This is the ruin of a monastery built in the 1090s, not long after the larger Michaelsklosterruine was built in the 1020s. This ruin is just as fun to explore, if much smaller, with the added perk of having the tower with stellar views of Heidelberg. The ruins are easily walked to from the Wanderparkplatz within a couple of minutes, and accesibly 24/7 with free admission, but the tower has limited hours (see sign in photos), though also free. Informational signs are only in German, but they do have a map explaining what was where in the ruin. There are some covered benches beneath the tower. This place,combined with Thingstatte and Michaelsklosterruine, is a must see, in my opinion!

Take a look carefully in the last photo!!!!

Interesting place was found on the mountain opposite to Heidelberg. St. Stephen, monastery on the Holy Mountain, was built around the year 1090 shortly before the Benedictine Order. The tower is the only what remained of the manastery. You can see a beautiful view from the top.

Stephanskloster is a little sanctuary monastery right down from Michaelskloster. Tower with a great view across the river valley to Heidelbergschloß.

Beautiful ruins. What a miracle that the tower is still standing! Very old. Great, there are signs to show the layout of the building in the past. It's nice you can enter and climb the tower. Gives a nice view over Heidelberg upstairs! Quiet surroundings. Worth a visit!

Wow... What an amazing unexpected surprise.. Eagle view of Heidelberg Castle and on a good day you can see the paragliding... Celtics settled here 2500 yrs ago

An awesome place to hike to and look over beautiful Heidelberg. You can either go by road or hike an hour. We chose to hike and it was beautiful. Remember to use Google Maps - it will help you on the tails up the hill. There is also a small cafe close by Stephanskloster for a drink and bite to eat.

Great history, great view.

it was a beautiful place filled with sadness. Loved looking across the river to Heidelberg. Had a wonderful time even when I saw a german citizen peeing .... when ya gotta go ya gotta go

Beautiful view. Great piece of history

Nice view from the top of one of Heidelberg'S hills

Great historical place, I love it!!!

Can hike or drive to Stephanskloster and appreciate Heidelberg castle from here.

4 stars only because the groundkeeper accidentally locked me inside the tower for an hour. Otherwise a charming site with a commanding view of the valley and river.