Religious site
Reichenau Abbey
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Reichenau Abbey, located on the idyllic Reichenau Island in Lake Constance, is a former Benedictine monastery that played a pivotal role in medieval European art and culture. The abbey complex includes three Romanesque churches: St. George's, St. Peter and Paul's, and the Minster of St. Mary and St. Mark. St. George's is particularly famous for its well-preserved Ottonian frescoes from the 10th century, depicting scenes from the life of Christ. The island itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its monastic heritage and agricultural traditions. Visitors can wander through the peaceful cloisters, admire the intricate manuscript illuminations (with originals in the nearby museum), and enjoy the serene gardens that supply vegetables to local restaurants.
Don't miss
- 10th-century Ottonian frescoes in St. George's Church
- The Minster's treasury with medieval liturgical objects
- Cloister gardens growing herbs and vegetables
- Reichenau Island's scenic walking paths along the lake
- Abbey museum displaying original manuscripts and artifacts
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Reichenau Abbey
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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