Kloster und Schloss Bebenhausen

About the museum

Bebenhausen is first mentioned in a document in 1187. Count Palatine Rudolf I of Tübingen founded the monastery a few years earlier and first settled Premonstratensian monks there; soon afterward the Cistercian order took over the abbey. At times up to 80 monks and 130 lay brothers lived here. After the Reformation the monastery became a Protestant monastery school, which existed into the 19th century; in 1648 the era of the Cistercians ended for good. The medieval complex is still almost entirely preserved.

The forests of the Schönbuch were a favorite hunting ground. The Counts of Württemberg, who controlled the monastery from 1342, often stayed here during hunts. King Friedrich I had outbuildings converted into a hunting lodge and held lavish court hunts; his grandson Karl I modernized the rooms he used. After his abdication, the last King of Württemberg, Wilhelm II, lived in Bebenhausen with his wife. The palace can only be visited on a guided tour and shows, among other things, the royal couple's private chambers, the Green Hall and the Blue Hall.

After the Second World War, the state assembly of Württemberg-Hohenzollern met here and drafted a constitution in 1946/47; until 1952 the state parliament (Landtag) convened in the Winter Refectory. Today the Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg (State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg) look after the complex. Visitors experience monastery architecture, the almost completely preserved stately palace kitchen from 1913 to 1916 and the royal display silver.

Highlights

• Almost completely preserved Cistercian abbey from 1187
• Hunting lodge with the private chambers of the last royal couple of Württemberg
• Stately palace kitchen from 1913 to 1916
• Royal display silver in oak buffets
• Winter Refectory, where the state parliament met until 1952

Permanent exhibitions

• Die Schlossküche – A stately kitchen fitted between 1913 and 1916 that has been preserved down to the last detail.
• Königliches Schausilber – Valuable silverware in oak buffets recalls the dinners of the hunting parties.

Operated by

Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg

Admission & discounts

The "regular" price applies to the monastery without a guided tour; the palace is only with a guided tour. The Schlosscard and the Landesfamilienpass are valid; with the AlbCard admission is free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

Due to the building structure, the monastery and palace are not fully accessible; a companion is recommended and prior contact is welcome. An accessible toilet is available. People with a severe mobility impairment and the "G" marker may drive onto the grounds with permission. There are special tours for people with mobility impairments, as well as information in Easy Language (Leichte Sprache) and sign language.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Family tickets, special tours for children and families (e.g., "Klosterkrimi", a monastery mystery), family adventure days at the monastery, and school programs with monks' habits and clue hunts.

Getting there & parking

Address: In the palace, 72074 Tübingen-Bebenhausen. There is an e-bike charging station on the grounds.

Amenities & dining

Restaurants in the village, including Landhotel Hirsch and Schranners Waldhorn. E-bike charging station on the grounds.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Rooms for private celebrations (including weddings), company events, conferences and film shoots; room database on the website.

Plan your visit