Kloster Säben (Abbey)

The mountain on which the Säben Monastery is located was already settled in the Neolithic period, and a Roman settlement can also be proven. Even then, the place may have served as a place of worship. In early Christian times, there was already a church here, and from the 6th century onwards, a bishop resided in Säben. The present-day titular diocese of Sebena goes back to this diocese of Sabiona. Around the year 960, the bishop's seat was then moved to Brixen; Säben remained a fortress, was the administrative center of the southern areas of the diocese of Brixen, and was temporarily the seat of the judge of Klausen.

In the 1680s, a monastery was built on the mountain, which was occupied by nuns from the Salzburg Nonnberg Abbey. Since 1687, Säben has been a Benedictine nunnery, and in 1699 it was raised to an abbey. The contemplative Benedictine nuns live in strict enclosure and dedicate themselves primarily to prayer and domestic work. Since Säben is a popular place of pilgrimage, they also care for pilgrims and accommodate guests in the guesthouse in the summer.

Säben can be reached from Klausen in an easy and very rewarding hike. The trail starts in the old town of Klausen, then leads up several steps past Branzoll Castle and then splits into the Stations of the Cross and the Säben Promenade. The steeper Stations of the Cross is recommended for the ascent, while the more comfortable Promenade is better for the descent. During the hike, there are always magnificent views of Klausen and the Eisack Valley, and especially in the colorful splendor of autumn, the path through the vineyards is a delight. After about 45 minutes, you will reach the first monastery buildings. There are four churches on the Säben mountain: the Mary Chapel, the Church of Our Lady (with ceiling paintings by the Tyrolean Baroque master Stephan Kessler), the monastery church, and the Holy Cross church at the highest point of the complex. Together with the Jubilee Fountain, they are the attractions of Säben. The monastery itself is not accessible, as the Benedictine nuns live in enclosure.

The hike to the Säben Monastery can of course also be rounded off with culinary delights. Especially during the chestnut season, several Törggele taverns in the neighboring towns of Feldthurns, Pardell, or Verdings entice you to a cozy get-together. A typical Törggelen snack with bacon, smoked sausages, pastries, nuts, chestnuts, and cider or young wine provides the perfect conclusion to a beautiful hike.