Grafschaft Abbey

The foundation of Kloster Grafschaft dates back to 1072, when it was established as a Benedictine abbey by Archbishop Anno II of Cologne. Initially dedicated to Saint Alexander, Saint Nicholas was added as a co-patron from 1508 onwards. The spiritual life in its early period was significantly influenced by the Cluniac reform in its Siegburg manifestation. Following a period of decline, the monastery underwent reform in the early 16th century as part of the Bursfelde Congregation. From the 17th century, it experienced an economic boom, which facilitated a complete rebuilding of the complex in the 18th century. In 1804, the monastery was dissolved during the secularization.

Kloster Grafschaft is located in the Grafschaft district of Schmallenberg, within the Hochsauerlandkreis, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 428 meters above sea level.

After its dissolution in the early 19th century, the complex was not used for monastic purposes until the mid-20th century. Since 1948, the monastery has housed the Borromean Sisters, who utilize it as the motherhouse of their order. They operate the Fachkrankenhaus Kloster Grafschaft, a specialized lung clinic, on the premises.

• Nordenau Ruin (ruin, approx. 7828 m away)
• Berleburg Castle (Bad Berleburg) (castle, approx. 11285 m away)
• Ludwigsburg Castle (Bad Berleburg) (castle, approx. 11766 m away)
• Siedlinghausen Castle (castle, approx. 12641 m away)