Lorch Monastery & Stauferfalconry Experience

A Glimpse into History: Lorch Monastery

Perched on the Liebfrauenberg overlooking the Rems valley, Lorch Monastery—also known as Kloster Lorch—originated in 1102 as the dynastic burial site of the House of Staufen, founded by Duke Frederick I of Swabia, his wife Agnes of Waiblingen, and their sons Frederick II and King Conrad III. The main buildings were completed by 1108.(Wikipedia, Wikipedia)

Initially serving as a private church for the Staufers, it was donated to the papacy in 1136, accepted by Pope Innocent II.(Wikipedia) Notably, Conrad III had his father’s remains moved here around 1139, and many Staufer family members were interred here in the following years.(Wikipedia)

The monastery saw flourishing art and architecture in the late Middle Ages—especially after 1475, when Abbot Nikolaus Schenk von Arberg consolidated Staufer remains into a richly carved sarcophagus (the Staufer Tumba) placed in the nave.(Wikipedia, Urlaubsregion Stuttgart, Wikipedia) It was also a center of manuscript artistry: in the early 1500s, the monastery produced five illuminated choirbooks (three remain today), reflecting its participation in the Melk Reform.(Wikipedia)

The monastery was damaged in 1525 during the German Peasants' War, remained unrepaired, and was dissolved in 1556 during the Reformation. It was briefly revived during the Thirty Years’ War from 1630 to 1648 before closing again.(Wikipedia)

In the 19th century, efforts to preserve the site emerged as it became a revered Staufer monument. Today, the complex is managed by the State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg, welcoming visitors to its church, cloister, garden, and well-preserved ring wall.(Wikipedia, Wikipedia)

A standout feature is the Staufer-Rundbild, a monumental painting in the chapter hall measuring 30 meters in length and 4.5 meters in height. Completed in 2002 by Hans Kloss for the monastery’s 900th anniversary, it portrays the rise and fall of the Staufer dynasty.(Wikipedia)

Bringing Birds to Life: Stauferfalknerei Lorch

Nestled within the monastery grounds is the Stauferfalknerei, a falconry honoring the legacy of emperor Frederick II’s treatise De arte venandi cum avibus (“On the Art of Hunting with Birds”).(kloster-lorch.com, Urlaubsregion Stuttgart) Operated by Erik and Gunter Pelz, this family-run falconry has thrived for nearly 20 years, offering immersive bird-of-prey shows.(Stauferfalknerei)

From mid-April (Good Friday) to November 1, visitors can enjoy flight shows:

• Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at 15:00

• Additional displays during Baden-Württemberg school holidays on Wednesdays and Thursdays(Stauferfalknerei, schwaebische-post.de, Urlaubsregion Stuttgart)

• Notably, starting 2025, summer holiday shows shift to 17:00(Stauferfalknerei)

The shows run about 1 hour, featuring falcons, eagles, owls, buzzards, vultures, ravens, and more.(Stauferfalknerei, stadt-lorch.de, Nussbaum)

Ticket prices:

• Adults: ~€8–10

• Reduced (students, children 6+, disabled): ~€4–5

• Families: ~€20–25

• Children under 6: free(schwaebische-post.de, filstalexpress.de, Stauferfalknerei, Urlaubsregion Stuttgart)

The falconry also offers private events, workshops, seminars, and immersive nature courses, catering to families, school groups, and professional outings.(Stauferfalknerei, Gmünder Tagespost, Nussbaum) Barrier-free access is available, and limited support exists for overnight stays at the monastery’s Diakonisches Institut or nearby accommodations.(stauferfalknerei-naturnah-akademie.de, Wikipedia)

Practical Travel Tips

When to Go

• Best from April to October/November to align with flight shows.

• Weekends or holidays are ideal for shows; school holidays add more chances.

Planning Your Visit

• Arrive early at the Klosterstraße 2, Lorch (Rems Valley) to secure tickets. Shows begin an hour after ticket sales open.(Stauferfalknerei, filstalexpress.de)

Guided and Special Events

• Staufermarkt (mid-September): A medieval-themed fair with crafts, performances, and market stalls. Entry: €10 (discounts available).(Stauferfalknerei)

• KulturGenuss Autumn Day (early October): Includes workshops, guided tours, Gregorian chants, refreshments, and a flight show.(kloster-lorch.com)

Combine Your Itinerary

1. Monastery visit: Explore architecture, cloister, Staufer Tumba, choirbook replicas, and the Staufer-Rundbild.

2. Garden break: Relax in the monastery garden or nearby terrace.

3. Falconry show: Time it to connect with birds and medieval culture.

4. Historical events: Time your visit to coincide with Staufermarkt or KulturGenuss.

Getting There

• Located between Stuttgart and Aalen; accessible via VVS public transport or the Deutsche Bahn. Parking is available near both the monastery and falconry.(stauferfalknerei-naturnah-akademie.de, Urlaubsregion Stuttgart)

Fun for All Ages

• Flight shows enthrall both young and old with aerial grace.

• Specialized tours and hands-on workshops enhance learning and engagement.

  
  

Summary Table

Attraction	Highlights
Lorch Monastery	12th-century Staufer legacy, Romanesque and Gothic architecture, choirbooks, Staufer-Rundbild (2002)
Stauferfalknerei	Bird of prey flight shows, interactive wildlife experiences, family-friendly workshops
Events	Medieval markets & cultural festivals enhancing local heritage
Visitor Info	April–November, accessible, flexible experiences for families and groups

Wrap-up Thoughts

Lorch offers a unique blend of medieval history, art, spirituality, and nature. The soaring flight of an eagle amid ancient walls captures the enduring spirit of the Staufer and the beauty of the Rems Valley. Whether you're drawn by architecture, falconry, or local festivities—Lorch delivers an enriching and memorable escape into the past.

Let me know if you’d like deeper coverage on any specific part—say architecture details, available accommodations, or travel logistics!