6th Stage Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Trail: Castle Böckelheim - Braunweiler

The path goes from the hill of Schlossböckelheim to Waldböckelheim, located about 2 kilometers in the valley. In Waldböckelheim, a board at the old tithe barn reminds us that Hildegard was also dedicated to God as a 'tithe', i.e., as the tenth child (Board 38). Two meditation boards display the first two visions from the third book of the Liber Scivias. To view the first vision, which deals with the cosmic drama (Board 37), a small ascent to the prominent 19th-century Protestant church is required. The second meditation board on Hildegard's plan of the City of God can be admired at the Catholic St. Bartholomew's Church (Board 39); here, there is also a Hildegard relic. 

The Hildegard path then moves clearly away from Bad Kreuznach, the largest city in the Nahe Valley, further north into the Soonwald. The reason for this route is that we want to move into the historical places of Hildegard, which have much to do with her teacher Jutta von Sponheim and her family, the Counts of Sponheim, who ruled the entire region until the 15th century.

After a hike of about 2 kilometers, we reach Burgsponheim. Here, a visit to the castle ruins invites us to rest and remember the history of Jutta and Hildegard. We know from Hildegard's vita that she was brought to Jutta at the age of eight, thus being 'offered to God for spiritual life'; but contrary to earlier assumptions, Hildegard did not come to Disibodenberg, where both entered at the ages of 14 and 20, but probably to Burg Sponheim. Here, there is also an information board about Jutta von Sponheim (Board 40), who was shaped by the strict ascetic reform movement of her time. The meditation board on Hildegard's vision from the Tower of Counsel (Board 41) has inspired the poem of the day.

After the visit to the castle, the path leads along the main street of Burgsponheim to the Erbacher Hof. There, we can store our luggage or even spend the night. After lunch, there is the option to hike the Counts' Round of Burgsponheim, which also leads to Sponheim, or go directly to Sponheim, which is already visible from afar with its significant monastery church. 

For the Hildegard path, the Sponheim Monastery is also significant because it is the only preserved building from her lifetime, the 12th century. 

At the Sponheim Monastery, the humanist and abbot Johannes Trithemius (1462-1516) is also remembered, who presided over the Sponheim Monastery from 1483-1505 and who repeatedly referred to Hildegard of Bingen in his historical writings and significantly contributed to her fame, although his historically incorrect statements, e.g., about her alleged birthplace Burg Böckelheim, were unchallenged until the beginning of modern Hildegard research in the 20th century. 

For the pilgrims, there is now also the meditation board on the 'Pillar of the Word of God' to consider (Board 42). Those who wish to linger a bit longer are recommended to take a meditative walk through the newly created labyrinth at the monastery church; if the opportunity arises to participate in one of the concerts organized by the Friends of the Monastery Church e.V., take this chance! For sturdy pilgrims, the path now continues on a hike through the forest to the approximately 3 kilometers distant Braunweiler. In the late evening, it may be advisable to simply drive the route, as there are no more Hildegard boards until the overnight accommodation in Braunweiler.

For reading, the text of the day by Chung Hyun Kyung is recommended. This world-renowned Korean theologian, who writes in simple, clear words, approaches 'Sister Hildegard' not only from a Christian-feminist perspective but also from her practice as a Buddhist nun.

Hiking shoes recommended!

Hiking shoes recommended!

Our tips for carefree hiking enjoyment:

Hiking is the perfect sport. With the right clothing and shoes, it is twice as enjoyable. 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.

Sponheim Monastery Church: Every 1st Sunday of the month from April to October, a public tour of the Sponheim monastery grounds takes place. For more information, visit www.klosterkirche-sponheim.de