The Himmerod Abbey is an active monastery that is located near Spangdahlem AB in Himmerod, Germany. It’s a nice little day trip, but I’d say more suited to the warmer months. I’ve heard the restaurant & cafe there are good but we haven’t tried them yet. The hardest part about getting out here is the hours, they can be a bit tricky so make sure you check their website before you head out! Note that Google Chrome is best for viewing the above site as it’s in German.
We recently went to check out the Himmerod Abbey on an American holiday since Mr. B was off, however while it was not a German holiday it was apparently a church holiday and the shops, bakery, & museum were closed that day. So I recommend checking that before you go. The monks raise salmon to eat & sell, as well as local honey and even beer. Although if you want to purchase these items you need to go on a day the shops will be open.
The parking lot is across from the Abbey on the left. It’s a short walk down to the main area.
There is also another parking area further down on the right, all parking is free. From this parking area you can peek at the Abbey through the trees.
On location is the Himmerod Abbey, Monastery store, Old Mill (museum), Fishery, Monastery Bakery & Cafe, and Restaurant Klostergaststätte.
The church itself was open and we walked through it but I found it to be very chilly and uninviting, maybe because it was a holiday? There were no lights on or candles lit so it wasn’t very bright and it was cold. We walked around and looked at the few items they had displayed. It is free to walk through the church.
I did love the huge antique books!
The Old Mill/Museum
There is a little playground if you have smaller kids, although that would be better in warmer months.
It’s right across from the restaurant so in warmer months you could sit on the patio and the kids could play while you waited on your food.
We seen the cute little bakery with what looked like some tasty treats but since it was closed we were unable to try them. We did see a small seating area inside as well. I would like to get back with Mr. B at some point to try out the restaurant and/of cafe 😉
There are hiking paths out that way that connect up with the Himmerod Abbey and there is a free public restroom there, we seen several hikers stopping by for a quick visit. There is also a guesthouse on site as well.
Overall it was something to do to get us out of the house and to check another place off the day trip list from the Panther Paws, however it was not as exciting as I expected since everything was closed. And it would have been beautiful to walk more of the grounds if the weather had been warmer. So if your looking for a close day trip idea in the warmer months or even early fall this may be just the spot for you!
Know Before You Go:
What: Himmerod Abbey in Grosslittgen, Germany.
How To Get There: It’s about 12 minutes from Spangdahlem, 1 hour 20 mins from Ramstein. GPS address: Himmerod 3, 54534 Grosslittgen, Germnay.
Parking: There is a parking area across the street on the left, there is also parking further up on the right as well. Parking is free.
Cost: It is free to visit the Himmerod Abbey. Bring Euro for the shops & bakery if you chose.
Dogs: There is a guesthouse on site where dogs are allowed so I’m thinking they are allowed on the grounds as well I just wasn’t able to find any ‘official’ information on it.
Traveling with little kids: Small playground located across from the restaurant.
How long: Plan on at least 30 minutes, if nothing is open, longer if the shops, museum, & bakery are open.
Nice write up!