Discover Ostritz: Monastic life and cycling tours

St. Marienthal Monastery gives Ostritz a distinct cultural profile: the Baroque complex comprises the abbey, monastery church, provost’s residence, and chapel; at the same time, Cistercian monastic life continues here. This gives visitors two ways to experience the town: through its architecture and the everyday life of a community that is still active.

The monastery information room offers a 30-minute presentation on the history, buildings, sisters, and Cistercian order. It is available in German or English. Check language options and visitor arrangements before your trip. An audio guide covers not only the monastery’s history but also the sisters’ life today and the International Meeting Centre they founded.

Monastery Garden and Stations of the Cross

The biblical plant garden brings together more than 40 species of plants mentioned in the Bible across 1,030 square metres. Another religious site is Stations Hill, also known as Calvary Hill: a fully preserved Stations of the Cross, with 14 images, can be found there in the open air. The garden and the Stations of the Cross offer different perspectives; together, they broaden the view of the religious history and design of the monastery site.

Cycling, Pilgrimage Routes, and Local History

St. Marienthal is a stop on the Oder-Neisse Cycle Route and two pilgrimage routes: the Via Sacra and the Zittau Way of St. James. Bicycle rentals are available locally for regional cycling tours. Check whether bikes are available before you arrive.

One specific circular route is the 37-kilometre Klosterwald-Neiße Tour, which starts at St. Marienthal in Ostritz. It passes Ostritz’s historic town centre and the local history museum, housed in one of the oldest buildings in the town. The route also offers a detour to St. Nicholas Church in Leuba, which was rebuilt in 1856. Trail conditions and signage may change; also check the museum’s visitor arrangements in advance.

The tour combines a start at the monastery with Ostritz’s local history and an optional detour to Leuba. This means that route planning can take in more than just cycling distances: there are also several historical sites to explore.

Monastery Offerings and Regional Cuisine

The monastery shop in the courtyard sells devotional items, handicrafts, books, souvenirs, and baked goods. The selection and opening hours may change; check what is available before your visit. The monastery tavern serves Upper Lusatian cuisine and traditional monastery dishes, complemented by regional baked goods and seasonal herbs, fruit, and vegetables. The menu and seasonal ingredients may vary.

The monastery complex also includes a bakery. The monastery owns Germany’s easternmost vineyard, which visitors can climb and which offers views across Upper Lusatia. So, alongside the architecture, regional produce and views over the landscape are also highlights of a visit.

Guest Rooms at St. Marienthal

St. Marienthal offers guest rooms for individual travellers, families, and groups. Larger groups are accommodated in cooperation with the International Meeting Centre. As room capacity may change, check the options before your trip.

Regional Travel Information: Görlitz

Within the wider Görlitz destination area, the RB65 runs from Görlitz via Görlitz/Weinhübel and Hagenwerder to Ostritz and Zittau. Check the timetable before travelling.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bernstadt Auf Dem Eigen, Schönbach, Ebersbach-Neugersdorf, Zittau, Kodersdorf, Lawalde, Großschweidnitz, Herrnhut.

Back to the main travel overview: Görlitz.