Monastery and Palace Bebenhausen
Monastery and Palace Bebenhausen
Monastery and Palace Bebenhausen
4.5
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
The tour around the monastery church, summer refectory, dormitory and well house brings the history of this former Cistercian monastery to life. Founded in 1183-1184, Bebenhausen Monastery is nestled in the gently rolling hills of the Schonbuch Nature Reserve. In the 19th century, the kings of Wurttemberg coverted parts of the complex into a private hunting Palace. You can still see the original furnishings today.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
160 reviews
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periandro
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg7,838 contributions
Oct 2021
I couldn't visit the Palace. Therefore, this review is limited only to the Monastery. The Bebenhausen Monastery is a magnificent well preserved Cistercian abbey located in a peaceful valley, an idyllic setting in the Land of Baden-Württemberg, not far from Tübingen. The buildings existing nowadays were built at the end of the fifteenth century. Nevertheless, there were already some other abbatial buildings on the same spot before that date insofar as the once premonstratensian monastery, but taken over by Cistercians a few years later, was founded in the twelfth century, time in which it was cited in some documents. Some of those buildings, such as the Abbey's church nave were demolished in the thirties of the sixteenth century under the order of Ulrich, Duke of Württemberg and some others still subsist. At present, the monastery complex is surrounded by a wall dating back to the thirteenth century, two towers and a gatehouse.
The Abbey church is a marvellous basilica whose construction was completed in the thirteenth century. It's a three nave church, the central nave being higher and wider than the side aisles. The present net vaults are slightly ribbed. They replaced the original flat roof, replacement which was the result of the renovation works which took place in the following centuries. They are painted in a very nice way, depicting attractive foliages in some parts of them, such as on the points where the ribs cross. In the first of the stated renovation works, in the thirties of the fourteenth century, the church was remodelled in its present gothic style. The stained-glass windows behind the high altar are gorgeous. The interior is in general very well lit up by daylight, what infuses a feeling of well-being and gaiety. The pulpit is a peculiar and unusual item in that church telling many colourful stories. It's painted light green and pink, and some sculptures of deformed bodies are attached all around its outer part and on the safety fence on the stairs. A few stunning works of art can be admired in that church. Among them, some later renaissance and baroque paintings, epitaphs and tombs, as well as mural paintings may be cited.
The cloister is a jewel of religious architecture. It's a fabulous enclosure where peace of mind is practically guaranteed. The sight of the whole is a gift for sensible beings. The set of gothic windows, different from one another is a stunning view which, coupled with the garden represents a self-contained world of peace and beauty. At the center of the cloister there is a fountain from the 19th century which is of an extraordinary allure.
The chapter house is also a nice and important space in the monastery. Its construction took place in the thirteenth century. It's divided in three bays by robust but not very high cylindrical columns supporting the spectacular structure inside with its diaphragmatic arches. The ceiling is a beautiful element of that chamber. It's painted with images of flowers and of some objects related to the Passion of Christ. Inside there is a small chapel dedicated to St. John the Evangelist and several tomb slabs.
There are two refectories: the summer and the winter ones. The summer refectory is in neogothic style following a restoration which took place in the nineteenth century. The star vaults in it are painted in a wonderful way with medieval frescoes. They are supported by three slender octagonal columns. The gothic wood paneling and the bench attached to the walls is a remarkable furniture existing in that room. As a matter of fact, this summer refectory is a light and airy hall with two aisles and a fan-vaulted ceiling which shows clearly the mastery of its Gothic architects. Some items are displayed inside this refectory as they could be in a museum. They are nice gold and silver tableware produced between 1870 and 1875. The winter refectory is also furnished in neogothic style. There one can still observe its nineteenth century dining table and chairs. Nice mural painting on the walls are of a considerable charm. They depict particularly some foliage and images of hunting including some deers. In one of them there is a scene in which some knights of the order of Calatrava are portrayed. The ceiling consists of a barrel wooden vault.
There are some other interesting spaces in that monastery, such as the library and the dormitories. The latter are rather interesting. They are on the second floor and consist in a large hall with cells for the monks on each side thereof. The flat ceiling replaced the original one which was barrel vaulted. The hall is quite impressive, and being there can even instill a bit of apprehension due to the scant illumination inside.
