Stiftsruine Bad Hersfeld

The Stiftsruine Bad Hersfeld is the world's largest Romanesque church ruin – a dramatic, photogenic place. Here you can explore the massive walls. 📷

Since 1951 the ruins have hosted the Bad Hersfelder Festspiele. During the festival the nave can be covered by a 1.400 m² retractable tent roof (Frei Otto), so you can enjoy performances even in bad weather. 🎭

In the east wing a museum with medieval wall paintings in the Abbot's Chapel presents images and stories that especially appeal to children. In the Katharinenturm hangs the Lullusglocke (1038), which is rung on special occasions – for example to mark the start of the Lullusfest on 16. Oktober – and there is also a historic Karzer where the writer Gottfried Kinkel was imprisoned in 1849, an exciting story for older children.

• Dramatic ruin backdrop for family photos.

• Museum with rediscovered wall paintings in the Abbot's Chapel.

• Lullusglocke from 1038 and the historic Karzer with the Kinkel anecdote.

• Performances of classical theater and music among medieval walls.