Lehnin Monastery – a weekend in the monastery

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Magnificent brick Gothic

The entrance to the Lehnin Monastery is easy to miss. There is no sign indicating this. Here I am talking about the actual monastery, not about the Lehnin monastery. We almost drove past it on our tour through Brandenburg. There is a place next to it that bears the same name. This is where the monastery lies. We actually expected to find the monastery somewhere in the open countryside. But that's not the case. It's in the middle of town and pretty hidden. Only a narrow alley, which you can hardly recognize as a driveway, leads into it. Behind it, however, we are in a different world. No more trace of car noise, everyday hectic or shopping stress. Instead, there is heavenly silence here.

 

 

 

Lehnin Monastery
Lehnin Monastery

 

royalty
royalty

 

Lehnin Monastery is worth a trip from Berlin

It takes just under an hour's drive to reach Lehnin Monastery from Berlin. Still, it means immersing yourself in another world. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, the monastery offers a place of silence. Instead of the big city, we experience a place where we feel the long breath of history. The former Cistercian abbey was built between 1185 and 1190, initially in the Romanesque style and completed in Gothic style in 1262. During the Reformation in 1542, the abbey was secularized. The Luise-Henrietten-Stift has been located there since 1911, a church institution that offers care for the elderly and a clinic. The St. Marien Church can still be seen from its Cistercian origins. Because of its simple architecture, it is reminiscent of the time when monks lived in this area. As it can be seen today, it was reconstructed between 1871 and 1877.

 

St. Mary's Church
St. Mary's Church

 

You do not need much to be happy

In the church, a friendly nun welcomes us with information about the church. The interior is simple. In any case, there is not much that attracts the attention. Instead, the pointed arches bear witness to the Gothic heritage left by the monks.

 

Simple interior
Simple interior

 

In the steps that lead to the choir room, a tree block is embedded, on which the founding legend of the monastery is based. He is petrified and probably dates from before 1180. It is said that Margrave Otto I slept under this tree. The terrible dream that beset him caused him to build a spiritual castle here.

 

font
font
Main altar in St. Mary
Main altar in St. Mary

 

When we finally leave the inside of the church, Petar asks the nun, who takes our information sheets from us about the Lehnin monastery, what she likes about her monastery life. I'm sure I won't forget your answer that quickly: “It doesn't take much to be happy.” She seems satisfied and happy to me.

 

Magnificent brick Gothic
Magnificent brick Gothic

 

A quiet place

Immediately after, I understand why. A walk through the grounds shows us why Kloster Lehnin is one of the most important Romanesque-Gothic brick buildings in Brandenburg. Impressive and well preserved is the Church of St. Mary. And not only her. Many of the associated buildings on the monastery grounds are built in the Gothic style. This ensemble of matching styles transports us through its well-preserved architecture in another time. Under ancient deciduous trees, which in the middle of September show just the first signs of autumnal colors, a tour of the grounds is a pleasure. We take our time, ducking between falling chestnuts that announce the fall.

You can hike well in the vicinity of Kloster Lehnin

 

Silent retreat in the monastery Lehnin
Silent retreat in the monastery Lehnin
Gothic style elements at the Lehnin monastery
Gothic style elements at the Lehnin monastery
Gothic windows in the Lehnin monastery
Gothic windows in the Lehnin monastery

 

A bench under an old deciduous tree next to the Lehnin monastery invites you to relax. From there I have a good view of the back wall of the church. While the sun glistens through the canopy of leaves above me, I admire the stone carvings with which the rear door arch into the church is decorated. In addition, there are a number of pointed arched windows, which, however, are purely decorative in character. Because they are walled up. Unlike the pointed arch windows in the neighboring building. These are decorated with beautiful brick inlays. Anyone who, like us, is interested in Gothic architecture should bring enough time to see the many small details that can be discovered on the monastery grounds. In any case, a trip to Lehnin is worthwhile for everyone who loves the Gothic.

Questions and answers about Lehnin Monastery:

Are there parking facilities near Lehnin Monastery?

Yes, there are parking facilities near the Lehnin monastery. Free parking is available so you can conveniently leave your vehicle while you tour the monastery.

Are there special events or concerts in Lehnin Monastery?

