Ebrach: Monastery Complex, Natural Swimming Pool and Hiking Trails

Ebrach offers several clearly distinct themes to consider when planning your trip: the former monastery complex, the “Wild Beech Forests” exhibition, hiking trails and the AcquaSana natural swimming pool. If you are looking for accommodation, you can first decide whether you would prefer to focus your stay on architectural history, trails through the countryside or the natural swimming pool. The information below outlines these options and notes visiting conditions that are important for your plans.

Monastery Complex and Planning Your Visit

Ebrach Monastery was founded in 1127 in the Middle Ebrachtal valley. The former monastery complex includes the abbey church, the Imperial Hall, an opulent Baroque staircase and well-maintained gardens. Within the wider Bamberg travel destination, the later architectural history of the Ebrach complex adds another perspective: in the 18th century, Leonhard Dientzenhofer extensively transformed the monastery into a castle-like Baroque complex; the Gothic church with its rose window was preserved. In this way, the medieval foundation and later transformation stand side by side as distinct historical layers.

The current opening hours for Ebrach Monastery apply from April to October: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 6 pm. As these hours are seasonal, check the latest visitor information before your visit.

For groups of ten or more, the Ebrach Administrative Community offers a guided tour as a “complete package” covering the monastery church, Imperial Hall and staircase. Another guided tour for groups of ten or more explores the Museum of Ebrach’s History. These offer two distinct focuses: the rooms of the monastery complex and the history of Ebrach in the museum.

Exhibitions and Nature

The permanent “Wild Beech Forests” exhibition is located at Marktplatz 5 in Ebrach. It includes a forest diorama, amphibian models, a forest-floor tunnel for children and a digital information table. The exhibition thus presents the forest in a variety of ways. Check the latest visitor information before travelling.

Long-distance hiking trails pass through Ebrach. Well-marked circular trails run around the town and offer opportunities for hiking and cycling, as well as views of Ebrach and the valleys of the Steigerwald. For your planning, it is helpful to distinguish between the types of trails: long-distance hiking trails pass through the town, while the circular trails loop around Ebrach. Check the details of your chosen route before setting out; trail conditions may vary.

Getting There by Bus

Bus routes 990 and 991 run from Bamberg railway station to Ebrach. Route 990, the Steigerwald Express, operates from May 1 to November 1. If you plan to travel by bus, take this seasonal period into account and check the transport operator’s latest information, as timetables and service details may change.

AcquaSana Natural Swimming Pool Ebrach

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. If you are planning a visit, check its current operating status. This keeps the pool’s history separate from the question of whether it is open when you plan to visit.

Facilities include a 33 × 18-metre swimming pool with seven lanes and a 27 × 18-metre non-swimmer pool. The swimming pool is therefore the larger of the two. There is also a stream for toddlers and an original waterslide. The stated dimensions and separately listed pools give you a clear overview of the facilities available, without implying anything further about current opening hours.

Discover more destinations: Großgressingen, Breitengüßbach, Hallstadt, Bamberg, Schlüsselfeld, Frensdorf, Walsdorf, Buttenheim.

See the broader travel overview: Bamberg.