Ebrach – Monastic Heritage, Natural Swimming Pool and Hiking Trails
Accommodation in Ebrach
Ebrach combines the history of a former monastery complex with exhibitions, hiking trails and a natural swimming pool. This means that a stay can focus on a range of themes: Baroque and Gothic architecture, insights into the natural world of the forest, and trails for hiking and cycling. Check the opening hours and operating information for individual attractions before your visit.
Die ehemalige Zisterzienserklosteranlage mit Abteikirche prägt Ebrachs Ortsbild.
Photo: Berthold Werner via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Monastery Complex and History
Ebrach Monastery was founded in 1127 in the Middle Ebrachtal. The former monastery complex includes the abbey church, the Imperial Hall, a magnificent Baroque staircase and well-maintained gardens. In the 18th century, Leonhard Dientzenhofer extensively redesigned the complex as a palace-like Baroque ensemble; the Gothic church with its rose window was preserved. The complex’s architectural history thus brings together a major Baroque redesign and the preservation of the Gothic church.
The Ebrach administrative community offers groups of ten or more a “complete package” guided tour of the abbey church, Imperial Hall and staircase. Groups of ten or more can also take a guided tour of the Museum of Ebrach History. The monastery is open from April to October, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Check the opening hours before your visit.
Exhibition, Natural Swimming Pool and Trails
The permanent exhibition “Wild Beech Forests” is located at Marktplatz 5 in Ebrach. Its exhibits include a forest diorama, amphibian models, a forest-floor tunnel for children and a digital information table. The exhibition thus combines models and a diorama with a tunnel and digital information. Check the latest visitor information before travelling.
AcquaSana Natural Swimming Pool Ebrach was built as a conventional outdoor swimming pool in 1933 and has been a natural swimming pool since 2005, where no chemicals are used. The pool includes a 33 × 18-metre swimming pool with seven lanes and a 27 × 18-metre non-swimmer pool. There is also a stream for small children and an original waterslide. Check the latest operating information before your visit.
Long-distance hiking trails pass through Ebrach. Well-marked circular trails around the town offer opportunities for hiking and cycling, with views of Ebrach and the valleys of the Steigerwald. Check the details of each route before setting out.
Getting There by Bus
Bus routes 990 and 991 run from Bamberg station to Ebrach. Route 990, the Steigerwald Express, operates from 1 May to 1 November. As service and timetable information may change, check the current connections before travelling.
More Topics in the Wider Bamberg Destination
The wider Bamberg destination also includes other cultural and nature-related attractions. Weissenstein Palace near Pommersfelden is one of Germany’s major Baroque complexes and houses an extensive gallery featuring works by French, Italian, German and Dutch painters. The Methusalem Tour around Ebrach passes through the Spitzenberg nature reserve to trees that are up to 250 years old or older and up to 144 centimetres thick. Seven culinary tours explore the Bamberg region: three cycling tours and four hiking routes lead to floodplain landscapes, viewpoints, places to stop for refreshments and local producers.
Discover more destinations: Großgressingen, Heiligenstadt in Oberfranken.
Go to the wider travel overview: Bamberg.
