Kloster Walsrode

About the museum

Kloster Walsrode is considered the oldest of the six Lüneklöster. It was founded in the 10th century by Count Walo and his wife Odelint as a foundation for canonesses; a deed of donation by King Otto III from 986 is its first written mention. Its patron saint has always been John the Baptist, who is still commemorated today by the Johannissingen (St. John's singing) on June 24. In 1255 the canonesses adopted the Rule of St. Benedict without belonging to an order.

After a lightning strike in 1482, a large part of the complex burned down. During the reconstruction, colored glass windows were created that rank among the most important late Gothic stained glass in northern Germany; the chapel with its Romanesque walls also houses an expressive Last Supper relief attributed to the Lüneburg woodcarver Benedikt Dreyer and dated to around 1520. The present residential buildings are Baroque structures built between 1715 and 1720, and the neo-Romanesque Remter (refectory) goes back to a donation by Emperor Wilhelm II.

With the Reformation, the convent became Lutheran from 1528 onward but continued to exist as a community of women. During the Napoleonic era it was dissolved from 1812 to 1815. In the 19th century, abbesses and prioresses founded a school for the poor, a first hospital, and an infant school. Until 1955, places were reserved for women of the nobility; for the office of abbess, this restriction ended in 1980.

Under its first non-noble abbess, the foundation opened its doors to visitors from 1980. Today it is a Protestant women's foundation under the supervision of the Klosterkammer Hannover, offering guided tours, concerts, readings, pilgrim rooms, and vacation apartments; Dr. Eva von Westerholt has led the convent since 2020.

Highlights

• Late Gothic stained-glass windows from the period after the convent fire of 1482
• Last Supper relief in the convent chapel, attributed to Benedikt Dreyer (c. 1520)
• Neo-Romanesque Remter (refectory), donated by Emperor Wilhelm II
• Baroque convent buildings from 1715–1720
• Convent garden and chapel freely accessible daily

Founded

986

Operated by

Evangelisches Damenstift Kloster Walsrode / Klosterkammer Hannover

Director

Dr. Eva von Westerholt (Äbtissin)

Admission & discounts

The price applies to the public guided tour. A donation is requested for visiting the chapel and garden.

Accessibility

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

Due to the historic structure, the interior is not accessible throughout; the garden and some areas can be reached at ground level. Please contact the office in advance with any questions.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Convent shop Tue–Sun 15:00–16:00, Mon–Thu 9:00–13:00 on request. Pilgrim rooms and vacation apartments in the convent.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 40 guests.

Civil weddings in the Remter (approx. 40 people), church and non-religious weddings as well as baptisms in the chapel and park, each with a reception; outdoor grounds available as a photo location by arrangement.

Plan your visit