Yes, the Lehnin monastery regularly organizes cultural events, concerts and exhibitions. It is worth checking the current event dates before your visit in order not to miss any possible highlights.

Are dogs allowed in Lehnin Monastery?

Yes, dogs are welcome in Lehnin Monastery, but they must be kept on a leash. There are designated areas where dogs are not allowed, such as certain showrooms.

Is there barrier-free access to Lehnin Abbey for visitors with restricted mobility?

Yes, Lehnin Monastery has barrier-free entrances and elevators to allow access for visitors with restricted mobility. It is advisable to contact the monastery in advance in order to register special needs and to receive further information.

Can weddings or other private celebrations be held in Lehnin Monastery?

Yes, the Lehnin monastery offers rooms for weddings and private celebrations. There are various halls and function rooms that can be used for such occasions. For more information and booking requests you should contact the monastery directly.

Are there souvenir shops or gift shops in Lehnin Monastery?

Yes, Lehnin Monastery has a souvenir shop where you can buy souvenirs, books, postcards and other monastery-related products. It's a nice place to pick up a special souvenir from your visit.

 


Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Getting to Lehnin Monastery:

For example, book your journey here by flight, bus or train*. The nearest airport is Berlin. You can then rent a rental car there. It is also possible to travel to Lehnin by train and bus.

Car Rentals:

Cheap car hire - book quickly and easily!

Accommodation near Lehnin Monastery

Hotels and accommodations in Lehnin and surroundings * you can, for example, book through our partner booking.com. However, we have in the very quiet area Paulinen Hof Seminar Hotel * a few miles away, which we highly recommend.

 

Accommodation in Lehnin*

You can book selected accommodation near Lehnin Monastery here:

Hotel Markgraf*

This charming hotel is located in the immediate vicinity of the Lehnin monastery and offers comfortable rooms with a historical flair. The Hotel Markgraf is known for its rustic atmosphere, which gives guests the feeling of being transported back in time.

Lehnin Monastery Center*

This guest house is housed in an impressive 19th-century building. The guest house Kloster Lehnin is interesting because of its exclusive location on the monastery grounds with a view of the picturesque surroundings.

Seehof nets*

The Seehof Netzen is an idyllic hotel located directly on the shore of Lake Netzen. The Seehof Netzen is known for its beautiful location and the view of the lake. It is a short distance from the Lehnin monastery and offers a quiet and natural environment for a relaxing stay.

 

Brandenburg Travel Guide

Order travel guides for Brandenburg here*.

 

Do you like to travel to the Lehnin monastery in a mobile home?


 

Lehnin Monastery
Click on the photo and then note our excursion tips for “Lehnin Monastery” on Pinterest.

 

Do you know this?

 

Other Slow Travel Destinations you can find it here, for example. Monasteries and churches you can also discover here.

Source Lehnin Monastery: research on site. We would definitely like to thank Tourismus Brandenburg for supporting this trip. However, as always, our opinions remain our own.

Text Kloster Lehnin: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos Kloster Lehnin: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video Lehnin Monastery: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline

Lehnin Monastery – a weekend in the monastery

Monika Fuchs

Monika Fuchs and Petar Fuchs are the authors and publishers of the Food and Slow Travel blog  TravelWorldOnline. They have been publishing this blog since 2005. TravelWorldOnline has been online since 2001. Their topics are trips to Savor, wine tourism worldwide and slow travel. During her studies Monika Fuchs spent some time in North America, where she - partly together with Petar Fuchs - traveled to the USA and Canada and spent a research year in British Columbia. This intensified her thirst for knowledge, which she satisfied for 6 years as an adventure guide for Rotel Tours and then for 11 years as a tour guide for Studiosus Reisen around the world. She was constantly expanding her travel regions, but curiosity still gnawed at her: "What's beyond the horizon? What else is there to discover in this city? Which people are interesting here? What do they eat in this region?" As a freelance travel journalist (her articles have appeared in DIE ZEIT, 360° Canada, 360° USA, etc.), she is now looking for answers to these questions as a travel writer and travel blogger in many countries around the world. Petar Fuchs produces the videos on this blog as well as on YouTube. Monika Fuchs from TravelWorldOnline is among Germany's top 50 bloggers in 2021. Find more Information about Monika and Petar Fuchs here.

