Ostritz: St. Marienthal Abbey and Cycling Routes

Ostritz combines Baroque architectural history with the continued Cistercian life of St. Marienthal Abbey. For your travel plans, there is also a garden of biblical plants, a fully preserved Stations of the Cross, and cycling routes that start at or pass through St. Marienthal. Guest rooms are also available.

The Abbey’s History and Present-Day Life

St. Marienthal Abbey is a Baroque complex with an abbey, abbey church, provost’s residence, and chapel; Cistercian monastic life continues there to this day. An information room offers a 30-minute presentation about the abbey’s history and buildings, the sisters, and the Cistercian order. It is available in German or English. Check the presentation language and visitor regulations before your trip. In addition to the abbey’s history, an audio guide explains the sisters’ life today and the International Meeting Centre they founded.

Garden and Stations of the Cross

The Garden of Biblical Plants features more than 40 biblical plant species across 1,030 square metres and is laid out as a themed garden. Another religious feature is the Stationsberg, also known as Calvary Hill: it is a fully preserved outdoor Stations of the Cross with 14 images. The garden and Stations of the Cross complement the architecture with specific themes to discover during a stay in St. Marienthal.

Cycling Routes and Other Cultural Sites

St. Marienthal is a stop on the Oder-Neiße Cycle Route, as well as on the Via Sacra and the Zittau Way of St. James. The Klosterwald-Neiße Tour starts in St. Marienthal in Ostritz and is a 37-kilometre circular route. It passes Ostritz’s historic town centre and the local history museum, housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings. The route also offers a detour to St. Nicholas Church in Leuba, which was rebuilt in 1856. If you are planning the circular route, check trail conditions and signage in advance. If you plan to visit the museum, check its access arrangements as well. Bicycle rental is available on site; check availability before travelling.

Dining and Regional Products

The abbey market in the abbey courtyard sells devotional items, handicrafts, books, souvenirs, and baked goods. The range and opening arrangements may change, so check before your visit. The Klosterschenke serves Upper Lusatian cuisine and traditional abbey dishes, as well as regional baked goods. Seasonal herbs, fruit, and vegetables are also available; the menu and seasonal ingredients may vary. The abbey complex also includes a bakery. The abbey owns Germany’s easternmost vineyard, which you can climb for views across Upper Lusatia.

Accommodation in St. Marienthal

St. Marienthal offers guest rooms for solo travellers, families, and groups. Larger groups are accommodated in cooperation with the International Meeting Centre. As capacity may change, check the availability of your preferred accommodation before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Weißkeißel, Hohendubrau, Leutersdorf, Kreba-Neudorf, Schönbach, Krauschwitz, Reichenbach/Oberlausitz, Großschweidnitz

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