Spiritual route from the mountain monastery Bestwig to the Abbey Königsmünster (Monastery route south)

Sauerland: Scenic hike

The path consists of two routes, each about 16 kilometers long.

The southern route (trail sign red "KW") leads through the Meschede districts Wehrstapel and Heinrichsthal. The route passes over two hills with 100 to 200 meters of elevation each. In a shorter section above Wehrstapel, the path is not developed. Nine prompts invite you to reflect on your own life path. They deal with topics such as mobility, preservation of creation, taking responsibility, encountering new and foreign things or our dreams and visions. Ideally, both routes can be combined with an overnight stay in one of the monasteries and attending the services or prayer times there in the morning and evening.

The spiritual route from the mountain monastery Bestwig to the abbey Königsmünster mostly passes well-developed paths, but also some more original and wilder sections. From Ostenberg there is a magnificent view over the Ruhr valley. Attractions along the way include the Veleda cave in Velmede, the art culture Kantenköppe in Wehrstapel, and the ruin of the Hünenburg near Meschede. On this path, there is only a refreshment possibility in Wehrstapel at certain times.

The path is marked with the logo "KW" on a red background. The route begins at the main entrance of the mountain monastery Bestwig. From here always follow the sign "KW".

While the northern route of the spiritual route from monastery to monastery passes through Eversberg and Föckinghausen on well-developed hiking trails, the southern route described here over Ostenberg and Wehrstapel is more demanding terrain-wise. Here the paths are often narrower, more secluded and quieter. Both routes have their own charm. Christmas tree cultures, a cut-down power pole, the art sculpture "Kantenköppe" in Wehrstapel or the old Hünenburg (fortification) in Meschede invite reflection on one's own life: our way of dealing with the environment, encounters with strangers, or our relationship to life and death. A visit to the Veleda cave is also attractive, but only possible at certain times or for groups by arrangement. At this location, you sense Saint Benedict, who occasionally retreated as a hermit into a cave.