Founded around 1240, Brenkhausen Monastery is now the seat of the Coptic Bishop of Northern Germany. As one of the oldest churches in the world, the Coptic Church originated in Egypt in the 1st century. The name "Copt" refers to the Egyptian Christians. They are considered direct descendants of the ancient pharaohs.
The former Cistercian monastery was secularised in the 18th century and subsequently left to decay. Since 1993, the former monastery ruins have been lovingly and skilfully restored under the direction of Bishop Anba Damian. The Coptic monastery has since become a popular destination for excursions and an ecumenical meeting place. Enjoy the extraordinary atmosphere of the monastery, the warm hospitality of the Copts and the oriental cuisine. Gain amazing insights into the ancient craftsmanship of clay brick making, which was also used to renovate the monastery. Get to know the Christian Egyptians and their traditions. Listen to the rhythmic melodies of the Copts, which are sung in a liturgical language that is more than 5,000 years old.
Discover the colourful and unique Coptic paintings with which the monastery is decorated. On a huge map of the Nile, you can see the route of the Holy Family's journey to the former land of the pharaohs, which still attracts pilgrims from all over the world and connects the Coptic monasteries in Egypt. In addition, photo exhibitions show current images and snapshots of modern churches in Egypt.
Another highlight is the "Speaking Wood" exhibition with impressive and sometimes larger-than-life wooden sculptures in the cloister. In addition to other permanent exhibitions of Bibles and miniature models of the world's most famous churches, there are also special exhibitions. Learn many interesting details during expert guided tours directly on site. Guest rooms and conference rooms also offer the opportunity to spend some time in the monastery.
The former Cistercian monastery was secularised in the 18th century and subsequently left to decay. Since 1993, the former monastery ruins have been lovingly and skilfully restored under the direction of Bishop Anba Damian. The Coptic monastery has since become a popular destination for excursions and an ecumenical meeting place. Enjoy the extraordinary atmosphere of the monastery, the warm hospitality of the Copts and the oriental cuisine. Gain amazing insights into the ancient craftsmanship of clay brick making, which was also used to renovate the monastery. Get to know the Christian Egyptians and their traditions. Listen to the rhythmic melodies of the Copts, which are sung in a liturgical language that is more than 5,000 years old.
Discover the colourful and unique Coptic paintings with which the monastery is decorated. On a huge map of the Nile, you can see the route of the Holy Family's journey to the former land of the pharaohs, which still attracts pilgrims from all over the world and connects the Coptic monasteries in Egypt. In addition, photo exhibitions show current images and snapshots of modern churches in Egypt.
Another highlight is the "Speaking Wood" exhibition with impressive and sometimes larger-than-life wooden sculptures in the cloister. In addition to other permanent exhibitions of Bibles and miniature models of the world's most famous churches, there are also special exhibitions. Learn many interesting details during expert guided tours directly on site. Guest rooms and conference rooms also offer the opportunity to spend some time in the monastery.
Good to know
Price info
Admission free (donations welcome)
General Information
Parking Available
Eligibility
Bad Weather Offer
Suitable for any weather
for Groups
for Class
for families
for individual guests
Suitable for the Elderly
for Children of all Ages
Foreign Language
German
Other Furnishing/Equipment
Toilet
Payment Options
Entrance Free
Directions & Parking facilities
By car:
Coming from Detmold, take the B239 in the direction of Höxter. After the town sign for Brenkhausen, turn left and drive straight ahead along Mühlenstraße and you will see the monastery at the bottom left. Parking is available in the vicinity of the monastery.
Coming from Höxter, take the B239 in the direction of Detmold. A few kilometres after Höxter, take the first exit on the right at the roundabout to Brenkhausen and drive straight on along the district road into the village. After a while you will see the monastery on your left.
By train:
Get off at the "Höxter-Rathaus" stop in Höxter town centre. From there you can continue to Brenkhausen Monastery by bus or taxi.
By bus:
From Höxter railway station/town hall, take the Höxter city bus line HX4 and get off at the "Brenkhausen Denkmal" stop. The Coptic Monastery is located on the opposite side.
Coming from Detmold, take the B239 in the direction of Höxter. After the town sign for Brenkhausen, turn left and drive straight ahead along Mühlenstraße and you will see the monastery at the bottom left. Parking is available in the vicinity of the monastery.
Coming from Höxter, take the B239 in the direction of Detmold. A few kilometres after Höxter, take the first exit on the right at the roundabout to Brenkhausen and drive straight on along the district road into the village. After a while you will see the monastery on your left.
By train:
Get off at the "Höxter-Rathaus" stop in Höxter town centre. From there you can continue to Brenkhausen Monastery by bus or taxi.
By bus:
From Höxter railway station/town hall, take the Höxter city bus line HX4 and get off at the "Brenkhausen Denkmal" stop. The Coptic Monastery is located on the opposite side.
More information
Please book guided tours of the monastery in advance
