Discover Großlittgen: Himmerod, Forest Trails and Pilgrimage Routes

Großlittgen brings together the history of Himmerod Abbey, forest trails and pilgrimage routes. At Himmerod, monastic architectural history, a museum and a small chapel meet trails that explore nature and religious themes. Those who want to explore the surrounding area will also find hiking routes through deciduous and coniferous forests. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth asking a simple question: would you mainly like to discover Himmerod’s history, or spend your days outdoors on hiking and cycling tours?

Himmerod: Monastic History in the Salm Valley

Himmerod has been part of the municipal community of Großlittgen since 1802 and is regarded as a religious, intellectual and cultural centre with more than 850 years of history. The site in the Salm Valley was chosen because its enclosed grounds suited the Cistercian ideals of seclusion. At the same time, the Salm provided the hydropower essential to the abbey’s self-sufficiency. The first monks developed agriculture and crafts—two aspects of monastic life that shape the place just as much as its spiritual history.

The abbey church was consecrated in 1751 and is considered the largest Baroque church in the Rhineland. The Old Mill, the oldest surviving abbey building, was converted into a museum in 1998. Individual visitors can learn more about Himmerod and the Cistercians there; check the current visitor arrangements before your visit. The museum’s holdings include enamel and bronze collections, and there are also temporary exhibitions. Their content may change. The abbey also includes the small Chapel of Grace, visited by people seeking comfort.

Trails between Nature Experiences and Pilgrimage Traditions

The “Preserving Creation” themed trail combines sensory experiences of nature in forests, by water and in meadows with signs displaying biblical texts. Information boards also explain the habitats of rare animal and plant species. The route runs from the Weidenkapelle below the monastery grounds to Molitors Mühle and back. Nature observation and religious inspiration are brought together as themes along this trail.

Großlittgen has hiking routes through deciduous and coniferous forests that lead into the Vordereifel and the Volcanic Eifel. These include landscapes with maars and nature and water conservation areas. If you are weighing up several activities, you can consider the different types of routes: the Eifel Pilgrimage Cycle Route starts at Himmerod Abbey and ends 42.62 kilometres later at Klosterhof Siebenborn. It connects the Cistercian monastery with the pilgrimage church in Klausen. Check the route details before setting off.

Another option is the twelfth stage of the Eifelsteig: it leads from Manderscheid for 18.2 kilometres through the Lieser Valley and the Volcanic Eifel to Himmerod. This gives you a choice between a hiking stage and a pilgrimage cycling tour as different ways to get around.

Monastic Products and Getting Here

Monastic life also has a culinary side. The monastery shop sells beer, liqueur, mustard and honey made at the abbey; product availability may change. Fish farming in Himmerod has a centuries-old tradition. Together with the history of agriculture and craftwork, this offers another glimpse into life around the abbey.

Options for visitors and locals in Großlittgen include hotels, dining establishments, bakeries with cafés and shops. Individual businesses and services may change.

The Regioline connects Großlittgen with Morbach, Bernkastel, Wittlich, Manderscheid and Daun. Bus route 300 runs from Wittlich Central Station to Großlittgen; bus route 303 continues to Himmerod Abbey. Check current connections and timetables before travelling. Großlittgen also has access to the motorway network, which was improved after the completion of the BAB 60.

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