Part 1A: Stage Hildegard von Bingen Pilgrimage Trail: Idar-Oberstein - Fischbach/Nahe

Idar-Oberstein - Fischbach/Nahe We recommend this stage to all pilgrimage hikers who are looking for...

Stage 1a runs parallel to Stage 1 but ends in Fischbach, making it approximately half the length of the entire Stage 1, which leads from Idar-Oberstein to Herrstein.

From Fischbach, it is about 2.5 additional kilometers to the Fischbach/Weierbach train station, from where there are regular connections with the regional train to Idar-Oberstein/Saarbrücken and Bad Kreuznach/Mainz/Frankfurt.

Hildegard von Bingen Pilgrimage Trail
In her fourth book of Physica, she describes the effects of 26 (precious) stones. The Hildegard Trail follows the partially parallel Saar-Hunsrück Trail on this first stage to the medieval Herrstein. After the legendary rock church and the spectacular rock formations at the beginning, the nature-oriented path offers beautiful quiet stream valleys, ancient forests, and a magnificent view when crossing the ridges.

Hildegard von Bingen, abbess, poet, theologian, naturalist, and healer, lived her entire life in today's Nahe vacation region.

Short biography of St. Hildegard von Bingen

1098: Birth of Hildegard von Bingen, probably in Niederhosenbach near Herrstein
1112: Entry into the Disibodenberg monastery near Bad Sobernheim, together with Jutta von Sponheim
1136: Hildegard von Bingen becomes the second magistra at the Disibodenberg monastery after the death of Jutta von Sponheim
around 1150: Founding of her own women's monastery in Bingen on the Rhine
from 1150: Hildegard writes her visionary medical and musical works. She travels along the Rhine, Moselle, Main, and Neckar and preaches in public places.
1165: Founding of a second women's monastery in Eibingen, the present pilgrimage church St. Hildegard Rüdesheim-Eibingen
September 17, 1179: Hildegard von Bingen dies in Bingen on the Rhine
May 10, 2012: Canonization of Hildegard von Bingen by Pope Benedict XVI
October 7, 2012: Elevation to Doctor of the Church

For more information about Hildegard von Bingen, you can find it here!

Total Distance Pilgrimage Trail

Length
approx. 11 km
Duration
approx. 3 hrs
Difficulty
2/3
Fitness
4/6
Experience
4/6
Landscape
4/6
Ascent
410 m elev.
Descent
416 m elev.
Season recommendation
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Scenic Stage tour From A to B geological highlights

Additional information

The stage begins at the market square in Oberstein or the tourist information. The access path from the Idar-Oberstein train station is already signposted.

From here, after visiting one of the numerous cafés and restaurants or the Idar-Oberstein museum, we can reach and visit the unique rock church via a steep footpath that is designated as an access route. After some serpentines and through dense forest, we will reach the castle complexes Schloss Oberstein and Burg Bosselstein high above the old town of Oberstein. The Hildegard Trail runs parallel to the Traumschleife Nahe-Felsen-Weg, please pay attention to the markings!

Our effort in the ascent is rewarded with a fantastic view of the city center and the wooded heights of the "Prussian Mountains." At the "Schlossweiher," just a few hundred meters away, a barbecue hut and several benches and tables invite us to take a short or longer break. From here, we take the northern route for the continuation of the circular hike, as it runs through dense forest without steeper sections. Passing by some deeply cut stream valleys, the path leads us to a viewpoint overlooking the Nahe Valley and the districts of Nahbollenbach and Weierbach.
From here, the path follows the Saar-Hunsrück Trail, gently descending through forests and meadows to the Fischbach Valley, the endpoint of the stage.

Hiking shoes recommended!

Our tips for a carefree hiking experience:

Hiking is the perfect sport. With the right clothing and shoes, it is twice as much fun. Functional clothing, poles, and breathable backpacks are comfortable while hiking. However, good shoes are essential. Sturdy jogging or leisure shoes are only suitable for short distances on flat paths. For longer routes, we recommend stable hiking shoes with a grippy, non-slip sole. Also, think about sun protection and bring a drink. One liter of water is ideal.

Due to the shorter stage, there is plenty of time to visit the German Mineral Museum or the Industrial Monument Jakob Bengel.

More information & GPX download

In the tour planner you will find all further information, e.g. on route changes, closures or diversions, as well as the GPX file for download.

To the tour planner (www) Download GPX


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From Idar-Oberstein to Bingen