Kreuzberg

Helpful facts

PLACE OF PILGRIMAGE, MONASTERY AND TRADITIONAL BREWERY The Kreuzberg with its 932 m is the second highest mountain in the Rhön. It is not only known as a place of pilgrimage, but the world-famous monastery beer also attracts "pilgrims" in droves. West of the summit plateau is the Franciscan monastery Kreuzberg with monastery brewery - the only brewery operated by the Franciscan order in Germany. From the Kreuzberg monastery, a Way of the Cross with picture chapels leads to the three stone Golgotha crosses. They represent the 12th station of the Way of the Cross. A place of pilgrimage The former name of the Kreuzberg was Aschberg, indicating cultic and religious activities on the mountain in Celtic times. Since the missionary work of the Franks by St. Kilian and his companions in 686, the Kreuzberg has been regarded as the "Holy Mountain of the Franks". Every year, 70 to 80 pilgrimages take place to the Kreuzberg. View From the Kreuzberg there is a view to the Black Mountains, to the Dammersfeldkuppe, to the upper Sinntal, to the Wasserkuppe, to the Lange Rhön, to the Thüringer Wald and to the Brendtal. In very good visibility conditions, the Taunus with the Großer Feldberg can be seen in the west. The monastery brewery In 1692 the Franciscans built a monastery at the already existing place of pilgrimage. The monastery has served this purpose in uninterrupted succession. The scenic location and the advanced motorization have contributed to the fact that the Kreuzberg has developed into a popular destination for excursions, from which the monastery could also profit. As early as 1901, the later Cardinal Faulhaber signed the guest book with the remark: "Up the Kreuzberg came an endless train, some to the church, others to the jug." And this procession has not stopped until today. At present there are six Franciscans living in the monastery. The practical work in the brewery, pub and boarding house is carried out by about 50 secular employees. Since the Franciscans belong to the mendicant order, it is very important to note that the convent and the economy do not form an economic unit. The prices in the tavern are kept popular. The profits made are put back into modernisation and expansion investments. In addition, the convent contributes financially to provincial tasks and missionary work. Brother Franz House Since December 2008, Kreuzberg and its Franciscan monastery have been enriched by a unique place of encounter, reflection and experience. The historic, listed house from 1687 is one of the oldest buildings on Kreuzberg. The Brother Franz House invites all people to get to know the world of thought of the saint and the Franciscan religious community. The centre of the house is an impressively designed exhibition: "Francis of Assisi and God's Creation" - an exhibition in 5 chapters. As a multi-functional house, the facility also serves as a tourist information centre about the Kreuzberg and the Rhön. Opening hours daily 10.00 - 17.00 (free admission)