Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Trail - Stage 02: Herrstein - Kirn

The historic centre of Herrstein with its idyllic little alleys and nooks has received several awards for its successful restoration. According to the latest research, Niederhosenbach is likely to be the birthplace of Hildegard. Therefore, the theme of the information board at the Protestant church is also dedicated to Hildegard’s origins. It also shows an insight into the townscape of the time. Small villages and a varied landscape characterise the stage.

Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Trail

Hildegard of Bingen, abbess, poet, theologian, naturalist and healer lived in what is now the Nahe holiday region throughout her life.

The 137-kilometre Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Trail passes various stations in the life of this probably most famous personality of the Middle Ages. The trail starts in Idar-Oberstein and continues via Niederhosenbach, the family seat and possible birthplace of Hildegard of Bingen, to Bad Sobernheim. Not far from here is the Disibodenberg monastery ruins, where Hildegard spent almost 40 significant years of her life. The Pilgrimage Trail ultimately ends in Bingen am Rhein. Here, the Rupertsberg vaulted cellar still bears witness to Hildegard of Bingen’s last place of work: in 1150, the saint founded the Rupertsberg monastery, which was the place of her work for 29 years. The last stops on this ecumenical pilgrimage trail are the Hildegard shrine in the pilgrimage church of St. Hildegard Rüdesheim-Ebingen and the Abbey of St. Hildegard Ebingen.

The pilgrimage trail is split into 10 stages. The stages vary between 5 and 21 kilometres.

58 information and meditation boards along the entire route provide information about Hildegard as a person, her work and life in the Middle Ages. Hikers approach the spiritual side of Hildegard of Bingen through meditation boards that follow Hildegard of Bingen’s visionary images from her main work of “Scivias - Know the Ways” and give stimulus for meditation. The boards are written in both German and English.

The pilgrim’s passport can be stamped at Naheland-Touristik GmbH, tourist information offices, various way stations and finally at St. Hildegard’s Abbey in Eibingen.

Brief résumé of St. Hildegard of Bingen

1098: Birth Hildegard of Bingen, presumably in Niederhosenbach near Herrstein

1112: enters the Disibodenberg monastery near Bad Sobernheim, together with Jutta of Sponheim

1136: Hildegard of Bingen becomes, after the death of Jutta of Sponheim, the second Magistra in the Disibodenberg monastery

around 1150: founds her own female monastery in Bingen am Rhein

1165: Foundation of a second female convent in Eibingen, today’s pilgrimage church of St. Hildegard Rüdesheim-Eibingen

17 September 1179: Hildegard of Bingen dies in Bingen am Rhein

10 May 2012: Canonisation of Hildegard of Bingen by Pope Benedict XVI

7 October 2012: Elevation to Doctor of the Church

The second stage leads from medieval Herrstein to the small village of Niederhosenbach, which according to the latest research is Hildegard’s probable birthplace. Therefore, the theme of the information board is also Hildegard’s origin (board 6). A facsimile edition of the Liber Scivias can be admired in the Protestant church. This is Hildegard’s main mystical work, through which she became world famous. Since we follow all of Hildegard’s visions in the order given by her on the 27 meditation boards of the Hildegard Way, the theme of creation and sin (Board 5) appears here on the meditation board. In front of the church, the first mediation corner on the path tempts you to spend some time here.

From Niederhosenbach, the trail continues to Bergen. In the forest area there is an information board about Hildegard’s book on trees and shrubs (board 7). In Bergen you can reflect on the universe (board 8) and stop and linger for a while at Fr Krachen’s Pilgrim Centre where the board is located. It is asked that you book in advance. There is a rest area with a food cupboard in the entrance area. – From Bergen, the trail then continues through the romantic Trübenbach Valley to Kirn. The gorge-like, wildly romantic Trübenbach Valley is a special natural experience. Mosses, ferns and a small waterfall surprise the hiker, as do the oak, ash and hornbeam slopes. / On the way there is an information board about Hildegard’s book on birds or rather winged animals (board 9). – We reach the town limits of Kirn below the Kyrburg, the landmark of Kirn, and follow the markings through the town to the market square - our stage destination.

In the evening in Kirn, the weary pilgrim is welcome to treat him or herself to a well-deserved Kirn Pilsner according to Hildegard’s motto “water and beer” (board 10). – For the day’s reading we recommend an article on Hildegard’s mystical book, the Liber Scivias, whose visionary images occupy us on the Hildegard Way.

Exit A61 at Bad Kreuznach, head towards Idar-Oberstein, take the B41 to exit Herrstein/Fischbach, continue on L160 to Herrstein

Exit A62 at Birkenfeld, head towards Idar-Oberstein, take the B41 to exit Herrstein/Fischbach, continue on L160 to Herrstein