Negenborn: Hooptal Valley, Hiking Trails and Monastery History

Negenborn lies in a valley basin at the entrance to Hooptal Valley. Burgberg, Vogler and the Odfeld plateau surround the village. Both the valley and the surrounding heights shape the character of the place. Hiking trails, the barbecue area and historical connections offer different starting points for a stay. If you are looking for a hotel, first consider whether you want to focus your trip on hiking, cultural history or the barbecue area.

Hiking Trails Through Hooptal and Forstbach Valleys

Day 2 of the 22-kilometre Raabe Hiking Trail runs from Stadtoldendorf to Holzminden through Negenborn. The route reaches the village through Hooptal Valley and follows the Forstbach stream. The start and end points help put the distance into perspective as the length of the entire route, not as the distance within Negenborn. If you are planning this hike, you can see the stretch through the village as part of the longer route.

The Weser Uplands Hiking Trail follows a different scale: after three kilometres, it branches off from the route; a further 200 metres lead to Amelungsborn Monastery. The figures describe different planning distances: a 22-kilometre route between Stadtoldendorf and Holzminden, and a turnoff followed by a path to the monastery. Check current trail information before setting out.

Barbecue Area Above the Village

Negenborn’s barbecue area is above the village, about 800 metres from the main road. A small wooded area surrounds the site, which is considered peaceful. The grounds around the barbecue area are considered suitable for walking and playing together. This gives the facility its own appeal as a place to spend time, alongside the hiking trails that pass through Negenborn as part of longer routes.

Facilities include a shelter with space for about 30 people, an open fire pit with seating and a larger barbecue grill. The approximate capacity is a useful guide, especially for groups. If you would like to use the site, check availability and local conditions in advance.

Monastery and Local History

Amelungsborn Monastery is in the district of Holzminden on the B 64 between Negenborn and Eschershausen. The monastery church is a Romanesque, three-aisled basilica. “Three-aisled” describes its layout: a central nave and two side aisles. The complex was expanded in the Gothic style around 1350. Its foundation dates back to a donation made in 1129; the monastery is considered the second-oldest Cistercian foundation in Lower Saxony. The building therefore brings together different periods: its Romanesque ground plan and the later Gothic extension.

Visits are possible by arrangement with the resident sacristan. Arrange a time with him in advance and confirm on site that a visit is currently possible. Another historical trace leads right to the edge of Negenborn: a late-medieval pilgrimage took place at a chapel there and was associated with a miracle involving a communion host.

Road Connections

From Negenborn, the L 580 runs northwest through Forstbach Valley towards neighbouring Golmbach. Negenborn’s bypass on the B 64 opened to traffic on 14 April 2023. Check the current route when planning your journey.

Discover more destinations: Polle, Halle, Deensen, Ottenstein, Bodenwerder, Holzminden, Brevörde, Lauenförde.

Return to the main travel overview: Holzminden.