Wine cultivation on the southern slope of the monastery complex, on the Cameraden vineyard, dates back to the 12th century. Over the following centuries, vines were also cultivated on areas such as the Altenberg and Abtsberg hills and near St. Getreu. This was done by the Häcker, or winegrowers, who lived both inside and outside the immunity of St. Michael.

Despite harsh climatic conditions (the “Little Ice Age”), wine growing in the region continued until the second half of the 18th century. The Europe-wide invasion of phylloxera and the onset of industrialization then significantly reduced the number of vineyards in Franconia. Many former wine-growing areas around Michaelsberg were now used for hop cultivation, which became the dominant special crop in the 19th century until the Nazis came to power.

Fruit growing was just as important in the history of the monastery as wine growing and, later, hop growing. As early as 1137, orchards belonging to the Michaelsberg provostry of St. Getreu are mentioned. The orchards were cultivated using a method of mixed farming that is now rarely seen – an important element of the Franconian cultural landscape. Tall trees bore fruit on the “first floor” while the land around them was used for arable farming.

The most common species today are pear and apple, but there are also plum, cherry, peach, quince, and nut trees. French species were planted particularly in the 18th century. Changing times meant that there was hardly any agricultural use in the 19th and 20th centuries. The tree fields became tree meadows.

Reuthersberg is probably the area that has most consistently fulfilled its purpose of fruit production to this day. There, but also in the terraced garden, vineyard, and Ottobrunnen, the trees have been pruned and the fruit processed since the creation of the “Bamberger Stiftsgarten” brand.

In order to ensure the preservation of this cultural landscape, old fruit tree varieties are replaced and new ones planted at regular intervals. The area between Maienbrunnen and Aufseßgasse has been a protected landscape area since 1997. Various wild and honey bee colonies have found their home on Michaelsberg over time. Their honey and other products are available in our Bamberg monastery shops.