Klausen: Pilgrimage Routes, Church Art and Monastic Culture

Klausen combines pilgrimage traditions with impressive church art, historic landmarks and routes to suit different day plans. In the Bernkastel-Wittlich destination, Klausen remains a pilgrimage destination every year. Whether you are interested in the history of the pilgrimage church, planning a walk around the village or looking for a longer route, the experiences range from quieter cultural pursuits to active tours.

Pilgrimage Church and Monastic Culture

The Pilgrimage Church of the Visitation of Mary was consecrated in 1502. Among its notable works of art is a 6.20-metre-high Antwerp altarpiece dating from around 1480, depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. The Chapel of Grace also tells of the site’s long history: it dates from the 15th century and was redesigned in 1902. The organ offers another aspect of the church’s furnishings to discover: the Rieger organ has 39 stops across three manuals and a pedal.

The monastery library adds to this insight into Klausen’s cultural heritage. It was built at the end of the 15th century above the sacristy of the pilgrimage church. Its collection includes a late medieval manuscript and early printed works known as incunabula. Tours of the monastery library and pilgrimage church can be booked through the Catholic parish office. Check booking options before your trip.

Village Routes, Garden and Viewpoint

Allow around 15 to 20 minutes for a short walk through the centre. The route starts at the Marian Fountain and does not include a visit to the church. The Krameser Circular Route takes around 60 to 90 minutes and starts at the Marian Fountain in front of the pilgrimage church. This gives you a choice of two village walks of different lengths. The Krameser Route also passes a building in the Trier country-house style, with living quarters, a stable and a barn all under one roof.

Those interested in historic gardens will find another point of interest in the Abbot’s Garden. It was redesigned in 1769 on three terraces, with a garden pavilion; the pavilion was restored in 1990. From the Klausenkreuz viewpoint, you can take in the Wittlich Depression and the Voreifel region. On a clear day, the view extends as far as the Volcanic Eifel. The walk along the Pohlbach also takes you to a nature trail with two sections. Guided tours by the Klausen Forestry District are available on request; check in advance whether this is possible.

Pilgrimage Routes and Cycling

The Eifel Camino passes through Klausen and joins the Mosel Camino at the foot of Maria Heimsuchung. This pilgrimage route, around 180 kilometres long, runs from Koblenz-Stolzenfels to Trier and passes through Klausen and Krames. These two Camino connections make Klausen a useful reference point for anyone planning a pilgrimage stage. Before setting out, check the route markings and possible diversions.

There is also a described connection for a cycling tour: the Wallfahrtsschleife links Klausen to the Maare-Mosel Cycle Route. The cycle route runs for 55 kilometres between Daun and Bernkastel-Kues, away from road traffic, with a maximum gradient of 3 percent. You can use these details about the route and elevation profile in your day planning. Before setting off, check whether there are any temporary diversions.

Local Tradition and Regional Setting

In Krames, the recurring oven festival at the restored oven in early September features bread baked in the oven with traditional toppings and regional Viez cider. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the specific dates and programme. Mosel wines are also part of the regional food and drink scene and are associated with the steep slopes of the river, around one kilometre from the pilgrimage site of Klausen. Mosel cuisine complements the culinary experience.

Bernkastel-Wittlich has its own distinctive landscape: the destination brings together the volcanic Eifel, the Moselle Valley and the wooded Hunsrück. This regional perspective complements Klausen’s own highlights, but does not replace looking into the specific places and routes you plan to visit.

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Travel Plans

When looking for accommodation for a trip centred on Klausen, it helps to start by deciding what kind of pace you want for each day. Would you mainly like to explore the pilgrimage church and monastery library, take a short walk around the village, or set aside time for a longer pilgrimage route or cycling tour? The walking times for the two village routes offer a useful comparison; tours of the church or library need to be arranged separately.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bruch, Minderlittgen, Dodenburg, Plein, Landscheid, Heidweiler, Osann-Monzel, Altrich.

Return to the overview of the wider region: Wittlich.