Bebenhausen offers two clear points of interest for a stay: the history of the monastery and castle, and the trails and nature of Schönbuch Nature Park. You can choose which aspect to focus on according to your interests. The monastery complex can be explored through its architectural history; for outdoor activities, the focus is on signposted circular trails and a route to the Royal Hunting Lodge.
Monastery Church and Fortified Complex
Bebenhausen Monastery Church was consecrated in 1228 and dedicated to Mary, the patron saint of the order. It is a flat-roofed, three-aisled pillar basilica: the transept arms are understated, and the choir has a rectangular end. This basic layout gives the church interior a clear structure, while the pillars and side aisles draw the eye to different parts of the building.
The location and fortifications also shape the appearance of the monastery complex. A massive wall dating from the second half of the 13th century protects the inner monastery area and separates it from the farmyard. Situated on a raised spur of land, the complex has a castle-like appearance, with its battlement walk, two towers and the zwinger courtyard in front of the Kapff Building. Ecclesiastical architecture and fortifications thus stand side by side as different aspects of the same ensemble.
From Monastery to Castle
The former Cistercian abbey of Bebenhausen is one of the most important and impressive monastic complexes in southwestern Germany. Since the renovations under King Karl I of Württemberg, this part of the monastery complex has been known as Bebenhausen Castle. The castle served as a royal hunting lodge and residence of the last Württemberg royal couple. Visitors can tour historic rooms with their original furnishings.
The summer refectory is a special room in the complex. After a fire, it was rebuilt in 1335; its delicate star vault is supported by three slender octagonal pillars. The Kreuzgangkonzerte concert series holds summer concerts there every year. As the programme may vary from year to year, it is advisable to check the dates for your travel period in advance.
Other evidence of the castle’s history includes the castle kitchen, a rarity and a technical monument, as well as the Royal Display Silver from Bebenhausen. The silver is on display in cases in the Blue Hall. If you wish to make a special visit to see the display silver, check the current exhibition arrangements before your visit.
Schönbuch Trails and Nature Information
The Schönbuch Nature Park Information Centre opened in 1997 to mark the nature park’s 25th anniversary. It is located in the monastery’s old writing tower. Exhibition panels there provide information about the history of Schönbuch and its animal and plant life. The nature park adds a second theme to the architectural history: rather than individual rooms and building features, the focus here is on the landscape, its plants and its animals.
The Jordan Circuit is one of three signposted circular trails around Bebenhausen. A route just under five kilometres long leads from Bebenhausen to the Royal Hunting Lodge; the return follows the same path. You can therefore choose between different types of walks: a signposted loop or a route to a named destination with the same route back. Check the trail markers on site before setting off. Numerous day trips through Schönbuch Nature Park also lead to Bebenhausen Monastery and Castle; when planning such trips, take current route conditions into account.
Getting to the Monastery and Castle Complex
The complex can be reached by bus route 826 from Tübingen towards Leinfelden Hauptbahnhof and by bus route 828 from Tübingen towards Flughafen/Messe Echterdingen. There are more than 100 free public parking spaces within walking distance. If you are deciding between the bus and the car, check current bus connections for your travel day; if driving, you can use the designated parking spaces as a guide.
More to Explore in the Wider Tübingen Destination
The wider Tübingen destination also offers distinctive city and museum experiences. The Museum of Ancient Cultures at Hohentübingen Castle presents, among other things, the oldest works of art created by humanity, including Ice Age art that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tübingen’s Old Town is a half-timbered historic centre and a protected heritage site with 350 cultural monuments, romantic squares and winding lanes. A public guided tour of the Old Town visits the main sights of the historic centre and provides detailed explanations of the city’s history. Dates and booking conditions may change; check them before planning your visit.
Those interested in plants rather than urban history will find a different focus at the University of Tübingen’s Botanical Garden. It covers ten hectares and is home to almost 10,000 plant species from around the world. The collections are organised according to geographical, ecological and evolutionary relationships, and are complemented by, among other things, a medicinal herb and farmhouse garden and ornamental perennial beds. An approximately 0.75-kilometre circular route is accessible on wide paths without steps; the garden can be reached by bus routes 5, 13 and 17. This information relates to Tübingen and complements, rather than replaces, Bebenhausen’s local attractions.
For the wider travel overview: Tübingen.
