Vallendar: Schönstatt, history and hiking trails

Schönstatt and pilgrimage, the churches’ architectural history, hiking trails and a mini-golf course appeal to different interests. You can connect your accommodation search with your planned stay and decide whether culture, a pilgrimage site or outdoor activities should take centre stage.

Schönstatt and the pilgrimage site

Schönstatt is the place of origin and spiritual centre of the international Schönstatt Movement; the district belongs to Vallendar. The Original Shrine is the pilgrimage destination of the Schönstatt pilgrimage site. The Schönstatt Pilgrimage Centre can organise and accompany pilgrimages and other events. If Schönstatt is the reason for your trip, this religious focus offers clear guidance for your planning. You can also consider whether a pilgrimage or another event should be the main focus.

Church history and historic buildings

The Catholic parish church of St. Marcellinus and Peter was consecrated in 836 by Bishop Hetti in honour of the Roman catacomb martyrs Marcellinus and Peter. Its west tower dates from 1501. In 1837/41, Lassaulx rebuilt the church as a three-aisled hall church. These details trace different stages of its architectural history: from its early consecration to the tower and the later new building.

The Marienburg and Haus Meffert also add to Vallendar’s historic character. The Marienburg was once the seat of the Counts of Sayn and was rebuilt in 1779 by Quirin Josef D'Ester, a sole-leather manufacturer. Haus Meffert dates from 1647 and is considered the oldest wine tavern. Together with the parish church, these buildings offer different points of interest for a stay focused on cultural history.

The nearby island of Niederwerth, opposite Vallendar, offers another cultural attraction. It is home to an old monastery church dating from the 15th century, one of the best-preserved and most significant religious buildings on the Middle Rhine. This independent nearby destination adds another dimension to Vallendar’s architectural history.

Hiking trails and scenery

Two Rheinsteig stages are linked to Vallendar: one leads from Vallendar to Koblenz-Ehrenbreitstein, and another from Bendorf-Sayn to Vallendar. Vallendar is therefore the starting point for one stage and the destination for the other. Check the route details before setting out if you plan to include either stage in your itinerary.

The Rhein-Traumpfad Waldschluchtenweg trail passes through idyllic stream valleys and natural floodplain landscapes. Alongside the aforementioned Rheinsteig stages, the scenery is another highlight. The descriptions offer different points of focus: the start and end points provide orientation on the Rheinsteig stages, while the stream valleys and floodplains define the Waldschluchtenweg. This can help you choose your hiking focus based on what interests you about your trip, without assuming a walking time or level of difficulty.

Mini golf and practical information

Vallendar’s mini-golf course offers a different leisure activity. It is located on the edge of town in the direction of Weitersburg, at Weitersburger Weg or Untere Meerbach. Its varied mini-golf holes and peaceful setting make it different from the longer hiking trails. Guests can enjoy refreshments on the terrace after their game.

Daily operating hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. are listed for the regular ferry service from Vallendar to Koblenz and back. Check the timetable before travelling. This lets you take the connection into account when planning without relying on the listed times as an unverified timetable for your travel day.

When searching for a hotel, the first thing to consider is whether Schönstatt, architectural history, hiking or a shorter leisure activity will shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Löf, Lonnig, Bassenheim, Herresbach, Lasserg, Niederfell, Münstermaifeld, Gappenach.

Back to the main travel overview: Mayen-Koblenz.