On the trail of the Apostle of the Fens

An exciting circular trail steeped in history awaits you in the idyllic Eifel village of Monschau-Kalterherberg. It leads past historic church buildings such as the "Eifeldom" - the Kalterherberg parish church with its unique twin towers - and the Reichenstein monastery. Stroll along romantic paths through Ruitzhof, the second smallest inhabited exclave in Germany, which can only be reached via Belgian territory, and enjoy magnificent views of the Eifel. The weathered boundary stones along the way indicate that you cross the German-Belgian border several times along the way. The path leads up to the "Kreuz im Venn" power place. Erected in 1890 in honour of Stephan Horrichem, the apostle of the High Fens, the cross on the 12-metre-high conglomerate rock of Richelsley also offers a breathtaking panorama. Stephan Horrichem was prior of the Reichenstein monastery from 1639 to 1689. The cross commemorates his tireless helpfulness and pastoral care for people in need during the Thirty Years' War. Clara Viebig's novel "The Cross in the Fens" made the cross internationally famous.

The circular route also fascinates with its varied flora. Idyllic floodplains nestle along the Rur and Ermesbach streams, while the high forest attracts visitors with its hillside forests and open meadow landscapes.

In the Rosengasse and opposite the Norbertus Chapel, beautiful picnic spots invite you to rest and linger. For refreshments before the hike or for a relaxing end to the day, there is an attractive selection of cafés, pizzerias and restaurants in the town center, some with very attractive outdoor terraces.

Overview of the cultural hiking trail "In the footsteps of the Apostle of the Fens"

• Start: Hikers' parking lot "Am Eifeldom"
• Distance: 9.5 km
• Walking time: approx. 2.5 hours
• Trail markings: No. 43

How to get there:

• By public transport: Bus routes 85 and 385 stop at "Monschau Kalterherberg Kirche". The Eifeldom, the starting point of the tour, is just a few meters away.
• By car: Park at the hiking parking lot "Am Eifeldom". Enter "Bahnhofstraße, Monschau" as the destination in the navigation system.