Nestled south of Munich, near Lake Starnberg and framed by the rising Alps, lies one of Germany’s most traditionally Catholic regions—deep Bavaria. In this unlikely setting, the small Muslim community of Penzberg has courageously established a contemporary Islamic Forum, complete with a prayer room, classrooms, and social spaces. Designed to foster integration without provoking discomfort, the mosque maintains a respectful distance from the town center while remaining accessible within a quiet suburban neighborhood flanked by homes and a DIY store.

The mosque’s design, by architects from Augsburg, balances identity and restraint. Rather than imposing, its form respectfully blends with the area’s eclectic mix of rustic and post-war architecture. Clad in pale stone, the building features an L-shaped layout that houses the prayer space, community rooms, administrative offices, and a residence. A standout element is a tall, slender tower—elegant but not overbearing—and a full-height blue glass window that signals the spiritual heart of the complex.

At the entrance, two concrete slabs extend from the façade like open gates, inscribed in German and Arabic. The real door—stainless steel and symbolically open to all—leads into a sunlit foyer and an open staircase. To the right lies the serene prayer room, accessible to anyone willing to remove their shoes. Here, natural light gently filters through curved concrete panels and a blue-glass feature wall, creating a calming atmosphere.

The interior’s modest material palette—exposed concrete, glass, and minimal ornamentation—is elevated by artistic detail. The ceiling and walls are adorned with abstract star motifs, inscribed with the 99 Names of God in Arabic calligraphy, such as The Most Merciful and The Utterly Just. This artwork was a collaboration between German artists Lutzenberger + Lutzenberger and renowned Emirati calligrapher Mohammed Mandi, merging local craftsmanship with Islamic tradition.

Much like a parish center, the mosque hosts a wide range of programs including German language classes, prayer and discussion meetings, and community events. The architect’s understanding of Islamic values and customs was essential to creating a space that supports both spiritual practice and modern communal life.

Downstairs, women attend state-supported integration courses while their children are cared for in adjacent rooms. Social worker Nermina Idriz explains the significance: “We knew mothers wouldn’t attend unless their children were cared for. So we use that opportunity to support early language development—preparing them for school and daily life in Germany.”

Weekends feature supplementary education and Islamic instruction in German, Turkish, and Bosnian, reflecting the community’s multicultural makeup and commitment to inclusivity.

Transparency, Modernity, and Social Dialogue
The mosque’s design purposefully embraces transparency—both literally and figuratively. Sixty percent of the building is glass, reflecting the community’s goal of openness and accessibility. As Gönül Yerli, the young deputy director, explains: “We wanted a modern, transparent mosque. The architecture itself should help dispel prejudice and ease fear.”

The community, comprising around 600 members from Turkey, Bosnia, Albania, and beyond, emphasizes a uniquely European Islam. Imam Benjamin Idriz encourages a departure from inherited traditions of their countries of origin in favor of a more integrated and open practice of faith. “What we’re doing in Penzberg is new—especially for Bavaria,” he says. “But this is the path forward for Muslims in Europe.”

Recognition and Social Integration
Despite initial skepticism, the mosque’s impact has been broadly positive. Town cultural director Thomas Sendl notes: “The dialogue with Catholic and Protestant churches has helped the Muslim community gain acceptance and become embedded in local society.” Nearly one-third of Penzberg’s 16,000 residents have visited the mosque at least once—a testament to its role as a cultural and spiritual bridge.

The community’s diversity has also facilitated unity: members rely on German as a common language, naturally encouraging outward engagement. Social worker Nermina Idriz believes this shared sense of belonging is key: “We feel at home in Germany—and that shapes everything we do.”