A Walking Blog by Heather Boyle, Group Tour Leader
The walk we take from Herrstein to Niederhosenbach is simply unforgettable because of the sheer beauty of the surrounding countryside, the calm of the woods and the farmland, the stunning views from the tops of the hills. Although the village of Herrstein dates back to 1525, around 40 years ago a massive project was undertaken to restore Herrstein to its previous glory. Dozens of workers spent weeks chipping away the gray plaster facades to reveal the original medieval timber framed buildings. Walking through the narrow cobblestone streets filled with half-timbered buildings and homes decorated with colorful window flower boxes, the idyllic little alleys and nooks, is like being a fairy tale town. The historic Hankelbrunnen fountain and the flower garden that surrounds it adds to the magic.
We shall journey through the passageway of the original town wall fortification and under the chiming clock tower, then past the thick walled Romaneque church. The gently curved Stumpfer Turm, or “Stubby Tower” with it conical roof, leads us up the hill and into the woods. The trail continues through meadows, croplands, and we will stop for rest and contemplation at the top the hill to admire the panoramic vistas.
The walk from Herrstein to Niederhosenbach was voted Germany’s most beautiful trail in 2010, and we know you will immediately understand and agree. In addition to this path being significant in the time of Hildegard, the path was also former trade route used by the Romans from 50 B.C. through the fifth century; in fact, several of the field and forest paths were ancient Roman roads.
We continue on for a few short miles to the village of Niederhosenbach, where Hildegard was likely born. Outside of the small Protestant church is an old oak tree and benches where we can sit for a few minutes to rest and contemplate, before we go inside the church to see the facsimile addition of Hildegard’s Liber Scivias.
Let us take this time to forget about our obligations, and instead dive deep into soul of our being and feel the presence of spirit. Notice the light that filters through the forest and shines on the hillsides that connects everything, with everything. As we sit and marvel at the feel of the flow of the divine and the holiness deep inside of us, let us also experience ourselves as complete, as part of the completeness. The rustle of the wind in the trees in balance with the silence, the fragrance of the warm earth and the blossoms, the skies and clouds and everything else, it is complete and enough. We are in balance with life, with the divine, and complete.
“Everything that is in the heavens, on earth, under the earth is penetrated with connectedness, penetrated with relatedness.” – Hildegard