A 4.2-kilometre circular trail starts and ends at the Rehren sports ground hiking car park; a pilgrimage stage from Stadthagen to Rehren passes the chapel. Short routes, pilgrimage history and local history offer different focuses for a stay. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, your choice can reflect whether you mainly want to hike, cycle, go on a pilgrimage or explore the area's cultural heritage.
Local History and Chapel Art
Rehren was first mentioned in a document in 1182. The Catholic Church of St. Catherine in Rehren was built in 1960/61. Its construction was connected with the settlement in the Auetal of displaced people, predominantly Catholics, from Germany's eastern territories. The area's history and religious connections therefore span from its early documentary mention to the post-war period.
Rehren Chapel was probably built as a pilgrimage chapel in the Late Gothic period, around the middle of the 15th century. Inside are three statues of saints: a statue of the Virgin Mary, Saint Catherine and an unknown female saint. The east-facing stained-glass window depicts the New Testament story of Pentecost. Those interested in religious art will find specific details about the chapel's furnishings as well as its architectural history.
On 25 June 2023, the chapel received the “Open Church” and “Pilgrim Church” seals. It invites visitors to pause for reflection; knitted socks made by volunteers, bearing a blessing, are available to take away in the chapel. Rehren's cultural heritage also includes the local remembrance of Dr. Friedrich Oetker: he was born here and was a publicist, writer and campaigner for constitutional rights. A commemorative plaque was placed on his birthplace on the 100th anniversary of his death.
Hiking and Pilgrimage from Rehren
The 4.2 km circular “Path of Self-Reflection” (AU 1) is associated with Rehren; its start and finish are at the Rehren sports ground hiking car park. The 4.5 km “Eulenburger Eight” (AU 4) also runs through the Auetal. The routes are of similar length but have different local connections: AU 1 is associated with Rehren, while the Eulenburger Eight runs through the Auetal. When choosing, therefore, consider each route's location as well as its distance.
The Loccum-Volkenroda Pilgrimage Route offers a different distance. Its approximately 16 km stage from Stadthagen to Rehren in the Auetal passes Rehren Chapel. The next stage starts again at the Rehren hiking car park and heads towards Fischbeck Abbey for about 17 km. At around 17 km, this section is approximately one kilometre longer than the route from Stadthagen to Rehren. Comparing the two helps with planning your stages: the starting points, directions and approximate distances differ.
Explore Rehren by Bike
The “Auetal Highlights” cycling tour runs for around 21 km around Rehren, between the Wesergebirge and the Bückeberg hills. On the way back to Hattendorf, it passes Rehren Chapel. The chapel is therefore a point of interest on this cycling tour, while the pilgrimage stage passes by it. Access the cycling tour via the A2 motorway, Rehren exit. As route conditions and signage can change, it is worth checking the current route before setting out.
The route information offers different ways to experience Rehren: a short circular trail, two pilgrimage stages in different directions and a cycling tour of around 21 km. Together with the history of the chapel, St. Catherine's Church and the remembrance of Friedrich Oetker, these provide a stay with a clear focus on culture and routes. Choose a holiday apartment to suit whichever of these themes you want to focus on during your time in Rehren.
Discover more destinations: Rodenberg, Rinteln, Wölpinghausen, Beckedorf, Lüdersfeld, Bückeburg, Hohnhorst, Meerbeck.
Return to the main travel overview: Schaumburg.
