Schnorrenberg: Chapel, Pilgrimage Cross and Hiking Trails

Schnorrenberg: Local History and Nature

If you are looking for a hotel in Schnorrenberg, the village offers several points of interest: St. Anthony’s Chapel, the pilgrimage cross, a geological and mining-history hiking trail, and forest activities available by appointment. To the north of the village, there is also an area designated as a natural monument. Depending on whether you are more interested in local history, hiking or nature, these highlights can help guide your travel plans.

The Chapel and Pilgrimage Cross: Two Periods in Time

St. Anthony’s Chapel in Schnorrenberg grew out of an initiative launched in 1890 to build a small shrine. It is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua. Father Giesen of Rescheid blessed it on August 26, 1896. The chapel’s history thus spans the original initiative and its blessing on a specific date by a priest whose name is known.

The pilgrimage cross was erected in 1982 and is made of red-painted wood. It was taken down for restoration in August 2023 and was back at its original location by November of that year. The dates help distinguish the different stages: 1982 marks its erection, while 2023 marks its restoration and reinstallation. Together with the chapel, it offers a glimpse into different periods of local religious history.

Landscape and Hiking Trails

The rows of mining pits at Grube Wohlfahrt, north of Schnorrenberg on the slope of the Eschsiefen, are designated as a natural monument. This landscape feature is distinct from the chapel and pilgrimage cross, which are directly associated with Schnorrenberg.

The 25.5-kilometre Geological and Mining History Educational and Hiking Trail, Hiking Route II, passes by Schnorrenberg. The municipality of Hellenthal also has more than 220 kilometres of marked hiking trails through forests, valleys and uplands. These include three signposted Geo-Routes totalling 75 kilometres, which link places of geological and mining-history interest.

Nature is also a focus across a wider area of Hellenthal: visitor attractions in the municipality include species-rich mat-grass meadows, mountain hay meadows, and dry and wet heaths with diverse, insect-rich vegetation. Alongside forests, valleys and uplands, visitors can explore these other varied landscapes. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between local history in Schnorrenberg and the nature and hiking options available across the municipality.

Forest Activities and Getting There

At Schnorrenberg 75 in Hellenthal-Schnorrenberg, individual WaldSpürungen (forest experiences) and open sessions for forest bathing and edible wild plants are offered. Sessions are available by appointment. If you would like to include one of these activities in your trip, request your preferred date directly.

Bus route 838 runs from Hellenthal via Reifferscheid and Grube Wohlfahrt to Schnorrenberg. Check the current timetable before travelling, as service details may change.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Wollenberg, Hönningen, Oberschömbach, Ramscheid, Rescheid, Reifferscheid, Udenbreth, Hollerath

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