Marienthal brings together the history of its monastery and contemporary wine culture: from 2004, the old monastery ruins were transformed into a modern winery with a wine bar. The former Augustinian convent of Marienthal is located within the municipal district of Dernau; it was founded in 1136 and completely rebuilt in 1699. The monastery ruins and the monastery garden invite you to linger in peaceful surroundings and enjoy a meal or refreshments. Events and concerts of all kinds are also held there regularly. A visit therefore combines historic sites with dining and cultural events. You can focus on the monastery grounds, plan a stop for refreshments or take an event date into account.
The Former Monastery Grounds
The former Augustinian convent at KlosterstraĂźe 3 is a listed cultural monument. The Baroque terraced garden contains a garden house dating from 1762. The former monastery also includes the ruins of a hall building, which is believed to date from the 17th century. The dates relate to different chapters: 1136 marks the founding, 1699 the complete rebuilding of the monastery, and 1762 the garden house. Taken together, they do not indicate a single construction period for the entire complex, but rather a timeline from the founding of the monastery to a specific garden building. This distinction helps place the ruins, garden and garden house as separate parts of the site.
Wine Sales and Dining
Weingut Kloster Marienthal offers wine sales daily from 10:00 to 18:30; dining is available daily from 11:00 to 18:30. Wine sales therefore start an hour earlier, while both services end at 18:30. Check the opening times before you arrive, especially if you would like to combine wine shopping with dining. This makes it easier to plan your visit around the service you want, without overlooking the different start times.
Cycle Route and Getting There
The Ahr Cycle Route runs as far as Marienthal. From the Marienthal section, it continues along the left bank of the Ahr below the striking rock formation known as “Bunte Kuh” (“Colourful Cow”). The riverbank and the named rock formation are specific landmarks for this section. As reconstruction work and diversions may lead to changes in the route, check the current route before setting out. You can also plan your journey there: the places between Altenahr and Marienthal are easy to reach by public transport. Check current connections for your travel date.
Another Historic Site in the Ahr Valley
The so-called Government Bunker at Silberberg is a preserved section of the former emergency seat of the constitutional organs of the Federal Republic of Germany. In the Ahr Valley, 203 metres of the former 17.3-kilometre-long Government Bunker complex can be visited as a documentation centre; 90-minute guided tours are offered. These figures put the scale of the visit in context: you will see a preserved section, not the entire complex. You can allow for the tour’s duration as a specific block of time in your day’s plans. This historic site in the region complements the history of the monastery with a different subject: the preserved remains of a former emergency seat.
Discover more destinations: Walporzheim, Bachem, Heimersheim, Ramersbach, Heppingen, Ehlingen
Return to the main travel overview: Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler.
