The last time we were stationed here we visited the Kreuzberg Monastery (located in Bischofsheim am de Rhön) for some amazing beer. It always seemed we followed up with “chicken on a sword” from the Brathähnchen Farm (located in Steinau an der Straße). This fun day trip can be taken very easily from Kaiserslautern, Wiesbaden or Stuttgart.

Having celebrated “Hails and Farewells” and other fun celebrations, I was shocked to hear new soldiers and their families who had no idea of these two amazing spots. Being a returning military family,  I had to share this fun, interesting and delicious day.

Once again, I was able to convince a few friends of mine to help me research and write to discover the new and the old. We recently went for a beautiful drive through the fall foliage to visit a monastery and then a chicken farm.

The Kreuzberg Monastery, Brewery and Gasthaus

The winding road up to the monastery and brewery has breathtaking views. But if you are traveling with motion sickness people, you might want to warn them first.

It’s worth noting that a pay guest parking lot is midway down the hill. (Please remember to leave your paid ticket in the front window.) Once parked, there is a little walk up a hill to the entrance of the museum.

Unfortunately, the monks were on vacation (October 27-November 28) when we went to the monastery. Although disappointed that we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the tastings, we were able to purchase beer in growlers at the Gasthaus. This season we were able to taste the HefeWeizen and the Dunkel beers.

According to Webster’s dictionary, a growler is container to measure beer. I think they are really cool, either as a decoration or for filling with brew.

Although I am not a huge fan of beer and more a connoisseur of wine, I (and especially the men in our group) enjoyed the tasty beer. The restaurant was setup cafeteria style and tables were set up in several different rooms in picnic style. I always enjoy this type of seating because you meet so many fascinating people. 

There is further seating outside and bar stand tables, so there is plenty of space when they are busy. Although the website was helpful, some of the information was inaccurate. It is best to call ahead and ask questions in English. And if you really want to go on the brewery tour, you should avoid going during the month of November.

Inside the church, it was very ornate and quite beautiful. The monastery grounds are also very beautiful and have hiking trails all around the grounds.

Brathähnchen (Chicken) Farm Restaurant

The chicken farm is just one of those fun places to take guests and out-of-towners or if your family is really savoring some tasty chicken. Served to you from a very long sword, just the presentation is plain fun. I had the pleasure of meeting the very pleasant owner and manager Heidi Heun. She liked practicing her English while I practiced my Deutsch.

Always a great stop after a few pints from the monastery, (don’t forget to have a designated driver), the chicken farm is just about 40 minutes from the monastery. This drive itself doesn’t seem to make sense, but trust me. If you are heading into the woods up a steep hill, then you are heading in the right direction to Brathähnchenfarm.

At this family-owned restaurant, the chicken is roasted on an oven pit and served with your choice of fries or mashed potatoes. Heidi’s daughter now lives in Idaho, so I guess that’s why mashed potatoes are served.

If you have a large party or would like to book a large party, check out their website for more information. I found their English section to be very useful.

So whether you are going with just family, planning a large group event or just in the mood for amazing beer and delicious chicken, check out this unforgettable day trip. Your belly will thank you.

How to Get There

The drive to the monastery is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes north of Stuttgart, 2 hours and 40 minutes northeast of Kaiserslautern and 2 hours northeast of Wiesbaden.

The monastery is located just under 1 hour drive southwest of the chicken farm.

Kreuzberg Monastery
Address: 97653 Bischofsheim/Rhön
Telephone: +49 (0) 9772 91 240
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday and German Holidays: 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Closed on Mondays

Brathähnchenfarm Hotel Restaurant
Address: Im Ohl 1, 36396 Steinau an der Straße
Telephone: +49 (0) 6663 228
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 12 – 10 p.m.
Closed on Mondays (except on German Holidays)

Author’s Profile: Wendy Payne is a military spouse and lives with her family in Stuttgart, Germany. She is a freelance writer, blogger and photographer. She also enjoys gardening, hiking, yoga and sharing Europe with people.

Featured Image Photo Credit:  © Wendy Payne