Monastic places as sources of strength in turbulent times

In a world that is spinning ever faster, there is a growing longing for security, community, and tranquility. Monastic places in German-speaking countries have preserved these values for centuries—and continue to develop them further.

Active religious orders open their doors to those seeking peace and quiet. They offer spaces where daily structure and reflection become a healing alternative to fast-paced lifestyles and consumerism. Through courses, retreats, and products made in-house, they share their centuries-old knowledge—from hospitality that creates space for the soul to rhythms that provide stability.

At the same time , a remarkable diversity is unfolding within centuries-old former monastery walls : hotels are creating places where visitors can truly slow down, schools are becoming places where values are lived out, breweries and manufacturers are continuing the monastic tradition of craftsmanship, clinics are harnessing the healing power of the spaces, and cultural centers are reinterpreting spirituality. They are all translating monastic heritage into contemporary concepts.

This creates a vibrant diversity of authentic places— supported by monastic wisdom, open to the present. Places that show that what monasteries have cultivated over centuries is more relevant today than ever before.

The aesthetically pleasing illustrated book "Klosterwelten erleben" (Experience Monastic Worlds) reveals precisely this abundance —the vitality of active religious communities as well as the successful transformation of centuries-old buildings into hotels, schools, breweries, or cultural venues.

Become part of this special book project

The author is Dr. Felicitas v. Aretin, journalist, historian, and renowned monastery expert with several publications by Herder Verlag. Together with Monika Vogt, she founded the start-up "Klosterwelten erleben" (Experience Monastery Worlds), which organizes trips to monasteries in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. (www.klosterwelten-erleben.com).

- Your benefits -

• Knowledgeable presentation of the history and present day of your location
• Consistent, high-quality imagery
• Professional information material for further use
• Visibility for new target groups
• Supraregional marketing in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
• Refinancing through book sales

- Your target audience -

• Guests, visitors, and participants in your offerings
• Those interested in art, culture, and spirituality
• Supporters, sponsors, and circles of friends
• Employees, students, and patients
• Customers of your manufacturers, breweries, wineries, and shops

Secure your special offer until February 29, 2026

 - Basic presentation – you save $100

 The basic presentation in the book is based on the purchase of a book package of 25 copies (€935.50) and the editorial creation of your contribution (€850, or only €750 if booked by February 29). You can recoup the total investment of €1,685.50 by selling the books—for example, in your monastery shop, to guests, or at events. The sales price offers you a price advantage of 25 percent (€312), plus a bookseller's discount of €12.48 per book sold.

 - Extended display – advertorial – you save $100 -

For a more detailed presentation with interviews and photo galleries:

• Editorial creation: $500 instead of $600
• Full page: €800
• Double page: €1,450

- Digital extra: Video clip presentation -

The book "Klosterwelten erleben" will have a digital extra: Using a QR code, we offer you the opportunity to present your monastery in a short video clip. We are working together with a well-known media production company for this.

- Video film -

You can present your monastery in a short video clip via QR codes in the book. The production is carried out in collaboration with an experienced media production company. The material is then available to you for your own public relations work.

Please use our booking button to schedule an appointment to discuss your participation in the book or the placement of an advertorial.

Dr. Felicitas v. Aretin is a journalist, author and historian.

Prior Brother Thomas Hessler, European Monastery Gut Aich.
(Film: Austrian Conference of Religious Orders)