Stage 2 Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Trail: Herrstein - Kirn

Herrstein - Niederhosenbach - Bergen - Kirn The 2nd stage leads to the roots of Hildegard. It is...

The historic town center of Herrstein, with its idyllic alleys and corners, has been awarded multiple times for its successful restoration. According to recent research, Niederhosenbach is the likely birthplace of Hildegard. Therefore, the theme of the information board at the Evangelical Church is also dedicated to Hildegard's origins. It also provides an insight into the town's appearance during that time. Small villages and a varied landscape characterize this stage. Hildegard von Bingen Pilgrimage Trail Hildegard von Bingen, abbess, poet, theologian, naturalist, and healer, lived her entire life in today's Nahe vacation region. The 137-kilometer-long Hildegard von Bingen Pilgrimage Trail passes various life stations of this probably most famous personality of the Middle Ages. The trail starts in Idar-Oberstein and continues through Niederhosenbach, the family seat and possible birthplace of Hildegard von Bingen, to Bad Sobernheim. Not far from here is the Disibodenberg monastery ruin, where Hildegard spent almost 40 significant years of her life. The pilgrimage trail ultimately ends in Bingen on the Rhine. Here, the Rupertsberg vaulted cellar still bears witness to Hildegard von Bingen's last place of work: In 1150, the saint founded the Rupertsberg monastery, which was her place of creation for 29 years. The final stations of this ecumenical pilgrimage trail are the Hildegard shrine in the pilgrimage church of St. Hildegard in Rüdesheim-Ebingen and the Abbey of St. Hildegard in Ebingen. The pilgrimage trail is divided into 10 stages, ranging from 5 to 21 kilometers. 58 information and meditation boards along the entire route provide information about Hildegard's life, her work, and life in the Middle Ages. The spiritual side of Hildegard von Bingen is approached by hikers through meditation boards that follow Hildegard von Bingen's visionary images from her main work "Scivias - Know the Ways" and provide impulses for meditation. The boards are written in both German and English. The pilgrimage pass can be stamped at Naheland-Touristik GmbH, in tourist information centers, various way stations, and finally at the Abbey of St. Hildegard in Eibingen. 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 of Sponheim 1136: Hildegard von Bingen becomes the second magistra at the Disibodenberg monastery after the death of Jutta of Sponheim Around 1150: Foundation of a women's monastery in Bingen on the Rhine 1165: Foundation of a second women's monastery in Eibingen, the present pilgrimage church of 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

Total Distance Pilgrimage Trail

Length

approx. 10 km

Duration

approx. 4 hrs

Difficulty

2/3

Fitness

3/6

Experience

3/6

Landscape

4/6

Ascent

298 m elev.

Descent

415 m elev.

Season recommendation

Mar

May

Jun

Jul

Oct

Dec

Additional information

Directions

The second stage leads from the medieval Herrstein to the small village of Niederhosenbach, which according to recent research is the likely birthplace of Hildegard. Therefore, the theme of the information board is also Hildegard's origins (Board 6). In the Evangelical Church, a facsimile edition of the Liber Scivias can be admired. This is Hildegard's mystical main work, through which she became world-famous. As we follow all of Hildegard's visions in the order she prescribed on the 27 meditation boards of the Hildegard Trail, the theme for the meditation board here is creation and the fall of man (Board 5). In front of the church, the first meditation corner on the trail invites you to linger. From Niederhosenbach, the trail continues to Bergen. In the forest area, there is an information board about Hildegard's book on trees and shrubs (Board 7). In Bergen, one can reflect on the universe (Board 8) and stop by the pilgrimage center of Pastor Krachen, the location of the board, to rest for a while. Prior registration is desired. There is a resting area with a refreshment cabinet in the entrance area. – From Bergen, the trail continues through the romantic Trübenbachtal until Kirn. The gorge-like, wild-romantic Trübenbachtal is a special natural experience. Mosses, ferns, and a small waterfall surprise the hiker, as do the oak, ash, and hornbeam slopes. Along the way, there is an information board about Hildegard's book on birds or winged animals (Board 9). – We reach the city limits of Kirn below the Kyrburg, the landmark of Kirn, and follow the markings through the city to the marketplace - our stage destination. In the evening in Kirn, the tired pilgrim can indulge in a well-deserved Kirner Pils according to Hildegard's motto "Water and Beer" (Board 10). – For evening reading, we recommend an article about Hildegard's mystical book, the Liber Scivias, whose visionary images engage us on the Hildegard Trail.

Safety notice

Surefootedness should be given.

Equipment

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 enjoyable. Functional clothing, trekking 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 trails, 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.

Recommendation

For the historic town center of Herrstein with its romantic alleys and beautiful half-timbered houses, one should plan time for a walk. Public tours: May-Oct., Thursdays at 4:30 PM, Saturdays at 2:30 PM, starting from the clock tower.
Duration: about 1.5 hours. Price per person: Adults €5.00, Children (6-16 years) €2.50 - More info