Discover Bebenhausen: Monastery, Palace and Schönbuch

Bebenhausen combines an impressive monastic history with the landscapes of Schönbuch Nature Park. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home will find inspiration here for cultural discoveries, concert evenings and walks with various focal points.

Monastery complex with a history of its own

At the centre is the former Cistercian Abbey of Bebenhausen, one of the most significant and impressive monastic complexes in southwestern Germany. The abbey church was consecrated in 1228. Its flat-roofed, three-aisled basilica with pillars has minimally pronounced transept arms and a rectangular choir termination. It is dedicated to Mary, the patron saint of the order.

The fortifications also shape the character of the complex. A mighty wall from the second half of the 13th century protects the inner monastery area and separates it from the farmyard. Its elevated position on a spur of land, a battlement walk, two towers and a zwinger in front of the Kapff Building give the monastery the appearance of a castle. The complex can therefore be explored not only as a sacred building, but also as a historically evolved group of buildings.

One special room is the summer refectory. It was rebuilt in 1335 after a fire; a delicate star vault is supported by three slender octagonal pillars. Since the renovations carried out under King Charles I of Württemberg, this part of the monastery complex has been known as Bebenhausen Palace. The palace was a royal hunting lodge and residence of the last Württemberg royal couple. Today, visitors can view historic rooms with their original furnishings there.

Historic details and special experiences

Bebenhausen’s cultural offerings also include the palace kitchen and the Royal Display Silver. The palace kitchen is both a rarity and a technical monument. The Royal Display Silver from Bebenhausen can now be seen in display cases in the Blue Hall. Those interested in architecture, courtly history and the less obvious details of a complex can use this to add further themes to their visit.

In summer, the Kreuzgangkonzerte concert series provides a musical highlight. It organises summer concerts every year in the summer refectory of Bebenhausen Monastery. Depending on the time of year, a stay can thus be extended with a cultural evening, without the historic rooms and architectural history having to be the sole focus.

Schönbuch Nature Park and trails around Bebenhausen

Schönbuch Nature Park is also present in Bebenhausen. The information centre was opened in 1997 to mark the nature park’s 25th anniversary and is located in the monastery’s old writing tower. Exhibition panels there provide information about the history of Schönbuch and its wildlife and plant life. For families and other travellers who like to combine their outing with nature-related topics, this visit offers a distinct way of exploring the surrounding area.

There are several options for walks and hikes. The Jordan Circuit is one of three signposted circular trails around Bebenhausen. A straightforward route of just under five kilometres leads from Bebenhausen to the Royal Hunting Lodge; the return journey follows the same route. In addition, numerous day tours through Schönbuch Nature Park lead to Bebenhausen Monastery and Palace. Depending on the day of your trip, you can therefore choose between a signposted circuit, a route with a fixed out-and-back path or a longer day tour.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

The Bebenhausen Monastery and Palace grounds can be reached by bus route 826 from Tübingen in the direction of Leinfelden Central Station, as well as by bus route 828 from Tübingen in the direction of Echterdingen Airport/Trade Fair. There are more than 100 free public parking spaces within walking distance. This information is useful for planning when weighing up travelling by bus against driving your own car.

In this way, choosing accommodation becomes part of a travel plan that combines historic rooms, distinctive buildings and experiences in nature.

For the higher-level travel overview: Tübingen.