Discover Bebenhausen: Monastery, Palace and Schönbuch

In Bebenhausen, historic monastery and palace buildings meet a choice of trails in Schönbuch Nature Park. If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip here, you can plan your days around architecture and history or a walking tour.

Monastery and palace: history in the buildings

The former Cistercian Abbey of Bebenhausen is one of the most important and impressive monastic complexes in southwestern Germany. Bebenhausen Palace served as a royal hunting lodge and residence of the last Württemberg royal couple; visitors can explore historic rooms with their original furnishings. Since the renovations carried out under King Karl I of Württemberg, this part of the monastic complex has been known as Bebenhausen Palace.

The abbey church was consecrated in 1228 and dedicated to Mary, the patron saint of the order. It is a three-aisled pillar basilica with a flat ceiling, subtly expressed transept arms and a rectangular choir ending. The fortifications also shape the impression of the complex: a massive wall from the second half of the 13th century protects the inner monastery precinct and separates it from the farmyard. Its elevated position on a spur of land, a covered defensive walkway, two towers and an outer bailey in front of the Kapff Building give the monastic complex the appearance of a castle.

The summer refectory was rebuilt in 1335 after a fire. Its delicate star vault rests on three slender octagonal pillars. The Kreuzgangkonzerte concert series holds summer concerts there each year; the specific program may vary. If you’d like to combine your trip with a concert, check the dates in advance. The palace kitchen is also a rarity and a technical monument. The Royal Bebenhausen Silver is now on display in vitrines in the Blue Hall. As the display arrangement may change, check the current presentation before your visit.

Schönbuch: circular trails and other tours

The Schönbuch Nature Park Information Center opened in 1997 to mark the nature park’s 25th anniversary and is located in the old writing tower of Bebenhausen Monastery. Exhibition panels provide information about the history of Schönbuch and its animal and plant life. Alongside the history of the buildings, you can also explore topics relating to nature and the landscape.

The Jordan Loop is one of three signposted circular trails around Bebenhausen. Check the trail markers before setting out. Another route option leads from Bebenhausen to the Royal Hunting Lodge: the one-way distance is just under five kilometers, and the return follows the same route. This gives you two different ways to plan your outing: a circular trail and an out-and-back route with a stated distance. Numerous day hikes through Schönbuch Nature Park also lead to Bebenhausen Monastery and Palace. As trail conditions can change, it’s worth checking the latest details for your chosen route.

Getting there and planning your stay

The monastery and palace complex can be reached by bus route 826 from Tübingen towards Leinfelden Main Station and by bus route 828 from Tübingen towards Echterdingen Airport/Trade Fair. Check the current routes and timetable before departure. There are more than 100 free public parking spaces within walking distance. Your travel plans can therefore include bus connections or parking as different ways of getting there.

In the wider destination of Tübingen

In the wider destination of Tübingen, other cultural and garden attractions add to the selection. The Museum of Ancient Cultures in Hohentübingen Castle presents, among other things, the oldest artworks known to humanity, including Ice Age art listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The University of Tübingen’s Botanical Garden covers ten hectares and is home to almost 10,000 plant species from around the world. Its collections are arranged according to geographical, ecological and taxonomic criteria and are complemented by areas such as the apothecary and farmhouse gardens and ornamental perennial beds. A circular walk of about 0.75 kilometers through the garden is possible on wide, step-free paths.

Go to the wider travel overview: Tübingen.