Kloster Kreuzberg (English)

(So, here's something quickly-slapped-together...)

A couple of years ago, in autumn, we took a bike trip to the Kloster on the Kreuzberg, the holy mountain of the Franconians, (or one of the Franconians' holy mountains?). From the station in Bad Neustadt, the trip is nearly 30 km uphill, often really steep. It was our toughest bike trip in Franconia, at least up to that time.

Map vom GPS
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The Kloster is famous for its brewery and situation on the 900 meter high mountain. It's been a favourite goal of pilgrims for centuries, with inexpensive accomodation.

After we'd checked in, (room 25; view from window; spic and span, doubtless because of the helpful potty sign), it was time to eat and drink (Ausschank). The guest rooms were full and smokey, so we stayed in the Schwemme. The Klosterbier is dark and malty, the food from the cafeteria-style service wasn't noteworthy though, albeit really cheap. A couple of brethren walked through and maintained the peace; the guests are not to be disturbed by mobile phones and the like: "It's a Kloster here, not a discothek."

The house rules require retirement to bed at 22.00, and then the gates to the outside world are locked. Since there's no television, a night spent in the Kloster is quite quiet and peaceful. If you score a Maß or two to take to your room, the quiet is much more bearable.

The next morning was cold and wet, nonetheless we made some photos:
Das Zimmer in der Ecke im Fürsttenbau 1, 2
Der Hof 1, 2
Die süßen Wachhunde (Handyfoto)

After we'd checked out, we rode up to the peak. From there the trip down to Bad Neustadt was cold, wet, and long.
1, 2, 3

A visit is certainly recommendable, and although there are better beers in Franconia (but after 3+ sweaty hours on your bike, it tastes especially good and "easily lets itself be slurped down"), the ambience is fairly one-of-a-kind.