Your Hildegard Experience

The life and work of Hildegard von Bingen continue to fascinate people to this day. You can hike in the footsteps of the saint—who lived in the Nahe vacation region throughout her life—either on your own or with like-minded people. Along the various stages of the trail, you’ll experience the places where this renowned theologian, naturalist, healer, poet, and abbess lived and worked.

You’ll hike past breathtaking views, idyllic towns, wide river valleys, narrow streams, green meadows and forests, steep vineyards, and rolling hills. Every day, you’ll experience “viriditas”—the so-called “green power” according to Hildegard von Bingen—through silence and nature.

The trail passes through historic sites where Hildegard lived:

• Disibodenberg, where she entered the convent and lived for nearly 40 years (1112–1150);
• Sponheim, where Hildegard was entrusted to her teacher Jutta von Sponheim at the age of eight (1106); and
• Bingen am Rhein, where she founded her own convent (ca. 1150);
• The final stops on the pilgrimage route are the St. Hildegard Pilgrimage Church in Rüdesheim-Eibingen, which houses the Hildegard Shrine;
• and the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hildegard in Rüdesheim-Eibingen.

The 7-day multi-stage hike begins at the family-run Felsenberghof Winery in Schloßböckelheim; transfers take you to the starting points of each stage, and you hike from Disibodenberg Abbey to Bingen am Rhein. In total, you’ll hike 5 stages of the Hildegard von Bingen Pilgrimage Trail (approx. 18–20 km per day). The final stage in Bingen is a loop hike of approx. 8 km. You’ll spend 2 nights in Bingen am Rhein to conclude the hiking tour.

The Hildegard von Bingen Pilgrimage Trail is rated as moderately difficult and is very well marked. A good level of basic fitness is required, as this is a 7-day multi-stage hike. You’ll hike about 20 km each day; plan on about 6–7 hours at a leisurely pace, including breaks, and 200–500 meters of elevation gain. Sturdy hiking shoes and a lightweight daypack are required.

Price per person in EUR: Double room starting at 667.00 and single room starting at 774.00

Included services:

• 6 nights with breakfast in a double or single room at the Felsenberghof Winery in Schloßböckelheim and breakfast at Hotel Krone in Bingen
• 4 packed lunches for the hike
• 4 dinners at the Felsenberghof
• Necessary transfers between stages to/from the Felsenberghof in Schloßböckelheim and a one-time luggage transfer from the Felsenberghof to Bingen
• If arriving by train: Transfer from Staudernheim train station to Schloßböckelheim
• Admission to the Disibodenberg
• Admission to the Museum am Strom
• Cellar tour and wine tasting at the Felsenberghof winery

• Travel documents, including the pilgrim passport and pilgrim brochure, will be mailed approximately 14 days before arrival, following receipt of payment.

Not included in the price:

• Train travel to Staudernheim Station and departure from Bingen am Rhein Station
• Transfer from Bingen am Rhein back to Schloßböckelheim
• Snacks for the hike
• Additional costs for meals at restaurants, admission fees, etc.