Marienstatt - Monastery Walk

Description

We start our short walk at the well-known Cistercian Abbey Marienstatt. The abbey was founded in 1222 by Cistercian monks in the valley of the Große Nister. It is a holy place and a spiritual centre of the region. The landscape surroundings are shaped by the history and economic activities of the Cistercian monks.

The beauty of the Nister valley and the diversity of nature give Marienstatt and the surrounding cultural landscape a special attraction. We discover this landscape on our circular route and learn more about the monks' historical work.

At seven stations, we learn about many topics concerning the history of the Marienstatt monastery, the cultural landscape, and nature. After the walk, we let our souls dangle in the wonderful monastery garden and enjoy the blossoming display.

Approach

From Hachenburg (southeast): Take L288 onto B413 and then onto B414 towards Altenkirchen. At the first opportunity on B414, turn right onto K21 and follow this road.

From Altenkirchen (west): Drive via B414. After Müschenbach turn left onto K21 towards Marienstatt and follow this road.

From Bad Marienberg (east): Drive on B414 and leave at the exit towards Nister. Follow L288 to the turning towards Marienstatt, then turn onto K21. Immediately take the next left again to stay on K21.

From Betzdorf (northeast): Follow L288 to the turning onto K21 towards Marienstatt. Immediately take the next left again to stay on K21.

Public transport

Take bus line 408 from Hachenburg to Hattert and from there bus line 415 to Marienstatt.

Taxi companies:
Taxi Schmidt GbR: Hachenburg, phone: 02662/6119 or 02662/6688
Taxi Uwe Bischoff: Hachenburg, phone: 02662/944444
Taxi Kappi-Tullius: Hachenburg, phone: 02662/939390

Parking

Marienstatt: Free hiking car park in Marienstatt, 57629 Marienstatt

Directions

We start our walk at the Cistercian Abbey Marienstatt. From there we head towards the Große Nister, which we cross at the historic Nister bridge. Then we turn right into the floodplain forest. In the floodplain forest we follow the course of the Große Nister until we reach the weir made of natural stone. The path leads us past a clay pit, where a slight depression in the ground relief indicates the former clay extraction. After a short ascent, we have a great view of the Große Nister valley and the Kroppach Switzerland. Shortly before the end of our walk, we pass the Felsenstübchen, where two castles once stood.

Safety instructions

• Wear sturdy footwear as well as weather-appropriate, practical clothing that protects you from cold and wet or heat and sun.

• Bring enough fluids. There are not always refreshment options available.

• Please wear suitable hiking boots on the route that give you sufficient support even on slippery and steep or rocky and uneven paths.

• If you think certain sections of the path are not passable for you, you should avoid them. Especially in adverse weather conditions, natural paths can include muddy and slippery stretches.

• In autumn especially, you should be aware that fallen leaves can cover uneven ground, roots, stones or holes in the path. You must expect these kinds of path impairments when hiking.

• Although the path is very well marked continuously, for safety reasons you should always carry a suitable hiking map.

Tips

Relax after the pleasant walk in the lovingly designed monastery garden with its beautiful blossoming display.

Destination

Cistercian Abbey Marienstatt, 57629 Streithausen

Starting Point

Cistercian Abbey Marienstatt, 57629 Streithausen