Founded in 986, Walsrode is one of the Lüneburg convents that became Protestant residences for noble ladies after the Reformation. Hidden away behind the red brick walls is a well-tended complex whose true beauty is only revealed on a guided tour with the nuns, taking in cultural treasures such as the colourful stained-glass windows created in around 1490 and the statue of the Christ Child.

Visitors are welcome at this convent on the Czech border, which houses a famous library of considerable art-historical importance, a nature discovery garden and a cultural and meeting centre offering a diverse programme of activities. The friendly atmosphere of St. Joseph's House makes it the ideal place to get away from it all (booking required), while accommodation is also available for tired pilgrims who reach the end of the Via Porta pilgrimage trail.

Founded in around 1200, this former Benedictine convent has a wonderful air of calm and contemplation. The Romanesque abbey church, cloister, chapter hall and refectory with a traditional Bellmann organ, together with the North Elbe Bible Centre and Bible garden, create a remarkable historical ensemble that serves as a venue for concerts and exhibitions. Guided tours are available on request.

The attractive baroque abbey consists of St. Mark's Church, St. Dominic's House, the abbey chapel, the St. Francis garden and a meditation garden dedicated to the Canticle of the Sun, which was composed by St. Francis. A St. Francis festival is also held, while an exhibition room pays tribute to the nun and painter Maria Innocentia Hummel. Activities for children, young people and volunteers as well as other themed events are offered all year round.

Founded by Heinrich the Illustrious, Margrave of Meissen, in 1268, this pearl of baroque architecture with its lovely garden is a Brandenburg 'cultural beacon'. Visiting this important historical abbey with its two ornately decorated baroque churches and Gothic cloister, where exhibitions are held, is like following a trail from the Middle Ages through to the present day.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this mighty monastery complex near Karlsruhe bears all the hallmarks of the Middle Ages. The ascetic Cistercian architecture is a beauty to behold, both inside and out, and its effect is virtually impossible to resist. Concerts are regularly held here, while the three museums within the complex provide visitors from all over the world with fascinating information about the monastery's history. more »

Founded in 1172 as a Benedictine convent and now a Protestant residence for noble ladies, Lüne Abbey near the old salt-producing town of Lüneburg is famous for its tapestry and embroidery work. The cloister, the church dating from 1412 and the nuns' chancel are all in good condition, as is the former dormitory. It is certainly worth taking a guided tour of this well preserved abbey with its medieval brick Gothic architecture and attending one of the many cultural events held here.

From a private monastery for the nobility to a royal abbey! This UNESCO World Heritage site with its famous King's Hall is referred to in architectural circles as the 'jewel of the Carolingian Renaissance' and is one of Germany's oldest completely preserved examples of post-Roman architecture. The museum centre, which includes a department exploring the abbey's history, offers guided tours and activities for adults and children. more »

Dating from 1123, this abbey on the Lower Rhine was the first Cistercian abbey in Germany and even today remains a religious and cultural centre. It includes an impressive abbey church, a herb garden and baroque terraced garden as well as the abbey museum in the former St. Agatha's convent building. This holy site has attracted many visitors for its spirituality and culture. Informative guided tours for groups of 8 or more are available.

Founded as a Cistercian abbey on Lüneburg Heath in 1243, Isenhagen became a Protestant residence for noble ladies after the Reformation. Its Gothic brick buildings house a rich treasure trove dating back to the Romanesque period, including rare medieval furnishings, magnificent artworks and unique embroideries. The convent can be visited as part of a guided tour between 1 April and 15 October.

This mystical legacy of the Cistercian monks is a splendid example of medieval abbey architecture. Once an abbey where monks took a vow of silence, it became the centre for wine-growing in the Rheingau during the Middle Ages and, thanks to its large wine estate, is inextricably linked with the history of wine. How about an entertaining guided tour or a delightful wine tasting with a walk round the abbey? You will be surprised what there is to see!

Once one of the foremost Carolingian abbeys, Corvey is still of great interest from an architectural, cultural and historical viewpoint and is famous for its art treasures. It had one of the most valuable libraries in Germany and produced many bishops and abbots. The 1,200-year-old west end, the palace, abbey church and library together form an ensemble of cultural and historical significance.

Visitors to the information centre in the former Benedictine abbey can learn about the abbey's history, monastery life in the Middle Ages and the Reformation and its consequences. Events and cloister concerts are also held. The abbey can be explored with or without a guide.