Kartause Ittingen
RHS Partner Garden
Free RHS Member days
9am–6pm, daily, 4 January–19 December
About the garden
When Viktor Fehr bought the monastery after its dissolution in 1848, the area within and around it continued to be used as vegetable and fruit gardens. The Baroque garden, however, became a place for representation and recreation, and today, it is a popular backdrop for festive occasions.
Historical views of the former monastery reveal that the monks took great care of their gardens, with each of their cells having a small garden. The two cloister gardens at the centre of the monastery, however, served as places of silence and meditation. The larger area within the outer enclosure was used by the lay monks and servants to grow vegetables.
The hop gardens west of the monastery’s walls are dedicated to the cultivation of hops, renowned for giving ‘Ittinger Amber’ beer its unparalleled flavour. The hops grown in the small garden are used for tea, tea mixtures and scented sachets. Other highlights include the thyme labyrinth, the medicinal herb garden, the fruit orchards and a large collection of historic roses.
Facilities
- Dogs welcome
- Parking
- Plant sales
- Toilets
Key features
- Sculpture
- Wildflower meadow
- Herbaceous border
- Pond or lake
- National Plant Collections
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.