As a summary, it can be said that 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. Given the undeniable high interest of that religious buildings complex no doubt its visit is a must while in Bebenhausen, Tübingen or anywhere else in the area.
The Abbey church is a marvellous basilica whose construction was completed in the thirteenth century. It's a three nave church, the central nave being higher and wider than the side aisles. The present net vaults are slightly ribbed. They replaced the original flat roof, replacement which was the result of the renovation works which took place in the following centuries. They are painted in a very nice way, depicting attractive foliages in some parts of them, such as on the points where the ribs cross. In the first of the stated renovation works, in the thirties of the fourteenth century, the church was remodelled in its present gothic style. The stained-glass windows behind the high altar are gorgeous. The interior is in general very well lit up by daylight, what infuses a feeling of well-being and gaiety. The pulpit is a peculiar and unusual item in that church telling many colourful stories. It's painted light green and pink, and some sculptures of deformed bodies are attached all around its outer part and on the safety fence on the stairs. A few stunning works of art can be admired in that church. Among them, some later renaissance and baroque paintings, epitaphs and tombs, as well as mural paintings may be cited.
The cloister is a jewel of religious architecture. It's a fabulous enclosure where peace of mind is practically guaranteed. The sight of the whole is a gift for sensible beings. The set of gothic windows, different from one another is a stunning view which, coupled with the garden represents a self-contained world of peace and beauty. At the center of the cloister there is a fountain from the 19th century which is of an extraordinary allure.
The chapter house is also a nice and important space in the monastery. Its construction took place in the thirteenth century. It's divided in three bays by robust but not very high cylindrical columns supporting the spectacular structure inside with its diaphragmatic arches. The ceiling is a beautiful element of that chamber. It's painted with images of flowers and of some objects related to the Passion of Christ. Inside there is a small chapel dedicated to St. John the Evangelist and several tomb slabs.
There are two refectories: the summer and the winter ones. The summer refectory is in neogothic style following a restoration which took place in the nineteenth century. The star vaults in it are painted in a wonderful way with medieval frescoes. They are supported by three slender octagonal columns. The gothic wood paneling and the bench attached to the walls is a remarkable furniture existing in that room. As a matter of fact, this summer refectory is a light and airy hall with two aisles and a fan-vaulted ceiling which shows clearly the mastery of its Gothic architects. Some items are displayed inside this refectory as they could be in a museum. They are nice gold and silver tableware produced between 1870 and 1875. The winter refectory is also furnished in neogothic style. There one can still observe its nineteenth century dining table and chairs. Nice mural painting on the walls are of a considerable charm. They depict particularly some foliage and images of hunting including some deers. In one of them there is a scene in which some knights of the order of Calatrava are portrayed. The ceiling consists of a barrel wooden vault.
There are some other interesting spaces in that monastery, such as the library and the dormitories. The latter are rather interesting. They are on the second floor and consist in a large hall with cells for the monks on each side thereof. The flat ceiling replaced the original one which was barrel vaulted. The hall is quite impressive, and being there can even instill a bit of apprehension due to the scant illumination inside.
As a summary, it can be said that 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. Given the undeniable high interest of that religious buildings complex no doubt its visit is a must while in Bebenhausen, Tübingen or anywhere else in the area.
Written 18 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aakbba
Ann Arbor, MI82 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We got tickets and waited for the guided tour to start two hours later. We had a nice walk outside, entered some of the large, well ventilated rooms of the monastery. During these two hours more and more people arrived and got tickets for the tour of the castle.
We were told where to be at 2pm. We were early and more and more people arrived. After about 16 people were in line, with zero social distancing during a worldwide PANDEMIC, we were asked to enter a small room, shoulder to shoulder with every person who had bought a ticket. No ventilation, no room to move. We asked about the rules in the country regarding COVID health regulations. We were told it would be OK to all be crammed together. We refused to be in such an unhealthy environment and were told that this is safe and the only option. We left. Unreal that in a place near one of the most famous universities of Germany, Tübingen, the ignorance and absolutely indifference to the rules is happening. We lost the money for our tickets, but we spent the rest of the day outside, obeying the rules during a pandemic! Unreal!
