Germany Adventure - Benediktbeuern Abbey (Kloster Benediktbeuern)

       
     After leaving the lake, Stan, Vanita, Logan, Naomi, Landon, Gabe, Daniel, Lidia, their two children Lore and Niam and I stopped at a restaurant in Benediktbeuern, Bavaria that Daniel recommended. Benediktbeuern Abbey (Kloster Benediktbeuern) is absolutely beautiful. Founded in the 700’s, it was destroyed in 955 by the Hungarians, then restored in 969. In 1031 it was again rebuilt by Saint Ulrich, Bishop of Augsburg and was resettled by monks. The Abbey has been known for centuries as a place of education and research.

The Abbey with the Alps in the background.

This was an old fountain, or maybe a way to water the flowers.

We wandered through beautiful flower and herb gardens.  From further research, I learned a medicinal garden was established around 1200. 

The buildings wrapped around a courtyard. 

The church had a beautifully carved door.

It also included a cemetery, where we saw a woman taking care of the flowers on a grave. Later, Hans told us that in Germany, it is customary to lease a plot for thirty years. After that time, the family can decide whether to keep it or let it be leased to someone else, so even though the cemetery was centuries old, there were recent burials in it.

Water and watering cans were provided.

The graves are well-maintained with flowers
or a stone covering them.

The food was delicious.
Landon and Lore enjoyed their French Fries.

Naomi, Landon, and Naomi's nephew Niam.

     It was a perfect day made even more special as we celebrated Logan's birthday.

(Photo credits - mostly Vanita Weber. We all shared our pictures, so at this point, I am not sure who took what:).