Banz Abbey

Banz Abbey (Kloster Banz) crowns a hill above the Main valley near Bad Staffelstein in Upper Franconia. Facing the Basilica of Vierzehnheiligen across the valley, the former Benedictine monastery forms the heart of the scenic area known as the God's Garden on the Upper Main. Visitors come for its splendid Baroque church, sweeping views and a small museum with a giant ichthyosaur skull, an easy add-on to any day trip from Bamberg or Coburg.

Where it is and how to get there

Banz lies in northern Bavaria, about halfway between Bamberg and Coburg. The nearest train stations are Bad Staffelstein (about 5 km) and Lichtenfels (about 8 km), on regional lines covered by the Deutschlandticket. From there, take a taxi or the on-demand bus line 1254, which must be booked by phone at least an hour ahead. Drivers can leave the A73 at Lichtenfels-Nord or Bad Staffelstein-Kurzentrum; free parking is available in front of the complex.

A brief history

The abbey was founded around 1070 and was the oldest monastery on the Upper Main. After the Thirty Years' War, architects Leonhard and Johann Dientzenhofer rebuilt it from 1698, and the church was consecrated in 1719. Dissolved in 1803, it became a ducal summer residence called Schloss Banz in 1814. Since 1978 it has belonged to the Hanns Seidel Foundation, which runs a conference and education center here.

What to see

• The abbey church, a showpiece of Bohemian-influenced Baroque with flowing oval spaces and ceiling frescoes by Melchior Steidl
• The twin-towered facade, visible across the valley
• A 2.1-meter ichthyosaur skull found in 1842, described by the museum as the largest of its kind in Europe
• The Oriental collection of Duke Max in Bavaria, father of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), with mummies and a 4-meter Nile crocodile
• Views over the valley to Vierzehnheiligen and the Staffelberg

Opening hours and tickets

The museum is open March to October, Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and November to January on weekends only; it is closed in February. Last entry is 4:30 p.m. Admission is €4 for adults, €2.50 for children 6 to 17 and €10 for a family ticket. Bring cash, as cards are not accepted. The church has no published visiting hours. Prices as of October 2026.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially combined with Vierzehnheiligen on the same day. Allow one to two and a half hours for the church, museum and views. The museum is fully accessible. Nature lovers can add a hike up the Staffelberg, and Bamberg's UNESCO-listed old town is about half an hour away by car.