Ebstorf Abbey

Ebstorf Abbey is a Lutheran convent in northern Germany built in the regional brick style and still functions as an active religious community today. The monastery church displays characteristic features of North German Brick Gothic architecture with a raised nun's gallery constructed in the 14th century.

The monastery was founded in 1160 as a priory for Premonstratensian canons and became an important religious center in the region. During the Protestant Reformation in 1529, it was transformed into a Lutheran convent and has continued in this form to the present day.

The abbey holds a replica of the Ebstorf Map, a medieval world map that showed Christian understanding of geography before its destruction in 1943. Visitors can learn how this significant cartographic work was treasured within the monastery community.

The abbey remains an active religious community under the direction of a Lutheran abbess and is best explored through guided tours. Visitors should book in advance as free exploration is not permitted.

The abbey houses a collection of medieval artworks including a baptismal font from 1310 and statues of the Virgin Mary from the 13th century. A particularly notable piece is a pulpit from 1615 that demonstrates the importance of preaching in the Lutheran community.

Location: Ebstorf

Inception: 12 century

Made from material: brick

Website: http://kloster-ebstorf.de/kloster

GPS coordinates: 53.03060,10.41220

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:46