In September, another stage of the European long-distance hiking trail was officially inaugurated: we spent a few varied days in the Slovenian monastery of Stična to mark the occasion! We were able to see the new landscape model in the museum and admire the Cisterscapes steles in the monastery landscape! We were also able to take the opportunity to visit our partners in Kostanjevica na Krki!  

We from Cisterscapes were also represented at this year's "Genusstag" in the Bamberg district!

The Cistercian monastery and farmers' market took place in the idyllic setting of Koppenwind Castle (municipality of Rauhenebrach). Countless stands offered unique works of art, handicrafts, regional products from various international monasteries and a wide range of food options. Of course, a Cisterscapes stand was a must! Many thanks to the Berthold family for their active support!

Another section of the long-distance hiking trail was celebrated, this time in our partner site Altenberg near Cologne!

The penultimate stage of our European long-distance hiking trail was officially opened in November 2023! Of course, the new landscape model could also be admired on this occasion, and a trip to the monastery landscape was not to be missed!

The cultural tour takes you to the Ebrach monastery landscape, whose core areas were in the Mönchsgau and Mönchseigen regions and thus in the northern Steigerwald and its foothills. Ebrach Monastery, which is part of the Morimond lineage, was founded in 1127 as the first cistercian monastery on the right bank of the Rhine and grew over time to become one of the most prosperous monasteries in Franconia. It was closed in 1803 and today houses a juvenile detention center. In addition to the early Gothic basilica in Ebrach and the pilgrimage chapel of St. Francis of Assisi. Blood in Burgwindheim, the baroque official castles and granges in the immediate and wider surroundings, fish ponds and specific hydraulic structures, traditional vineyards and the extensive mixed beech-oak forest are among the testimonies that the Cistercians have left us and which we will take a look at on our journey. Departure 8:00 a.m. Central bus station (ZOB) Munich, Hackerbrücke Return approx. 9 p.m. ZOB Price per person 180,- EUR in double room 200,- EUR in single room with bus trip, overnight stay, guided tours

Discover the abbots' conception of their baroque monastery garden and explore an area of the garden that is not open to the public! With Martina Zanner, Project Manager European Heritage Label Meeting point: Fountain in the monastery courtyard

Learn more about the Cistercian monastery forest and the monastery landscape as a cultural heritage site on this hike. On this occasion we collect and learn a lot about elderberries. This is followed by a joint production of delicious products made from elderflowers, followed by a tasting. The tour includes: Guided herb hike (route approx. 3 km) Joint preparation and giveaway Small refreshment Visit to the Klosterlangheim local history museum Meeting point: School for village and field development in Klosterlangheim, Abt-Mösinger-Str. 1, 96215 Lichtenfels Cost: 25,00 € Booking: online at tickettune.com/lichtenfels; tourismus@lichtenfels.de, 09571/ 795 101

On a hike around Klosterlangheim, you will learn more about the Cistercians' sophisticated water system and their pond farming. At the end of the hike, participants can find out how the ponds are used today - and of course enjoy a fish tasting. The tour includes: Guided hike through the monastery landscape (approx. 3 km) Fish tasting & drinks Visit to the Klosterlangheim local history museum Meeting point: Heimatmuseum Klosterlangheim, Abt-Mösinger-Straße 4, 96215 Lichtenfels Cost: 35,00 € Booking: online at tickettune.com/lichtenfels, tourismus@lichtenfels.de, 09571/ 795 101

Within decades, the Cistercian reform order spread throughout Europe in the High Middle Ages. The ascetic monks used their reputation to transform "wildernesses" into "paradises". They consolidated border regions and always acted at the scientific height of their time. In their radical interpretation of Benedict's Rule, in particular the principle of ora et labora, they transformed entire regions across Europe to suit their needs. Through their systematic exchange of knowledge, they became a driving force for agricultural innovation and a veritable economic empire. They shaped their own type of cultural landscape: the Cistercian landscape. Such Cistercian landscapes can be found all over Europe. 17 former Cistercian abbeys from five countries have joined forces as Cisterscapes - Cistercian landscapes connecting Europe - to research this exciting phenomenon and raise public awareness of it. This cultural heritage network is coordinated by the district of Bamberg. Ebrach, the oldest cistercy on the right bank of the Rhine, is located here. The once rich and powerful abbey in the Steigerwald is an important milestone in the spread of the Order to the East Franconian-German Empire and beyond. The lecture introduces us to the Cistercian landscape phenomenon and the CISTERSCAPES network, which was awarded the European Heritage Label in Antwerp on April 17, 2024. Registration is not required.

Peace, joy and castle fun 3rd Children's Festival on Saturday, July 6, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. On July 6, the Giechburg is once again firmly in the hands of children. At the 3rd children's festival of the Bamberg district, young and old knights and damsels can explore the castle from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Under the motto "Peace, joy, castle fun!" many great and interesting hands-on stations await. Volunteers organize party for children The idea for a children's festival at Giechburg Castle came from the ranks of volunteers a few years ago. Due to the great success of the first two children's festivals, volunteer officer Friederike Straub and district youth worker Oliver Schulz-Mayr have once again organized a festival for older and younger children this year. Thanks to the support of the Bavarian State Ministry of the Interior, Sport and Integration and in cooperation with the Bavarian Sports Youth, the Bamberg-Land District Youth Association, KoBis, Integration through Sport and the VR Bank Bamberg-Forchheim and the great support of volunteer clubs, the festival once again offers a varied program this year. The children's festival takes place in all weathers and is free of charge. Parking is available below the castle. For those who are not so good on foot, a free shuttle bus runs from here up to Giechburg Castle. Stations and offers: Soapbox ride: You're sure to spot the fantastic vehicles as you approach the castle! Get in! Let yourself go - abseiling from the castle Stalls with beekeepers, carrier pigeons, birds of prey and much more - get to know nature! Exercise at different stations: Would you like to learn how to use a bow and arrow or keep fit for the next jousting tournament? Be fair! Colorful studio: Let the brushes paint "peace"! Take courage! Photo session: Dress up like a damsel or a knight in the beautiful tower room! We'll capture this moment for you in a great souvenir photo. Story bower: always sneak in at the full hour of the tower clock and be curious what you will hear! Face painting in the tower Bouncy castle: "Here you can really let off steam" Graffiti & castle workshop: Let your creativity run wild! What is the monk doing in the mill? Crafting, puzzling and designing with Cisterscapes and much more All offers are free of charge.