Kloster Drübeck

Drübeck Monastery is located in Ilsenburg in the Harz Mountains and is one of the region's most impressive sights. The history of the monastery dates back to the year 960. Today, the former Benedictine abbey serves as a meeting and conference centre. Behind the historic walls is also the House of Silence and the pastoral college of the Evangelical Church in Central Germany. On a trip to the abbey complex, you can visit both the exterior and the interior.

Things to see at Drübeck Abbey

Both the interior and exterior of the historic monastery are well worth a visit. The outside area consists of an idyllic monastery garden. It was reconstructed according to the original plans by J. A. Dieckmann from 1737 and is part of the "Garden Dreams - Historical Parks in Saxony-Anhalt" project. Its highlight is a summer lime tree planted in 1730, which now has a trunk circumference of around 5.5 metres. It is wonderful to relax in the shade of this old tree with a view of the historic monastery walls. Further sights await visitors inside Drübeck Abbey. These include the crypt with the grave of Abbess Adelbrin, who died around the year 900. She is considered to be 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 altar reredos and the bell, which was cast in 1449, are further monastery sights.

The history of Drübeck Abbey in the Harz Mountains

Drübeck Monastery was first mentioned in a document by King Otto I in 960. According to records by Henry II, the monastery was rebuilt almost 50 years after this first mention. This resulted in the construction of the Basilica of St Vitus. The nave walls, the south arm of the transept and the five columns have been preserved to this day. A further remodelling of the monastery took place in the 11th century. At this time, the west bar with its two towers was erected. The monastery life practised until then was interrupted during the Reformation and the Peasants' War. After being plundered 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 convent moved into the historic walls. At the request of the last Abbess Magdalena, the convent became a conference centre with an adjoining convalescent home.

Spend the night at 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 Mountains, it is also a great 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 fans of old architecture. A total of 106 beds are available in the monastery, spread over 42 single and 32 double rooms. Additional facilities can be booked for babies and small children travelling with you. Pets can also be accommodated on request, subject to certain conditions. WLAN is available in all guest rooms and overnight guests can optionally book breakfast, lunch or dinner in buffet form for an additional charge.

Interesting facts 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 am and 7 pm, monastery church daily between 7 am and 7 pm
• Contact: by telephone on 039452 943-00 or by e-mail to geschaeftsleitung@kloster-druebeck.de