This walk on the border between Belgium and Germany goes through the Ruhr Valley with a view of the historic Vennbahn. On the way you pass the former monastery Reichenstein and the Kreuz im Venn.
Distance: 8 km.
Time: 2h30.
Grade: Easy.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed.
Height gain: 172 meters.
Trail: Paved and unpaved.
Marking: None.
Hiking shoes recommended.
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Kreuz im Venn.
The route mainly follows narrow forest paths from Küchelscheid along the Antonuis and Norbertus chapels to the former monastery Reichenstein and back along the Richelsley rock with the 6 meter high Kreuz im Venn.
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POI 4 - Reichenstein.
Reichenstein had a turbulent history. In 1135 Duke Walram II donated Richvinstinne Castle to the Norbertines who founded a monastery there. The order remained active until Napoleon abolished all monasteries in 1802. For 200 years, the buildings were used for all possible purposes: from farm to liqueur distillery, cheese factory, guesthouse to private home. In 2008, the Verein Sankt Benedikt acquired the buildings and restoration started with the intention of re-establishing a monastery there according to the strict rules of St. Benediktus.
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POI 5 - Kreuz im Venn.
Pastor Arnoldy van Kalterherberg had this 6 meter high cross erected at his expense on the Richelsley rock in memory of Stephan Horrichem. He was prior of the Reichenstein monastery from 1639 to 1686 and was called the "Apostle of the High Fens" because of his helpfulness during the 30-year war. On the occasion of their priest's silver jubilee, his parishioners placed a statue of Mary in the natural niche on the other side of the rock in 1894. Pilgrimages take place regularly in May. Legend has it that the devil tried to destroy the cross because it had fallen over. In reality, the stone has probably lost its balance due to a volcanic activity.
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