The medieval herb garden at the former Cistercian convent offers a tangible introduction to Himmelkron: it contains around 120 plants that were used in medieval medicine. The number may change over time. Together with the collegiate church and historic works of art, Himmelkron offers various ways to explore botany, sacred history and walking routes.
Monastery, guided tours and works of art
The former Cistercian convent of Himmelkron includes the collegiate church and the Knights’ Chapel; the cloister is late Gothic. Guided tours of the collegiate church, cloister, Knights’ Chapel and Collegiate Church Museum last about an hour and are available on request. Individual guided tours are also possible. If you would like to plan a tour, enquire in advance.
The painted sandstone panels in the church complex depict Christ, the apostles and the foolish virgins. The paintings date to around 1490. The Collegiate Church Museum displays example panels, including an image of Christ, a foolish virgin, and depictions of the apostles James the Younger and Jude Thaddeus.
Avenue, walks and recreation area
The first avenue of lime trees in Himmelkron was planted in 1663 during the reign of Margrave Christian Ernst of Bayreuth (1655–1712). Baille-Maille Avenue, a historic bridge and a playing lane invite visitors to stroll and relax. Those interested in the history of avenues will find another point of reference in time here, alongside the former monastery: the first avenue of lime trees was planted in the 17th century.
The recreation area is located at the edge of town on the road towards Trebgast. It is easily accessible by wheelchair and with a pushchair; the surface is paved and suitable for access, and there are also impact-absorbing surfaces. Individual play stations are accessible without barriers. Which station is suitable for you depends on your individual needs.
The municipality also has two Kneipp pools in Lanzendorf: one at Griesplatz, the other in the car park at the entrance to the village from the direction of Himmelkron. Both invite visitors to enjoy Kneipp water therapy. This extends the choice across the municipality beyond the facilities in Himmelkron, while keeping the locations distinct.
More options in the wider Kulmbach destination
In the wider Kulmbach destination, the nature trail on Kulmbacher Rehberg offers a route about four kilometres long, with 21 learning stations. Another hiking option is the eleven-kilometre Frankenwaldsteigla circular trail, the “Rehbergweg”: it leads from Plassenburg Castle to Rehberg, through Kulmbach’s old town and back to the starting point. The route lengths can be compared directly; conditions on the Rehbergweg may change, so it is advisable to check the current situation before setting out.
The cultural attractions in the wider Kulmbach destination also have their own distinctive character. The German Tin Figure Museum at Plassenburg Castle has more than 300,000 individual figures, arranged in around 150 dioramas. The Bavarian Brewery Museum devotes an exhibition area of more than 3,000 square metres to the history and art of brewing beer. A visit concludes with a taste from the Glass Museum Brewery. These museums complement the history of Himmelkron with distinct themes in Kulmbach.
For travel within the wider Kulmbach destination, an official public transport connection in 2026 runs from Kulmbach via Thurnau, Sanspareil and Wonsees to Hollfeld and Ebermannstadt. As timetables may change, check the connection before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Wirsberg, Marktschorgast, Stadtsteinach, Neuenmarkt, Untersteinach, Trebgast, Wonsees, Thurnau.
To the overview of the wider destination: Kulmbach.
