7th Stage Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Trail: Braunweiler - Stromberg

The seventh stage today is somewhat for "true" pilgrim hikers and pilgrims in terms of its length and content. The path begins at the Catholic Church of St. Joseph in Braunweiler, where there is a meditation panel on the topic "The Zeal of God" ( Panel 44 ). The path then leads past fields and forests of the Braunweiler Heeg Forest to the approximately 4 km further and higher located Dalberg. The way crosses show that we are now culturally moving deeper into the Catholic Soonwald from the Protestant-influenced western Nahe region.

At the edge of the forest, "Kebers Cross" marks the beginning of the pilgrimage, which traditionally leads on foot to the pilgrimage site of Spabrücken.

Here, the Hildegard panel on "Hildegard's Marian Songs" ( Panel 45 ) also introduces the special theme of today's pilgrimage, namely the engagement with Mary, revered as the "Mother of God" among Catholics.

This is also dedicated to the "Marian Column" from 1726, located at the foot of the Dalburg. There, a panel informs: "At the ascent to the Dalburg is a small sandstone sculpture about 60 cm high, standing on a half-sphere symbolizing the moon, around which a snake winds. It was erected in 1726 on the old pilgrimage path to the Madonna of Soon, where next to this statue 'S'Hellgeheisje im Schreck' and 'S'Helljeheisje am Dalberger Weg' stand at the entrance to Spabrücken. ... For the faithful, this panel has been a place of pause and a 'Hail Mary' on the way to the Mother of God from Soon for many generations."

Before heading up to the Dalburg and then on to the pilgrimage site of Spabrücken, hungry hikers have the opportunity to stop at "Zum St. Hubertus."

And then, in the village of Dalburg at the St. Leonard Chapel, there is another meditation panel on the Hildegard Trail ( Panel 46 : "The Triple Wall")

Also in the ruins of the Dalburg, built in 1150, during Hildegard's lifetime, whose owner is the Prince of Salm-Salm, there is a chapel and another meditation panel of the Hildegard Trail ( Panel 47 : "The Column of True Trinity").

From the Dalburg, a 1.8-kilometer path finally leads to the pilgrimage site of Spabrücken and thus also to the famous "Black Madonna of Soon." The history of the pilgrimage is told on Panel 48 .

The Monastery Church "Assumption of Mary" was built by the Franciscans during the Counter-Reformation from 1721-32. But long before the Franciscans came to Spabrücken, the pilgrimage existed in Spabrücken (name "Spachenbrücke" which led over a brook in the village center), the first evidence of which dates back to 1338. The "Votive Image," made of lime wood and 90 cm high, probably dates from the mid-14th century. During this time, a votive image of Mary was also venerated in Hildegard's Rupertsberg Monastery.

This means that there, the praying could receive certain blessings and even an "indulgence" from the penalties of sin. This teaching, which was sharply attacked during the Reformation, still exists in Catholic doctrine today, although it is hardly emphasized according to the current zeitgeist. (Thus, every pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago receives an indulgence with their "Compostella," whether Catholic or not!). Those who want to experience the traditional pilgrimage in Spabrücken must come here on September 8 for the feast of "Mary's Birth" or for the candlelight procession on the evening of September 7 each year.

For the Hildegard Trail, there is still a meditation panel here at the church ( Panel 49 "The Column of Humanity of the Redeemer"). - For further engagement with Mary, the lovingly designed "Three-Madonna Trail" by local residents invites exploration, starting here at the Black Madonna of Spabrücken and connected by the initiators with the theme of "Faith." The Hildegard Trail follows this path.

The second station of the "Three-Madonna Trail" is the so-called Hermitage, which, along with a Stations of the Cross, is located on the way to Schöneberg in the middle of the forest. The second Madonna is associated with the theme of "Love."

At the Hermitage Oberhub, there is also another meditation panel on the Hildegard Trail ( Panel 50 "The Tower of the Church").

The path to Schöneberg leads over open land, and the neo-Romanesque church is already visible from afar. There, in the Catholic "Church of the Finding of the Cross" (built in 1895), there is indeed a surprise, namely a photocopy of the so-called "Madonna of Stalingrad."

The fact that this image comes to the parish church of Schöneberg and is associated as the third Madonna on the path with the theme of "Hope" has a special story, which is told on an information panel:

"The Madonna of Stalingrad" - This name was given to her by soldiers of the 6th Army during the fateful Christmas days of 1942. In a German bunker, her image was created on the back of a Russian map. The German chief physician, Dr. med. lic. theol. Kurt Reuter from Wichmannshausen near Eschwege in Hesse, drew it for his men. A Christmas gift for the hopelessly trapped. The image was saved; the one who created it died in 1944 in Russian captivity. After the war, the Schöneberg clergyman, Pastor Felix Groß, who was friends with the Reuter family and a former divisional pastor in Stalingrad, was able to acquire a photocopy of this drawing after being severely wounded. Thus, the Madonna of Stalingrad came to the parish church of Schöneberg."

At the church in Schöneberg, there is also a meditation panel ( Panel 51 "The Son of Man"). Around the church, we recommend the Hildegard of Bingen herb garden, a place for meditation to find peace and strength for the final section.

From Schöneberg, the path then continues through the forest to the residential and recreational village of Schindeldorf. Coincidentally, and perhaps not entirely inappropriate, there is an information panel here about Hildegard's work on virtues and vices ( Panel 52 "Liber Vitae Meritorum").

From Schindeldorf, the path through the forest to Stromberg is not far.

Hiking shoes recommended!

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, trekking poles, and breathable backpacks are pleasant 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.

A meditation break is recommended at the Oberhub Hermitage between Spabrücken and Schöneberg.