We were told where to be at 2pm. We were early and more and more people arrived. After about 16 people were in line, with zero social distancing during a worldwide PANDEMIC, we were asked to enter a small room, shoulder to shoulder with every person who had bought a ticket. No ventilation, no room to move. We asked about the rules in the country regarding COVID health regulations. We were told it would be OK to all be crammed together. We refused to be in such an unhealthy environment and were told that this is safe and the only option. We left. Unreal that in a place near one of the most famous universities of Germany, Tübingen, the ignorance and absolutely indifference to the rules is happening. We lost the money for our tickets, but we spent the rest of the day outside, obeying the rules during a pandemic! Unreal!
Written 6 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
b0fi
Stuttgart, Germany332 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
The monastery (although closed at the moment due to the Corona crisis) is a magnificent place, well preserved and easy to reach. From there, you can head into the surrounding area (Schönbuch) for a small walk or long hike. If combining with Tübingen, a day is full :)
Written 29 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juan Pablo I
St. John's, Canada36 contributions
Feb 2020
A top touristic attraction in the area and an interesting alternative to the crowded and noisy ambiance in the city. The monastery illustrates quite well how life as a monk or an abbey was (not suitable for everyone, I have to say) and provides a mixture of calm and mistery, while the palace/guest house gives you an idea of the culture, style and extravagance of nobility at the time. The staff is polite and helpful. The guided tour is only offered in German but there is a provision of flyers in many languages.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crystal J
Weil Im Schoenbuch, Germany13 contributions
Dec 2019
This is by far one of my favorite places to visit in Baden-Wurttemberg! The town is quaint and the Palace is beautiful. We will definitely return on our next visit.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DB88
Fenelon Falls, Canada34 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
We were fortunate enough to attend a wedding here, what a place!
Definitely worthwhile taking a tour of this place incredible views, history and atmosphere walking around the grounds.
Wish we had more time to explore but didn’t know about tours until we arrived to wedding.
Definitely worthwhile taking a tour of this place incredible views, history and atmosphere walking around the grounds.
Wish we had more time to explore but didn’t know about tours until we arrived to wedding.
Written 26 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
name s
Tallinn, Estonia147 contributions
Jan 2019 • Family
Occasionally visited it with friends and kids on the way to Tübingen and it was really nice! It was founded in 1534. Nice inside and outside.
Written 23 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry W
Leavenworth, KS797 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
This is well worth a visit and let's you glimpse into the monastic life. The tours are only in German, but they do have an English language booklet to explain the rooms. The monastic life was definitely rigid and fulfilled through prayer, manual labor, and mental work. I was impressed by St Mary's chapel and the dormitories.
Written 7 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
smenne
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia174 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
A well worth short outing from Tübingen. It is 5 km away. It is a large complex of churches. Hall. Closter. Some of the buildings are being used as administration offices. The guide tour takes you to the closter and main building. It cost 5 euros. You will need to pay an extra 3 to take pictures. 1 hour to 1.30 is enough to visit and stroll around.
Written 13 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ValThorensSkier
val thorens103 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
Fortunately had time for a leisurely walk around the Kloster after spending the morning doing the same in Tübingen.
It's always a pleasure to see a beautiful, harmonious collection of buildings, especially in such a lovely , green setting: an excellent choice by the monks.
There were preparations being made for a concert that evening, so our access was limited but being able to walk in the cloisters and admire both the views over the countryside and the wonderful architecture was a real delight.
It's always a pleasure to see a beautiful, harmonious collection of buildings, especially in such a lovely , green setting: an excellent choice by the monks.
There were preparations being made for a concert that evening, so our access was limited but being able to walk in the cloisters and admire both the views over the countryside and the wonderful architecture was a real delight.
Written 24 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Monastery and Palace Bebenhausen
- Monastery and Palace Bebenhausen is open:
- Tue - Sun 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Tue - Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Monastery and Palace Bebenhausen:
- (0.13 km) Sonne Gasthof
- (0.18 km) Landhotel Hirsch
- (14.17 km) Hotel Boehler
- (4.77 km) Hotel Krone Tubingen
- (4.92 km) ibis Styles Tübingen
- Restaurants near Monastery and Palace Bebenhausen:
- (0.18 km) Schranners Waldhorn
- (0.13 km) Gasthof Sonne mit Fremdenzimmer
- (0.16 km) Gasthaus Sonne
- (0.19 km) Landhotel Hirsch
- (4.36 km) Restaurant Le Romarin