Ochsenhausen Abbey

Ochsenhausen Abbey is a former monastery complex with Baroque architecture near the Krummbach Stream in southern Germany. The site comprises several interconnected buildings centered around a prominent church, with gardens and courtyards occupying the surrounding grounds.

The monastery began in 1093 as a dependent priory and became self-governing in 1391. By 1495 it had gained full territorial sovereignty, transforming into a major religious and political power across several centuries.

The site now houses the Baden-Württemberg State Youth Music Academy, where students perform classical works in historical rooms. This blend of historic location and contemporary music education defines the monastery's purpose today.

The site is open daily and can be explored independently or with a guided tour. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk through the gardens and outdoor areas.

A plowing ox is said to have discovered a buried treasure from an abandoned nunnery, which led to the monastery's founding at this location. This unusual tale connects the place's name directly to its spiritual origins.