Abbaye de Berich

The Abbaye de Berich was a former Benedictine monastery in Edertal that stood on a narrow hilltop above the northern bank of the Eder River. It featured a Gothic church and had supporting buildings arranged to serve the needs of the monastic community.

Count Engolf of Battenberg founded the monastery in 1196 as a Benedictine community. Archbishop Conrad of Mainz provided protection, and King Philip gave official recognition in 1205.

The abbey church served as a shelter where unmarried daughters from noble families could live a religious life together. The community received donations of land and resources to support their spiritual work.

The ruins lie underwater in the Edersee reservoir and become visible only during low water levels. Visitors should check water conditions before traveling and wear sturdy footwear when exploring the site.

Between 1912 and 1914, the church was dismantled stone by stone and each piece was numbered. The stones were later reassembled and the church was rebuilt in the new village of Neu-Berich.

Location: Edertal

GPS coordinates: 51.19630,9.03400

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:07