24 thoughts too "Lehnin Monastery – a weekend in the monastery"

  1. What a great attitude of the nun, if there were more in the world. A very interesting place where I could imagine 2-3 learning to be silent for a few days and just being with myself, I would really like that.

    Thank you for this report and the place I promptly noted. best regards
    Ralf

    1. Yes, we found that too, Ralf. We have been to monasteries several times in recent years and have learned to appreciate this silence. These are very special places, even if we are absolutely not religious.

      Best regards,
      Monika

  2. Hello Monika and Petar,

    I feel the same way about you: I do not have the same religion. But the atmosphere in some monasteries is often beautifully peaceful and peaceful. In the late summer I was in the Himmerod Monastery in the Eifel - the pictures inside with the pointed arches remind me in part of it. A trip to the monastery Lehnin seems to be worthwhile in any case.

    Best regards,
    Marion

    1. Dear Marion,

      A visit to the monastery Lehnin is definitely worth it. We mostly travel by car from the south, so it's only a relatively short trip to the west, before we travel on to Berlin.

      Best regards,
      Monika

    1. I am very happy if, as a native of Brandenburg, we can give you tips for your homeland, Thomas.

      Best regards,

      Monika

  3. I like such hidden places and the possibility to dive into silence. Especially at Berlin, I find that so exciting that you get out of it very quickly. In the Greater Stuttgart or in the Ruhr area that takes much longer.

    Cistercians and another preserved shot of Romanesque - you have me! If I'm in the area and it turns out, I'll go there too.

    "It does not take much to be happy." - How true!

    1. Hello Barbara,

      We are often on the lookout for such places and we are always amazed at how close they are often to really big cities. Especially the region of the High Fläming south of Berlin offers a whole series of such quiet retreat places. A trip there is definitely worthwhile.

      Best regards,
      Monika

  4. Hello you two,

    "You don't need much to be happy." - for example, just a bench under a tree. I could sit there for hours. A beautiful place! I am completely satisfied with the view of nature. I'm happy at that moment. The monastery looks really beautiful and radiates a lot of calm from the outside.
    Kind regards
    Sabine

    1. Hello Sabine,

      I thought exactly the same thing when I sat there admiring the gothic windows. That was so wonderfully relaxing. It really does not take much to be happy.

      Best regards,
      Monika

  5. Hello Wolfgang,

    I am very happy if you like our report. After its restoration at the end of the 19th century, the monastery was “in operation” continuously. Even during GDR times, the nuns were active there. Our interlocutor told us that even members of the government of the GDR preferred to be treated in their clinic rather than in the local GDR clinics, because they were supported by the mother house in the west and received better equipment from there.

    Best regards,
    Monika

  6. Dear Monika,

    I also find monasteries very exciting. The interior of the monastery fascinates me immensely. Although rather simple, I really like the interior. How nice that the nun showed you “her” monastery. It makes you wonder how much it really takes to be happy ...

    Many greetings
    Kathi

    1. Dear Kathi,

      yes, this monastery looks very simple inside. This is apparently typical of the original Cistercian monasteries, as we were told. However, I have already seen other monasteries of the Cistercians, to which this simplicity no longer applies, such as Stift Heiligenkreuz in Austria, That is almost opulent compared to this.

      Best regards,
      Monika

  7. This year I visited the Biosphere Reserve Elbe. In Brandenburg, there are many charming villages with brick houses. I just love this timeless architecture.

    1. We absolutely agree with you, Andreas. The buildings of the brick Gothic are really something special. We keep looking for it.

  8. Hello you two, this is the monastery that Petar reported on in Vienna on Saturday. Very nice and makes you want to travel to Germany again. Best regards, Claudia

    1. Yes, that's it, Claudia. We liked it a lot, especially as friends of the brick Gothic. : D It's worth a trip from Berlin, you should be there.

  9. Where the nun is right, she is right;) We should probably take all this much more to heart, after all, it is also outside a monastery. But it's nice that there are still such places of silence.

    1. Yes, is not it. I also liked it a lot: D And you're right, there are such places elsewhere. You just have to find it.

  10. As a citizen of Brandenburg, I am always happy to stumble across my old home on travel blogs. If you want to stop on your Brandenburg tour also in beautiful Barnim, then you should definitely visit the monastery Chorin.

    Best regards,

    Anne

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