Bebenhausen Abbey

Bebenhausen Abbey (Kloster Bebenhausen), just north of Tübingen, is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in Germany. The former Cistercian house sits in a forest clearing inside the Schönbuch Nature Park, with a late Gothic cloister, a famous summer refectory and a palace where Württemberg's last king lived after he abdicated. It is a quiet, atmospheric day trip if you enjoy history and architecture away from the big crowds.

Where it is and how to get there

Bebenhausen is a village of the university city of Tübingen, about three kilometers north of the old town. Take Deutsche Bahn to Tübingen and then bus 826 (toward Leinfelden) or 828 (toward Stuttgart Airport/Messe) to Bebenhausen. By car there are more than 100 free public parking spaces within walking distance.

Why it matters

Count Palatine Rudolf I of Tübingen founded the monastery around 1183, and Cistercian monks from Schönau near Heidelberg settled here before 1190. By the end of the 13th century up to 80 monks and 130 lay brothers lived here, making it the richest monastery in Württemberg. Duke Ulrich introduced the Reformation in 1534, and in 1806 the monastery was secularized. The kings of Württemberg later used it as a hunting lodge. After the monarchy fell in November 1918, King Wilhelm II and Queen Charlotte retired here. After World War II, the state parliament of Württemberg-Hohenzollern met in the village and drafted its constitution.

What to see

• The cloister and church: The late Gothic cloister, chapter house and monastery church show how a Cistercian community lived.
• Summer refectory: Built in 1335 with a slender roof turret, it is the landmark of the complex.
• The palace: The royal rooms include the Blue and Green salons, the historic kitchen and the queen's bathroom. They can only be visited on a guided tour.

Tickets and opening hours (as of October 2026)

Through November 1 the abbey is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.). From November 2 it switches to winter hours: Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on weekends only from January to late March. Admission to the monastery is 7 euros (reduced 3.50 euros, family ticket 17.50 euros). A palace tour costs 9 euros, and the combination ticket for the monastery plus a palace tour is 13 euros. Call +49 7071 602802 to ask whether tours in English are available.

Practical tips

Plan two to three hours for the monastery, a palace tour and a stroll through the village. The buildings are not fully accessible, so the staff recommends bringing a companion; there is an accessible restroom. Dogs are not allowed inside but may walk the grounds on a leash. Combine your visit with Tübingen's old town and the Neckar, or hike in the Schönbuch Nature Park. In October there are special tours such as a wine-themed tour on October 16.