Loccum Abbey

© Loccum Abbey

© Loccum Abbey

This most important Cistercian monastery in Lower Saxony was founded in 1163 by the Counts of Hallermunt, not in the wilderness as is usual for Cistercians, but on an existing site. Through numerous donations, the monastery became very wealthy and was also able to establish a closed manor with high jurisdiction, which was directly subject to the Pope and was taken under the protection of the Empire in 1235.

Even after the Reformation, Loccum remained prosperous and independent and was able to hold on to its property until the agrarian reforms of the 19th century. The monastery only became Protestant at the end of the 16th century, without throwing its monastic heritage overboard. Since the 19th century, preachers have been trained here at the Loccum Academy. The late Romanesque church in the simple Cistercian style, visible from afar, has been impressively preserved along with the entire monastery complex. The landscape conservation area with ponds and forest to the south of the monastery is also well worth a visit.

There are also top-class cultural events, readings, concerts and, of course, peace and relaxation in the midst of a beautiful natural landscape in the heart of Lower Saxony. Guided tours of the monastery take place every Saturday and Sunday from April to October. These provide fascinating insights into 850 years of history.