Our forefathers ...
The order of premonstratensian canons generated a number of great philosophers, orators and musicians.
The best known is probably Sebastian Sailer (1714 to 1777). He is the founder and master of literature in the Swabian dialect.
When on 1 May 1770 the future French Queen Marie Antoinette visited the Obermarchtal monastery on her way from Vienna to her wedding in Paris, a performance of Sailer’s homage cantata Beste Gesinnungen Schwäbischer Herzen (Best Dispositions of Swabian Hearts) was given in her honour.
Study the traces of the past in a tour of the monastery. Climb up the 68 metres of the double tower (guide essential). Enjoy the peace and quiet of the extensive gardens.
The countryside in Upper Swabia offers a wide range of possible excursions for the whole family. The Obermarchtal monastery lies on the Upper Swabian Baroque Route, on which you can see a great many fascinating secular and religious buildings from the baroque era.
Nearby
From April to October, the early baroque cathedral St. Peter and Paul is the atmospheric venue for a wide-ranging programme of concerts with well-known choirs, orchestras and soloists from near and far.
The concerts on the great historic organ built by Johann Nepomuk Holzhey between 1777 and 1780 are specially worthwhile. The organ underwent complete restoration in 2012. The year culminates in the International Organ September which attracts well known organ virtuosos who come to us in Obermarchtal.
You can obtain further details at:
www.obermarchtaler-münsterkonzerte.de
Are you interested in private organ concerts and guided tours?
www.gregor-simon.de
The object and purpose of the Förderverein für Kirchenmusik und Klosterkultur Obermarchtal e. V. (Association for the promotion of church music and monastery culture) is to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Marchtal Abbey in music, literature and Christian spirituality, and to develop and creatively expand it for the benefit of people today.
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Starting right in front of the monastery is a circular route of 3.5 km, on which you can re-engage with nature with all your senses. There are 33 stations en route telling fascinating and amazing stories about nature, history and legends.
The River Danube with its wonderful cycling and hiking routes flows just below the monastery complex. Below the monastery grounds is a place where you can get in or out of your canoe.
The nearby Lautertal is a great place for families with young children to go for a walk, cycle ride or paddle on the River Lauter. There are a great many castles and villages full of nooks and crannies waiting to be explored.