Discovery Loop Heiligenhaus Route

The Heiligenhaus Discovery Loop is characterised by its varied sections. The hike initially takes you through a landscape that really lives up to its name; there’s good reason why this area is called Im Paradies – In Paradise. Enjoy the peace and quiet and be inspired by the natural surroundings.

After a short stretch past a former waterworks, which now houses a museum, you arrive at the rustic cafe Herberge where you can have a short rest. Afterwards the route ascends slightly taking you over Mühlenberg hill where you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view. The rest of the trail through the Rinderbachtal valley and the Vogelsangbachtal valley conservation area to the Rossdelle riding school is an easy walk.

Cross the curiously named road An der Butterwelle to follow the route into the town of Heiligenhaus, which is said to have grown up from the church square. A memorial plaque on the ground pays tribute to the church of St. Hubertus, which once stood here. A stroll through the traffic-calmed, bicycle-friendly town centre along the high street to the town hall gives you a good impression of the former one-road village of Hilghen Huße, as it was then known.

Via a disused railway track, which is now the PanoramaRadweg niederbergbahn rail trail, you come to the only railway wagon bridge in Germany and the most photographed site in Heiligenhaus. On Abtskücher Straße, the hiking trail descends to the small reservoir known as the Stauteich and on to the Abtsküche memorial area. The Hofcafé Abtsküche on the Stauteich offers home-made cakes and rewards your efforts with a wonderful view across the reservoir.

Start and finish point: Abtskücher Straße 30, 42579 Heiligenhaus

Parking: At the start point

Public transport stop: Abtsküche, Buses 772 and 774