Ebrach: Monastery, Forest and Natural Swimming Pool
Accommodation in Ebrach
Ebrach combines the history of a monastery complex with an exhibition about wild beech forests, hiking trails and the AcquaSana natural swimming pool. This makes the town an interesting destination for different kinds of days out: you can explore monastic culture, spend time outdoors or plan a visit centred around the water. Which of these aspects appeals to you most may also influence your choice of holiday destination.
View of the JVA Ebrach and the monastery church of Kloster Ebrach
Photo: Ermell via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Monastery history and Baroque rooms
Ebrach Monastery was founded in 1127 in the Middle Ebrachtal valley. The former monastery complex includes the abbey church, the Imperial Hall, a grand Baroque staircase and landscaped gardens. These different features give the complex its distinctive character: alongside the church, the impressive interiors and gardens offer further insights into the history of the monastery.
For groups of ten or more, the Ebrach administrative community offers a “complete package” guided tour of the monastery church, the Imperial Hall and the staircase. Another guided group tour focuses on the Museum of Ebrach History; here, too, the minimum group size is ten. Groups can therefore choose between a tour of the above-mentioned rooms in the monastery complex and a visit focused on local history.
Opening hours and exhibition
The current opening hours of Ebrach Monastery are Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 2–6 p.m., from April to October. If you plan your visit during this period, you can include the stated visiting hours in your day’s itinerary.
The permanent exhibition “Wild Beech Forests” explores a different subject. It includes a forest diorama, amphibian models, a forest-floor tunnel for children and a digital information table. The tunnel gives children their own way to explore the subject of forest floors; the diorama and models complement the exhibition with vivid depictions of forests and amphibians. Ebrach therefore offers a nature-focused activity in addition to its monastic history.
Hiking trails and views
Long-distance hiking trails pass through Ebrach. There are also well-signposted circular trails around the town, offering opportunities for hiking and cycling. They provide views of Ebrach and the valleys of the Steigerwald. If you would like to explore the area on foot or by bike, you can choose between long-distance trails passing through Ebrach and the circular routes around the town; the views of the town and valleys are an added attraction of the circular trails.
Water fun at the AcquaSana natural swimming pool
The AcquaSana natural swimming pool in Ebrach was built as a conventional outdoor pool in 1933 and has been a natural swimming pool since 2005, where no chemicals are used. The pool complex includes a 33 × 18-metre swimming pool with seven lanes and a 27 × 18-metre non-swimmer pool. The facilities also include a stream for young children and an original slide. The different pools and features make the natural swimming pool a distinct option for a day out, separate from the cultural activities and trails.
The municipality also includes Großgressingen. Other places: Viereth-Trunstadt, Bischberg, Baunach, Litzendorf, Strullendorf, Lisberg and Schlüsselfeld.
For the broader travel overview: Bamberg.
