Sonnenkamp Monastery

Sonnenkamp Monastery in Neukloster - history since 1219

The Sonnenkamp monastery in Neukloster is one of the oldest monastery foundations in what is now Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. East of Wismar, on the shores of Lake Neuklostersee, the Benedictine monastery was founded in 1219 under the Latin name Campus Solis - Sonnenfeld. It was secularized during the Reformation in 1555 and large parts of the grounds fell into disrepair over the following centuries. What remains are the monastery church, the bell tower and the provost's building - three remarkable examples of medieval brick Gothic architecture in northern Germany.

The most important artistic monument at Sonnenkamp Monastery are the stained glass windows in the choir's group of three windows. They were created around 1250 and are therefore among the oldest surviving stained glass windows in the whole of northern Germany. They depict various figures of saints, which can still be seen today in impressive colors. Also worth seeing is the altar of the Virgin Mary, which was created around 1500 by an unknown master. Its carved predella comes from another altar and is even older - it is dated to around 1420 and depicts scenes with figures of saints.

Convent garden and bell tower in Neukloster

The monastery garden around the church invites you to take a peaceful stroll. It is modeled on the famous monastery garden of St. Gallen in Switzerland and is home to various herbs. The adjoining bell tower was built at the beginning of the 15th century. One of its original three bells was lost in the Second World War and was recast in May 2002 - since then, Neukloster has once again had a complete peal of bells. Temporary exhibitions can also be seen in the bell tower. A special architectural detail is the stepped gable of the provost's office, a characteristic example of North German brick Gothic.

Sonnenkamp Monastery as an excursion destination on the Baltic Sea coast

Neukloster is located in a varied landscape between Wismar and the Baltic coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Anyone visiting the region around Wismar, the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula or the Hanseatic cities of Rostock and Stralsund will find Sonnenkamp Monastery a worthwhile stopover away from the main tourist routes. The monastery combines art history, medieval architecture and tranquil nature to create a special excursion experience on the German Baltic Sea coast.