see.

Udo Menzhausen (2 years ago)
It is a beautiful hunting lodge set next to an older monastery. It became the last home of the Würtemberg King after je abdicated. To see the interior a tour has to be taken. The monastery and church can also be visited without tour. A worthwhile visit.

Bob Palmer (2 years ago)
Stumbled across this place today and found it fascinating! I only walked through the monestary and not the palace. Super descriptions and well preserved. Take your time here and tour the area!

Payal Nashier (3 years ago)
It was great to visit this and we did a guided tour with the whole group. It was overall a good experience.

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