Der Entspannende
A short hike from the Jakobsberg Monastery to the Ockenheim Peace Cross, Dromersheimer Hörnchen, wayside shrine at Laurenziberg, Laurenz Chapel, Johannisberger Turmchen, King of Kings, and back to the monastery.
Above Ockenheim lies Jakobsberg Monastery, which has been run by Benedictine monks since 1960. This short hike leads around Jakobsberg from the monastery, first to the memorial and peace cross, then to Dromersheimer Hörnchen with a view of the cradle of ice wine. Passing the Laurenz pilgrimage chapel through the vineyards, the route leads to the Johannisberger Turmchen with views from Bingen, Rheingau, Taunus to Rhein-Main. Afterwards, one reaches back to Jakobsberg Monastery past the King of Kings.
Author’s recommendation
Birds of prey often soar in the updrafts on the slopes of Jakobsberg. The view extends several kilometers into the distance. Therefore, it is worth carrying binoculars.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
There are no special instructions to consider for this short hike. In general, Rheinhessen is unique in Germany due to its combination of dryness, sunshine hours, and temperature, so it is advisable to carry fluids even for short hikes in this wine experience region.
Tips and suggestions
- Tips and routes for Rheinhessen are available at Der Entspannende.
- Various information is available on the website of Jakobsberg Monastery.
- There you can also find the current opening hours of the monastery shop.
Roadbook
We walk up the path to the left of the monastery church and then turn right. Alternatively, you can visit the monastery shop and then enjoy the view under one of the large lindens on the lawn. From the monastery, head west for about 1.2 km on the farm road until it makes a sharp left turn. Just before that, turn right past a sign "Nature Reserve" to the memorial and peace cross.
Returning, the route initially follows the farm road, which here increasingly has a natural surface. After about 200 m, a small path branches off to the right and slightly downhill to the Dromersheimer Hörnchen with a view of Dromersheim, the cradle of ice wine. Following the path, return via the original path and go straight past a cross to a farm about 300 m before the Laurenz Chapel. At the farm, turn left onto the paved farm road. An optional detour to the chapel is offered beforehand.
The second option leads right onto a field path into the vineyards. The path goes through the vineyards and straight ahead after a curve until it meets a cross path. Although the visible monastery church is to the left, the route first makes a detour to the right to the Johannisberger Turmchen. Besides the magnificent view over Rhein-Main, a few enjoyable moments on the large swing are worthwhile.
The route then leads towards the monastery. After about 450 m and 150 m before the monastery, there is a vine arbor on the right on the lawn where vines of different grape varieties are grown. At the roadside rises the statue "King of Kings." Back at the monastery, there is a second opportunity to explore the monastery shop.
Mahn- und Friedenskreuz Ockenheim
Dromersheimer Hörnchen
Bildstock bei Laurenziberg
Johannisberger Türmchen
König der Könige
Public transport
From Mainz, take the regional train (RB 33) towards Idar-Oberstein and get off at Ockenheim. From the station, it is about 3 km to the widely visible Jakobsberg Monastery (steep ascent in the last third).
Directions
Coming from Mainz or Bingen on the A60, take the Gau-Algesheim exit and follow the signs to Ockenheim. In Ockenheim, initially stay on Mainzer Straße, then follow the signs up Bergstraße to Jakobsberg Monastery.
Parking
Coming from Ockenheim, there is a parking lot to the left next to the monastery. The parking spaces behind the monastery are reserved for staff.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
The portal Regionalgeschichte.net offers detailed information on
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
Sturdy shoes are recommended, but they do not have to be hiking boots.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions