Monasteries Worth Visiting in Baden-Württemberg

Just a few kilometres from Ulm, Wiblingen Abbey is one of Baden-Württemberg’s most impressive monastic sites. Founded in the 11th century, the former Benedictine abbey now captivates visitors with its magnificent Baroque architecture.

Its most famous feature is the library hall, a masterpiece of Rococo architecture. Ornate sculptures, colourful frescoes and historic books make it one of Germany’s most beautiful library interiors. It is even said to conceal a secret passage.

A guided tour also takes you through the monastery museum and the impressive abbey church. Its white-and-gold interior, a relic of the True Cross and fascinating insights into the lives of the Benedictine monks make a visit here a memorable experience. Listen closely and you may also hear the legend of Father Johannes, whose story remains closely associated with the abbey to this day.

Set in the heart of the idyllic Kinzig Valley, Alpirsbach’s Benedictine monastery has shaped the townscape for almost 1,000 years. The imposing red-sandstone complex takes you straight back to the Middle Ages: the abbey church showcases Romanesque architecture, while the Gothic cloister is equally captivating. A real highlight is the monks’ former dormitory, which was later divided into individual cells. Look closely and you will discover centuries-old Renaissance graffiti on the walls, left by pupils of the monastery school. The monastery museum also displays rare everyday objects from the 16th century, discovered beneath the floorboards during restoration work.

After following these fascinating traces of the past, round off your visit at the renowned Alpirsbacher Klosterbräu brewery next door.

At Maulbronn Monastery near Pforzheim, you can embark on a fascinating journey back to the Middle Ages. This remarkably well-preserved Cistercian complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. History comes to life as you explore its interiors and atmospheric cloister and walk along the old fortified walls.

A guided tour reveals fascinating details: admire the church portal with Germany’s oldest door and learn about the ingenious water-management system. Did you know that Hermann Hesse attended the monastery school here? Or that the resourceful monks enjoyed eating beaver and hid its meat inside pasta parcels during Lent? According to legend, this is how Maultaschen were invented – Maulbronn pasta parcels, or Taschen in German. Afterwards, stop at the rustic Klosterschmiede restaurant for traditional Swabian fare and sample the Maultaschen – without the beaver filling, of course.