Alpirsbach Abbey

Alpirsbach Abbey (Kloster Alpirsbach) is a former Benedictine monastery in the Black Forest, founded in 1095 and famous for its plain Romanesque church built of red sandstone. A Gothic cloister, a museum and a quiet village setting make it a rewarding stop if you like medieval architecture and want to add culture to a Black Forest trip. It is also a living parish church, so the atmosphere is calm and unhurried.

Where it is and how to get there

Alpirsbach lies in the Kinzig valley in the Black Forest. Deutsche Bahn serves the town on the Freudenstadt to Hausach line, and regional trains are covered by the Deutschlandticket. From the station you walk to the abbey. If you drive, free public parking is available behind the station, about 800 meters from the abbey. The monastery's address is Klosterplatz 1.

Why it matters

The abbey was consecrated on January 16, 1095, by the Bishop of Constance, with monks from St. Blasien. The large church followed in 1128. After the Reformation in Württemberg the monastery was dissolved in 1535, and in 1556 part of it became a Protestant monastery school. Today the church is the parish church of the local Protestant congregation, which is why it still feels used rather than staged.

What to see

• The church: A Romanesque basilica in red sandstone with a simple, tall interior.
• The cloister: Built in the Gothic style around the monastery courtyard.
• Museum rooms: The museum and other rooms give insight into monastic life and the monastery school. The special exhibition "Macht und Vergänglichkeit" (Power and Transience) runs until November 15, 2026.
• The village: Cafes such as Café am Kloster are right beside the abbey.

Tickets and opening hours (as of October 2026)

From April 1 through November 1 the abbey is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday and public holidays from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the last entry is half an hour before closing. It is closed Monday and Tuesday. From November 2 to March 31 it opens only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is 8 euros for adults, 4 euros reduced and 20 euros for families; a guided tour costs 10 euros. Guided tours run on Wednesdays through Sundays. Call +49 7444 51061 to ask whether tours in English can be arranged.

Practical tips

Allow one to two hours. The abbey is not wheelchair accessible. Dogs are not allowed in the inner abbey grounds but are welcome outside on a leash; drones are banned. The buildings can be cool in autumn, so bring a jacket. Combine your visit with a hike or a meal in the village.