Amorbach
The former Benedictine abbey church in Amorbach is one of the most significant examples of Baroque architecture in southern Germany. Built between 1742 and 1747 to plans by Maximilian von Welsch, the structure impresses with its harmonious combination of medieval fabric and the festive formal language of the eighteenth century. While the exterior sandstone façade encloses the Romanesque west towers from the twelfth century, the interior reveals a magnificent ensemble of Upper German Rococo. The tour of the house of worship, which has served as the Protestant court church of the House of Leiningen since 1803, is devoted to the artistic and historical significance of this space. At the center of attention are the masterful ceiling frescoes by Matthäus Günther as well as the virtuoso stucco work by Johann Baptist Feichtmayr and Johann Georg Übelhör. The furnishings are complemented by high-caliber sculptural works such as the pulpit by Johann Wolfgang van der Auwera and the wrought-iron choir screen by Markus Gattinger. The tour concludes with a twenty-minute organ prelude on the world-famous Stumm organ. Built between 1774 and 1782, the instrument, after tonal reconstruction and expansion, has 66 stops and more than 5,100 pipes. Performances by outstanding organists make the church’s special acoustics of the Baroque interior immediately tangible, adding an acoustic dimension to the art-historical visit.
In a very special atmosphere, you will experience this venerable building on this evening special tour, which is particularly suited to the cold and dark season. In the atmospheric glow of flashlights, you will see the impressive frescoes of the Abbey Church in a different light, view the early neoclassically furnished Green Hall with fresh eyes, and be enchanted by the beautiful library. In addition to the guided tour and admission, the participation fee also includes a glass of abbey sparkling wine or Amorbach liqueur or brandy per person. Included in the price per person: - Admission to the abbey - Guided tour - A glass of sparkling wine or Amorbach liqueur/brandy - Use of a flashlight provided by us
Under the motto "Amorbach in Advent," the town of Amorbach, in cooperation with the House of Leiningen, once again hosts its Christmas market on the first Advent weekend, a market that is regarded as an insider tip far beyond the region. More than 80 carefully selected exhibitors present beautiful and useful items for the Christmas season in the romantic setting of the baroque old town. The restaurateurs of Amorbach invite you to feast on all kinds of delicacies. Between the two baroque churches, St. Gangolf and the Princely Abbey Church, you will find not only Christmas gifts but also the right decorative items and treats for the holidays. The Christmas market also awaits you with stalls in the princely riding hall courtyard. Activities and culinary delights: Arts and crafts in vaulted cellars and in the Princely Stables, musical performances, guided tours, products from regional exhibitors, hundreds of candles as decoration, living nativity scene, steam locomotive ride on Sunday For children: St. Nicholas on 27.11.2026 at 5 p.m., carousel at the market square, living nativity scene in the stables, magical falcon and owl on Sunday in the stables
The festive season is just around the corner, and Amorbach is transforming into a magical Christmas wonderland with thousands of candles! We invite you to enjoy the contemplative atmosphere and festive spirit in our romantic Baroque town. Highlights at Amorbach in Advent: Romantic Christmas Market: Stroll between the Parish Church and Abbey Church, through the historic vaulted cellars as well as the princely stables and riding hall, past lovingly and festively decorated stalls, and discover handmade gifts, artistic decorations, and delicious treats from the Bavarian Odenwald at more than 90 selected exhibitors. Culinary Delights: Indulge in fragrant specialties and warm drinks - from classic mulled wine to regional specialties and international cuisine, there is something for every taste. Contemplative Events: Enjoy atmospheric stall concerts and Christmas readings as well as guided tours in the princely abbey. Family-Friendly Activities: Look forward to a colorful program for the whole family with a visit from St. Nicholas on Friday evening, a carousel at the market square, a living nativity scene in the stables, and much more. Come to Amorbach with your loved ones and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Christmas. Enjoy a wonderful start to the most beautiful time of the year and create unforgettable memories! The town of Amorbach and the House of Leiningen look forward to your visit! An overview of parking options can be found at the following link: [BayernAtlas](https://atlas.bayern.de/?c=516062,5499134&z=17&r=0&l=luftbild_labels,f_97d0
The following will take part in this open sing-along, to which the public is warmly invited: The brass ensemble of the Amorbach town band, the Odenwald alphorn ensemble, the St. Gangolf choir, the Rippberg choral community with Hornbach, trumpet soloists, and Alexander Huhn on the organ. Admission is free. Donations for the charitable Fürst zu Leiningen Foundation are requested.
During carnival season, everything is different in the venerable Baroque town of Amorbach. The revelers do not shout “Hellau” but “Jollau”! The carnival parade is called the “Jolleumzug,” and Fastnacht is simply turned into “Faschelnacht.” The streets are decorated with clotheslines and more than a few risqué items of clothing.
The Amorbach fools are sad. Carnival is over. So they take the Faschelnacht down from the flagpole in front of the historic Town Hall and carry it mournfully into the official garden, where it is burned with music and singing. Afterwards, the end of the cheerful Amorbach Faschelnacht is celebrated exuberantly at the "Brauerei Etzel" inn.
