Discover Ebrach: Monastery, forest and hiking trails

In the Middle Ebrach Valley, Ebrach combines a long monastic history with forest-related attractions and outdoor activities. The monastery complex, exhibition, hiking trails and natural swimming pool each offer something different—from architecture and history to nature and outdoor pursuits.

Monastic history and architecture

Ebrach Abbey was founded in 1127 in the Middle Ebrach Valley. The former monastery complex includes the abbey church, the Imperial Hall, an elaborately decorated Baroque staircase and well-maintained gardens. Together, these places give an impression of the complex’s varied architecture. Those interested in architectural history can explore the abbey church and the Baroque areas as distinct aspects of the complex.

Ebrach Abbey 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. Before your visit, check the latest visitor information so you can take the seasonal opening hours into account when planning.

Forest attractions and trails around Ebrach

The permanent exhibition “Wild Beech Forests” is located at Marktplatz 5 in Ebrach. It features a forest diorama, amphibian models, a forest-floor tunnel for children and a digital information table. The different displays present the forest theme in a variety of ways; the children’s tunnel is a particularly tangible feature for families who want to explore together. Check the latest visitor information before travelling.

There are also different ways to experience Ebrach outdoors: long-distance hiking trails pass through the town. Well-marked circular hiking trails around Ebrach offer opportunities for walking and cycling, with views of Ebrach and the valleys of the Steigerwald. If you prefer a circular route, this offers a different option from choosing a long-distance hiking trail. Before setting out, it is worth checking the details of the route you plan to take.

Natural swimming pool and guided tours

AcquaSana natural swimming pool in Ebrach was built in 1933 as a conventional outdoor pool and has been a natural swimming pool, using no chemicals, since 2005. The pool complex includes a 33 × 18-metre swimming pool with seven lanes, a 27 × 18-metre non-swimmer pool, a stream for small children and an original water slide. This makes it easy to compare the pool facilities with the interests of your group. Check current operating information before your visit.

For groups of ten or more, the Ebrach administrative community offers a “complete package” guided tour of the abbey church, the Imperial Hall and the staircase. A guided tour of the Museum of Ebrach History is also available for groups of ten or more. This gives you a choice of two different themes: the rooms of the monastery complex or a visit to the museum.

If travelling by bus, lines 990 and 991 run from Bamberg railway station to Ebrach. Line 990, the Steigerwald Express, operates from 1 May to 1 November. As timetables and transport services may change, check the transport operator’s latest information before travelling.

More places to explore in the Bamberg destination

The Bamberg destination offers more cultural and nature attractions. Weissenstein Castle near Pommersfelden is one of Germany’s major Baroque complexes and houses an extensive gallery featuring art-historically significant works by French, Italian, German and Dutch painters. For a culinary perspective, seven themed food tours explore the Bamberg region: three cycling tours and four hiking routes lead to floodplain landscapes, viewpoints, places to stop for refreshments and regional producers. This lets you weigh up monastic heritage, art and food trails as different interests when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Großgressingen, Altendorf, Hirschaid, Strullendorf, Heiligenstadt In Oberfranken, Breitengüßbach, Kemmern and Schlüsselfeld.

Back to the main travel overview: Bamberg.