Himmerod Abbey and the routes in Großlittgen offer different ways to experience the area: through monastic history and sacred architecture, a spiritually themed route, or the forests and landscapes of the Eifel. When planning a stay, you can combine these highlights according to your interests without losing sight of the abbey’s history.
Himmerod: Monastic History and Architecture
Himmerod has been part of the civil municipality of Großlittgen since 1802. The abbey is regarded as a religious, intellectual and cultural centre with more than 850 years of history. Its location in the Salm Valley was chosen because of its secluded setting, in keeping with the Cistercian ideal of withdrawal from the world. The Salm provided the water power essential to the abbey’s self-sufficiency. The first monks developed agriculture and crafts.
The abbey church was consecrated in 1751 and is considered the largest Baroque church in the Rhineland. The Old Mill offers another chapter in the abbey’s history: it is the oldest surviving abbey building and was converted into a museum in 1998. Individual visitors can learn more about Himmerod and the Cistercians there. The collections include enamelware and bronze; temporary exhibitions are also held, and their subjects may change. Check the current visitor arrangements before your visit.
The abbey also has a small Chapel of Grace, visited by people seeking comfort. For those interested in the spiritual life of the area, it offers a different, more intimate point of reference alongside the large abbey church.
Routes through Forest, Water and Pilgrimage Sites
The “Preserving Creation” themed trail is designed as an immersive nature experience through the forest, alongside water and across meadows. Signs feature biblical texts, while information boards explain the habitats of rare animals and plants. The route runs from the Weiden Chapel below the abbey grounds to Molitors Mill and back.
Other hiking routes in Großlittgen pass through deciduous and coniferous forests and into the Vorder-Eifel and Volcanic Eifel. The landscapes described include maars, as well as nature and water conservation areas. One specific stage is the twelfth section of the Eifelsteig: it runs 18.2 kilometres from Manderscheid through the Lieser Valley and the volcanic Eifel landscape to Himmerod in Großlittgen.
The Eifel Pilgrim Cycling Route offers a different option. It starts at Himmerod Abbey in Großlittgen and ends at Siebenborn Abbey Farm, 42.62 kilometres away. The cycle route also connects the Cistercian abbey with the pilgrimage church in Klausen. The tours described therefore differ both in how you travel and in their routes: the Eifelsteig runs from Manderscheid to Himmerod, while the cycling route starts there. Check the route details before setting off.
Museum, Nature and Regional Products
The abbey’s history can also be viewed through its economic development: agriculture, crafts and the use of water power were part of its self-sufficiency. Fish farming in Himmerod also has a centuries-old tradition. The abbey shop offers beer, liqueur, mustard and honey made at the monastery; product availability may change.
The name Großlittgen is documented as early as 912 in the form Lutiaco. For another cultural insight, visit the Old Mill and its enamelware and bronze collections. Temporary exhibitions are also held there, so their subjects may vary. The abbey church, museum and Chapel of Grace each offer a different focus: Baroque architecture, collection pieces and a place people visit for comfort.
Getting to and Staying in Großlittgen
Bus route 300 runs from Wittlich main station to Großlittgen; route 303 continues to Himmerod Abbey. The Regioline also connects Großlittgen with Morbach, Bernkastel, Wittlich, Manderscheid and Daun. Check current routes and timetables before travelling. Großlittgen is also connected to the motorway network; access improved after the BAB 60 was completed.
Großlittgen has hotels, restaurants, bakeries with cafés and shops for residents and visitors. Individual businesses and offerings may change. When choosing a hotel, you can first decide whether to focus your stay on Himmerod and its history, hiking and pilgrimage routes, or a combination of both.
Discover more destinations: Greimerath, Pantenburg, Niederscheidweiler, Oberscheidweiler, Wallscheid, Bettenfeld, Meerfeld, Karl.
To the main travel overview: Manderscheid.
