Open Mind Places - Stations to Pause

Around Referinghausen, this route leads and connects the nine Open Mind Places of the architect and artist Christoph Hesse.
The places of open thoughts invite you to pause and linger - resting points in the midst of our fast-paced, digital time. The extraordinary "Follies" in the midst of nature are made of local materials and were built by the artist himself, with the help of his family and friends, as well as some villagers.
In the village center on the multi-generational square, the underbrush and the upper wood immediately catch the eye. The upper wood offers a wide view over the village and the gently hilly landscape. After a steep ascent along a natural forest path, the path leads through fields and meadows to the next installation, the Origin: four cubes made of flambéed wood, intended to evoke the beginnings of the village, which is over 750 years old. The Sun Sound sits atop the Easter Fire Hill. Its tent-shaped copper roof captures the sunlight and the sounds of the surroundings, while one enjoys the landscape on a wooden lounger underneath.
Through the typical cultural landscape of the Medebach Bay with its meadows and pastures, the hiker reaches the next station: two panels vividly explain the temporary artworks Strohtherme and Waldbrand, which attracted attention in 2019 and 2020, respectively, on adjacent meadows. Also impressive is the Plow. Via a staircase, one descends into the walkable sculpture to pause on a bench with a wide view over fields and farmland.
Continuing along natural paths and trails in the forest, the hike passes through two quarries. They enjoy beautiful views of the village and can also catch a glimpse of the Open Mind Place Sonnenklang in the distance. Past the charming Marienkapelle, along the Heidenstraße, an old pilgrimage and trade route between Leipzig and Cologne, one reaches the Sky Drops on the wayside and finally, at the transition between forest and clearing, a towering monument of wood, the Heathen Temple. Seating invites you to pause and rest before the route descends through the forest back towards Referinghausen.

For more information on the individual Open Mind Places:
Underbrush Upper Wood Origin Sun Sound Waldbrand Strohtherme Plow Sky Drops Heathen Temple