Discover Alzen: Pilgrimage and Skywalk
Accommodation in Alzen
Alzen offers reasons to visit in two areas: the pilgrimage history of the Herz-Mariä Church in Morsbach-Alzen and the Skywalk near the Alzen hiking car park. There are also trails and viewpoints in the wider Morsbach destination.
Pilgrimage history in Morsbach-Alzen
The statue of Our Lady of Fátima arrived in Alzen on 2 February 1955. Before that, it had been taken on a pilgrimage to more than 300 churches in the Archdiocese of Cologne. The Herz-Mariä Church in Morsbach-Alzen is a pilgrimage site for the veneration of Our Lady of Fátima on the 13th of each month from May to October. The two time references serve different purposes: 1955 marks the arrival of the statue in Alzen, while the period from May to October describes the recurring pilgrimage dates. This pilgrimage schedule describes the religious observance, not the church’s general opening hours.
Skywalk and observation tower
The Skywalk is about 300 metres from the Alzen hiking car park, in the direction of the observation tower on Hohe Hardt. A ramp makes it accessible by wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushchair. For your planning: the ramp information applies to the Skywalk; the observation tower can be reached from the Alzen hiking car park. The trail may be closed at times.
More trails and viewpoints in the Morsbach destination
The wider Morsbach destination offers more hiking trails and viewpoints on Hohe Hardt. The 35-metre-high observation tower on Hohe Hardt was built in 1962; there is a shelter at its foot. In suitable weather, hang-glider pilots take off from there for scenic flights. Heider Berg offers panoramic views of Morsbach and the Wisserbach valley, including a “view of three towers”: the observation tower, basilica and Protestant bell tower. The Catholic parish church of St Gertrud is part of Morsbach’s older architectural history: it dates from the first half of the 13th century, while its tower dates from the second half of the 12th century. The tower is therefore older than the church itself.
The Baumweg circular trail first passes through the spa gardens and follows the Wisser Bach to Niederdorf. It then follows farm tracks past meadows and climbs through the forest to the observation tower on Hohe Hardt. Finally, the route follows quiet roads through the centre of Morsbach. By contrast, the tenth stage of the Bergischer Panoramasteig starts at Morsbach bus station and climbs steeply to the Hohe Hardt observation tower along farm tracks and small paths. The Baumweg is a circular walk through the town and countryside; the Panoramasteig stage has a different focus, with its steep climb.
Plan your journey and stay
Bus route 347 connects Morsbach, Alzen, Birken and Wissen. If you are travelling by bus, check the current timetable before setting off. The Baumweg and the Panoramasteig stage follow different routes, but both lead to the observation tower on Hohe Hardt.
Go to the wider travel overview: Morsbach.
