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<p>In the year 1212, the history of the Cistercian Abbey Marienstatt began. Today, the popular pilgrimage site is considered one of the spiritual and cultural centers of the Westerwald. The monks built one of the oldest Gothic churches in Germany here. In 1747, the baroque convent building was completed. On site are the abbey's private high school, the guesthouse, the book and art shop, as well as its own brewery. Particularly remarkable are the beautiful garden area and the old basilica, the centerpiece of the abbey.</p> <ul> <li>medieval roofing slate mine with underground workings</li> <li>detailed documentation in the entrance tunnel</li> <li>part of the Westerwald-Lahn-Taunus geopark</li> <li>group tours possible</li> <li>hiking tip: Limbacher routes 21, 25, 33, 36</li> </ul> <ul> <li>small but fine local history museum, over 2000 exhibits about living, life and work in the Kroppacher Schweiz in the 19th and 20th century</li> <li>natural history section with preparations of native animals</li> </ul>

Wäller Tour Bachgeflüster - Marienstatt

Difficulty
Heavy
Duration
4.6 hr
Length / Distance
16.2 km
Ascent
350 m
Descent
350 m
Lowest point
222 m
Highest point
338 m

Brief description

Water and fascinating stories from the region as constant companions – what could be better? That's the Wäller Tour Bachgeflüster in the Hachenburg Westerwald.

Description

A duet of the cheerful babbling of two rivers and captivating stories from selected sights along their banks – that's the essence of the 16-km-long Wäller Tour "Stream Whispers." The Große and Kleine Nister rivers have shaped the lives of people in these river valleys of the Hachenburg Westerwald for centuries. The landscape is dotted with diverse evidence of centuries of human activity, all united by one thing: their close connection to both rivers. These include the mines in Limbach and Luckenbach, the Atzelgifter Mill, and Marienstatt Abbey. Combined with other local highlights, they form the framework of an enjoyable circular hike. Numerous spots directly on the banks of the streams, as well as alpine-style viewpoints, invite you to rest and enjoy ever-changing impressions. At 14 stations along the way, monks from Marienstatt, mill owners, mine directors, and other people from the region will transport you to bygone eras.

Approach

From Cologne:
Take the A3 motorway southbound (towards Frankfurt) and then take the Dierdorf exit. Continue on the B413 towards Hachenburg. In Hachenburg, change to the B414 towards Altenkirchen. Turn onto the K21 district road, which leads directly to Marienstatt.

From Frankfurt:
Take the A3 towards Cologne and then take the Dierdorf exit. Continue on the B413 towards Hachenburg. In Hachenburg, change to the B414 towards Altenkirchen. Turn onto the K21 district road, which leads directly to Marienstatt.

Public transport

Arrival by train to Hachenburg station. From Hachenburg station, take the bus to Kloster Marienstatt (journey time approx. 6 minutes).

Parking

Free parking spaces on both sides of the Nister river near Kloster Marienstatt, 57629 Müschenbach.

Directions

The Wäller Tour "Whispers of the Stream" begins at Marienstatt Abbey in the valley of the Große Nister river, one of the most beautiful spots in the Westerwald region. The trail leads across the old stone bridge and through the avenue to the basilica. From there, it continues to the Tree of the Year Park in Streithausen and then into the valley of the Kleine Nister river, where sights such as the "Memorial Grove" memorial and the Atzelgift Mill with its stone slabs can be found. The trail then leads to the Edelstein Mine and the war memorial in Luckenbach. After passing the Protestant Gustav Adolf Chapel in Luckenbach, the route ascends steeply via the "Stairway to Heaven" to the World Youth Day Cross in Atzelgift. The subsequent forest section ends in Limbach, where the trail runs alongside the Kleine Nister river for a considerable distance. Passing the "Hohe Ley" viewpoint and the Assberg slate quarry, the trail leads back into the valley of the Große Nister and, via the Imperial Military Cemetery, to the starting point in Marienstatt.

Safety instructions

Bring plenty of water. There aren't always places to stop for refreshments. Please wear appropriate hiking boots that provide sufficient grip, even on slippery, steep, rocky, and uneven paths. If you feel that certain sections of the trail are impassable, you should avoid them. Especially in adverse weather conditions, natural trails can become muddy and slippery. Particularly in autumn, be aware that fallen leaves can obscure unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. You should expect such obstacles when hiking. Although the trail is very well marked throughout, you should always carry a suitable hiking map for safety reasons.

Equipment

Wear sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate, functional clothing that protects you from cold and wet conditions or heat and sun.

Tips

The Assberg slate quarry near Limbach is one of the oldest and largest publicly accessible slate quarries in the region, freely accessible and open "around the clock". The tunnel, located 20 meters underground and accessible via a staircase, offers a special, almost mystical atmosphere and vividly illustrates how slate was once extracted through laborious manual work; moreover, admission is free.

Destination

Kloster Marienstatt, 57629 Müschenbach

Starting Point

Kloster Marienstatt, 57629 Müschenbach