Hilgenroth - AK cycle route 6 "At the highest point"

Description

From Hilgenroth, with its old church, the route follows an old high path, also called "Königsweg", to the Raiffeisen Tower on Beulskopf (approx. 370 m above sea level). A short stop, 177 steps, and we have a great view of the Raiffeisenland and, in good weather, as far as Cologne Cathedral. Afterwards, it goes downhill again, but the wide view remains with us for a long time. From the Altenkirchen district Dieperzen, the Altenkirchen-Au railway track accompanies us, and we pass through the "Koberstein" area. Formerly a large estate with indications of a former motte (medieval mounded castle).

Behind the village of Volkerzen, we enter the forest again and reach a small forest road, a continuation of the "Königsweg," which was already used in the Middle Ages to bypass valley areas.

Without noticing it, we cross the Marienthal railway tunnel and reach the starting point Hilgenroth again.

Approach

Hilgenroth can be reached by car via the L 267 and K 37 (approx. 10 minutes from Altenkirchen)

Public transport

Cycling route 6 can be reached from the Obererbach (approx. 0.6 km) or Altenkirchen (approx. 3 km) train stations. The regional train 90 (Windeck/Au - Obererbach - Altenkirchen - Limburg) runs here.

Parking

Free parking opposite the church, Hauptstr. 8, 57612 Hilgenroth

Directions

The route starts in a pre-medieval village, which already served as a resting place in pre-Christian times for the "Königsweg" passing through here, at the source of the Erbach stream.

Until the introduction of the Reformation (1561), Hilgenroth was a much-visited pilgrimage site, where miraculous healings were said to have occurred. Travelers and pilgrims felt safe from attacks here because the village was surrounded in the Middle Ages not only by a protective hedge (= thicket) but also by a solid wall.

According to tradition, the village originated from a monastery complex. Around 1200, a Romanesque basilica was built on the old floor layer of a former hall church (from the 7th century) and expanded around 1433 with a southern aisle.
In 1651, the Romanesque building parts were demolished, leaving only the annex and the corner-projecting Romanesque tower standing.

At the end of the village, we reach the already mentioned high path ("Königsweg"), which was popular even before Roman times because it was passable even during rainy periods.

On one of the highest elevations in the Altenkirchen-Flammersfeld collective municipality stands the 35 m high wooden Raiffeisen Tower, offering a unique panoramic view over wide parts of the Westerwald, the Siebengebirge, and the Siegerland.

The panoramic view stays with us for a while on the onward journey until we reach the agriculturally shaped small village of Bachenberg. Along an old former school path, we descend into the Erbach valley.

Passing the old Koberstein estate, we reach Obererbach. The village also has a train station (rail line Altenkirchen – Au), so we could also start the circular route here.

We continue through varied valley, meadow, and forest trails back onto the "Königsweg," which leads us past the junction to Marienthal Monastery back to Hilgenroth.

The detour to Marienthal Monastery is definitely worthwhile.

A chapel was built around 1460 for a statue of Mary, which according to legend had been carved by a shepherd, and in 1494, with the help of Marienstatt Monastery, replaced by a new building that became a pilgrimage site.

With the introduction of the Reformation, the pilgrimage ceased until it revived after restoration of the Catholic service (1664). In 1666, the foundation stone for a Franciscan monastery was laid, during which an old well was discovered, known according to tradition as an ancient healing well. Today, this building houses the Marienthal monastery gastronomy.

Equipment

Due to the viewpoints, it is recommended to bring binoculars.

Tips

Just before Hilgenroth, we should take the opportunity to make a detour to the former Marienthal Monastery (now a respected gastronomy business).

Literature

Topographic map 1:25,000, Sheet 1, Northern Westerwald, 5th edition 2015, cost: 3 euros available at Flammersfeld town hall or at the UNIKUM regional shop, Bahnhofstr. 26, 57610 Altenkirchen

Destination

Parking opposite the church, Hauptstr. 8, 57612 Hilgenroth

Starting Point

Parking opposite the church, Hauptstr. 8, 57612 Hilgenroth