Way of Silence - (from Schwalenberg to Marienmünster) - ecumenical pilgrimage route from Schwalenber

The starting point of the ecumenical pilgrimage is the historical city center of Schwalenberg, dominated by the eponymous castle that is visible from afar. But the winding alleys and the many richly decorated half-timbered houses also shape the appearance of the small town.

The path first leads you in a loop along the Schwalenberg city waters. Here, you can not only listen to the soft splashing of the water, but it is also worth taking a closer look: Due to the topography of the castle hill and the low flow gradient, an optical illusion is created, making it seem as if the water in Schwalenberg is flowing uphill.

Before you continue on the path, you can visit the Evangelical Reformed Church in Schwalenberg. Inside the church, the Emmaus altarpiece in the choir is worth seeing. It depicts the resurrected Christ with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus and is therefore the perfect introduction to the pilgrimage – as it is not only about the distance traveled, but also about an inner journey.

Through the Schwalenberg forest, which has been significantly thinned out in some places by the bark beetle, offering entirely new perspectives, the path leads you down to the Steinbach, which is crossed via a few stepping stones. At the Westerberg (just before Kollerbeck), you will be rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view of the vast landscape. This is the ideal opportunity to take a short break, enjoy the view, and listen to the silence. Later on, you will follow the Castle Trail, passing by the striking Oldenburg, until you reach the former Benedictine Abbey of Marienmünster.

The baroque monastery complex has gained a special reputation as the "Monastery of Sounds": Not only are high-quality music recordings produced here in the classical music genre, but numerous concerts and musical events are also held. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to listen to the sounds of the historical Johann Patroclus Möller organ in the Abbey Church (now the Catholic parish church) during your visit. It holds the musical memory of Westphalia and is well-known far beyond the region.