A baroque gem in the solitude of the forest
In the north-east of the Ferschweiler plateau, above the villages of Schankweiler and Holsthum, lies a simple little church in the middle of the forest. Two plaques on the façade record the year it was built, while the inscription and the niche figure above the portal refer to its patron saint: today's Maria Hilf pilgrimage chapel on the Schankweiler Höhe was built in 1762. It was not the first building on this site; a chapel with an associated hermitage is mentioned as early as 1648.

Anyone entering the church will be amazed: the simple façade conceals a rich late Baroque interior. The focal point of the main altar is the 17th century image of Our Lady, enthroned and framed by a halo of rays. This is the Mother of Good Counsel, to whom many people make a pilgrimage every year. To the right of the wall is a black Madonna - the "Not-Marie", around whom many legends have grown.

The first hermits had to make do with a tiny hermitage on the protruding rock next to the chapel, which was only accessible via a small bridge. A footbridge still leads to the rock today. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the current hermit's dwelling was built, which is attached to the south side of the church. Around 25 hermits lived in the hermitage over the course of time.

From May to September, the Schankweiler Klause is a very popular wedding church .

Every year, on May 1st, the pilgrimage season is opened with a pilgrimage service.

There are also regular church services. Please ask the church for details.

The Schankweiler Klause is the start and finish of the Klausnerweg hike in the NaturWanderPark delux. There is a parking lot for hikers a short distance from the church and the Klausnerwohnung.