The last time we drove past Bebenhausen was en route to a
day in Tübingen, so we just looked at the gorgeous exteriors of the buildings
in Bebenhausen.
This time, the amazing interiors were admired. As much as I
generally dislike group tours, the only way to see the former residence of
local royalty was on a tour. I took my chances with a German tour, as English
tours are provided only to groups that reserve in advance. I understood about
75% of what was said, which included historical anecdotes and jokes. You don’t
need to understand German to be impressed with the intricate wood carvings,
decorations, and furniture of the times.
The abbey was self-guided and lovely. Similar to Maulbronn
and unheated, I spent less time in Bebenhausen in the cold late fall weather.
The combined ticket price of 9 Euros was more than worth it (abbey only is 5
Euros).
There is a small gift shop, restrooms, and a parking lot at
street level that often fills up by late morning (the sign on the main road
says dead end/no parking). There is a large parking lot a short walk away from the
castle on the main road.
In true European style, a couple brought a picnic lunch and
were enjoying it on a bench within the abbey gardens. I didn’t see a restaurant
or snack bar within the historical property, but there is one along the main
street that I didn’t try.
Bebenhausen is definitely worth a 1-2 hour stop if you like
history, architecture, churches, and don’t mind climbing a bunch of stairs!
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