Spiritual hiking trail from Bergkloster Bestwig to Abtei Königsmünster (Klosterweg Südroute)

Sauerland: Hike with a view

The trail consists of two routes, each approximately 16 kilometers long.

The southern route (red "KW" sign) leads via the Meschede districts of Wehrstapel and Heinrichsthal. The route runs over two mountains, each with an elevation gain of 100 to 200 meters. In a shorter section above Wehrstapel, the path is not developed. Nine impulses invite you to reflect on your own life's journey. They deal with topics such as mobility, preserving 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 a visit to the morning and evening church services or prayer times there.

The spiritual hiking trail from Bergkloster Bestwig to Abtei Königsmünster mostly leads along well-maintained paths, but sometimes also along somewhat more pristine and wilder sections. From the Ostenberg, there is a magnificent view of the Ruhrtal. Attractions along the way include the Veleda Cave in Velmede, the Kantenköppe art gallery in Wehrstapel and the ruins of Hünenburg Castle near Meschede. There is only a refreshment stop in Wehrstapel at certain times along this trail.

The trail is marked with the "KW" logo on a red background. The route starts at the main entrance to Bergkloster Bestwig. From here, always follow the "KW" signpost.

While the northern route of the spiritual hiking trail from monastery to monastery leads through Eversberg and Föckinghausen along well-maintained hiking trails, the southern route described here via Ostenberg and Wehrstapel is more challenging in terms of terrain. The paths here are often narrower, more remote and quieter. Both routes have their own charm. Christmas tree plantations, a sawn-off electricity pylon, the "Kantenköppe" art sculpture in Wehrstapel or the old Hünenburg (ramparts) in Meschede invite you to reflect on your own life: our interaction with the environment, encounters with strangers or our relationship to life and death. A visit to the Veleda-Höhle cave is also attractive, although this is only possible at certain times or for groups by arrangement. At this place, we trace the life of St. Benedict, who temporarily withdrew into a cave as a hermit.