Last checked:
Translated from German. In case of discrepancies, the German version applies.
Abtei St. Hildegard
Above the vineyards of Eibingen, a district of Rüdesheim, stands the Abtei St. Hildegard (St Hildegard Abbey): a convent of Benedictine nuns, built at the beginning of the 20th century and named after Hildegard of Bingen.1,
Current status (checked on 18 October 2026)
- Abtei St. Hildegard (St Hildegard Abbey): until 23 December 2026 daily 11:00–17:00; 24 December 2026 to 28 February 2027 Tuesday to Saturday 11:00–17:00 (as of 25 October 2026).4,
3
Seasonal times change. For up-to-date times, the operator’s website applies.
Hildegard of Bingen and Eibingen
In 1165 Hildegard of Bingen re-established the convent in Eibingen; it existed until secularisation in 1803.1 The Catholic parish church of St. Hildegard now stands on the foundations of that convent.5,
Hildegard died on 17 September 1179. In 2012 Pope Benedict XVI made her a Doctor of the Church – the first German to be given this title.6 The Hildegardis shrine with her remains is kept in the parish church; on the anniversary of her death, 17 September, many pilgrims come to Eibingen for the procession of relics.5 More on this: Festivals in Rüdesheim.
The abbey today
The foundation stone of today’s convent was laid on 2 July 1900; in September 1904 the first 15 Benedictine nuns moved in from Prague.7 In 2025, 33 sisters lived in the abbey; they are planning a conversion in which parts of the convent are to be let to other groups.7
The sisters live according to the Rule of St Benedict. They earn their living with the abbey shop, a wine estate, spelt products, a goldsmith’s workshop, a ceramics workshop and a restoration workshop for church archive materials.1 The abbey church is painted in the Beuron style; the abbey offers guided tours.3
Visiting
- Abbey shop and vinothek: wine from the abbey’s own estate, spelt products, books and more.3,
1 - Abbey café: address Abtei St. Hildegard 1.8
- Prayer times: on its service times page (in German) the abbey lists the times of the Liturgy of the Hours, including Vespers daily at 17:30; different times apply over Christmas.9,
1 - Guest house: the abbey has guest rooms for limited stays and offers courses.1,
7 - Accessibility: the abbey shop and the information room are accessible (barrier-free); the church is not.1
How to get there
The abbey lies above Rüdesheim in the district of Eibingen; you can reach it on foot from the old town.2,
More about Eibingen: Around Rüdesheim.
Frequently asked questions
Is the abbey church open to visitors?
The abbey is open to visitors; current times are shown in the box above. The church is not accessible.3,
Where are the relics of St Hildegard? In the parish church of St. Hildegard in Eibingen, in the Hildegardis shrine.5
When is the Hildegardisfest? On 17 September, the anniversary of Hildegard’s death, with a procession of relics in Eibingen.5
Next: Around Rüdesheim · Day trips · Festivals