Kloster Drübeck

Drübeck Monastery is located in Ilsenburg in the Harz Mountains and is one of the impressive sights of the region. The history of the monastery dates back to the year 960. Today, the former Benedictine abbey serves as a meeting and conference centre. The historic walls also house the Pedagogical-Theological Institute of the Protestant Church of Central Germany. On a trip to the monastery you can visit both the exterior and the interior.

Places of interest in Drübeck Monastery

Both the interior of the historic monastery and the grounds are worth seeing. The outside area consists of an idyllic monastery garden. It was reconstructed according to the original plans of J. A. Dieckmann from 1737 and is part of the project "Garden Dreams - Historical Parks in Saxony-Anhalt". Its highlight is a large-leaved lime tree planted in 1730, which now has a trunk circumference of about 5.5 metres. It is wonderful to relax in the shade of this old tree with a view of the historic monastery walls. Inside Drübeck Monastery, other sights await visitors. These include the crypt with the tomb of the abbess Adelbrin, who died around the year 900. She is regarded as the sister of the monastery founders Theti and Wikker and is said to have been the first abbess. The late Gothic carvings of the three-part altarpiece and the bell, which was cast in 1449, are further monastery attractions.

The history of Drübeck Monastery in the Harz Mountains

Drübeck Monastery was first mentioned in a document by King Otto I in 960. According to records kept by Henry II, the monastery was rebuilt barely 50 years after this first mention. In the course of this, the Basilica of St. Vitus was built. The central nave walls, the southern arm of the transept and the five columns have been preserved to this day. Another reconstruction of the monastery took place in the 11th century. At this time, the west wing with its two towers was built. The monastic life practised until then was interrupted during the Reformation and the Peasants' War. After being looted in 1599, Drübeck Monastery was damaged in a fire. A transfer of ownership of the complex to the Counts of Stolberg-Wernigerode ensured that a Protestant ladies' convent moved into the historic walls. At the request of the last Abbess Magdalena, the monastery became a conference centre with an adjoining convalescent home.

Spending the night in Drübeck Monastery

The monastery in Ilsenburg in the Harz Mountains is not only an exciting sight for a day trip during a holiday in the Harz, it is also an ideal place to spend the night. The historic monastery walls create a special ambience for an overnight stay. Those seeking peace and quiet will get their money's worth here, as will nature lovers, believers and friends of old architecture. The monastery has a total of 106 beds, divided into 42 single and 32 double rooms. Additional facilities can be booked for babies and small children travelling with you. Pets can also be brought along on request under certain conditions. WLAN is available in all guest rooms. In addition, overnight guests can optionally book a breakfast buffet, evening buffet or vespers for their overnight stay for an additional charge.

Things to know about your visit to the monastery at a glance:

• Address: Klostergarten 6 in 38871 Ilsenburg
• Admission: Free
• Opening hours: Monastery grounds daily between 6:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., monastery church daily between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Contact: by telephone on 039452 943-00 or by e-mail to geschaeftsleitung@kloster-druebeck.de.