Hildegard of Bingen
In the footsteps of a saint
The name of the city of Bingen is known worldwide through Hildegard von Bingen. But even if a lot of water has flowed down the Rhine since her lifetime in the 12th century: If you look closely and get involved with the special charm of the city, you will still find traces of Hildegard in today's cityscape. On the Bingen Hildegard Trail you can get to know places of remembrance, the work and life of Hildegard on a walk.
Your journey in Hildegard's footsteps begins at the Museum am Strom. Here you will visit the large permanent exhibition on the life and work of the saint. Nowhere else can you find a more comprehensive documentation of the life and work of the popular saint than here, at her historical place of work in Bingen. Their work is presented in an exciting and accessible way.
The Hilde Garden with the spring fountain at the entrance is a fascinating resting place - located directly at the museum and at the same time directly on the Rhine. Hildegard's now famous work on natural history, the "Physica", in which she describes the (healing) effects of almost 300 plant species, comes to life here. You will also learn exciting facts about the monastery medicine of the Middle Ages.
Unique view into the past
The Hildegard monastery on the Rupertsberg
From the museum, it's off to rendezvous with Hildegard at her place of work. The Rupertsberg monastery stood on the western bank of the Nahe until its destruction in the Thirty Years' War. But parts of Hildegard's church have been preserved in the Villa am Rupertsberg - and will be brought to life for you with state-of-the-art multimedia technology!
Between the arcades of the 12th century, you ride the "elevator into the past" right into Hildegard's world: A digitally reconstructed panoramic view into the monastery church and the cloister, then up to the church tower and into the monastery courtyard is offered here - on large monitors and with interesting sound effects: A walk through the monastery 900 years ago that appeals to all the senses and brings you closer to Hildegard than ever before!
Searching for clues in the city center of Bingen
The path leads you further into the city center of Bingen. Into the Salzstraße - one of the oldest streets in Bingen. Salt was the "white gold" of the Middle Ages and brought the merchants of Bingen a lucrative business. Through the salt street the salt was brought from the ships to the food market for sale. At the food market you can also see a fountain with scenes from Hildegard's life. But already at that time the wise Hildegard warned to use salt moderately. Too little salt in the food and you feel flabby. Too much and you dehydrate your body. "Therefore, every dish should be salted so that you can taste the food before the salt."
You climb up to Klopp Castle: here you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view. In the Middle Ages you could have admired the imposing Hildegard monastery from here: Even the famous painter Mathias Grünewald, who worked in the castle courtyard in the 14th century, found the monastery view here so impressive that he captured a Rupertsberg view on his Isenheim altar.
Today, the "History Projector" stands in the castle courtyard, a mixture between binoculars and a slide show. It shows you Bingen as it looked in the Middle Ages.
Hildegard between art and education
Rochus Chapel and Hildegard Forum
Another destination on your Hildegard tour of Bingen should be the Rochuskapelle. In the 19th century, the historicist church, which sits in a unique location on the ridge high above the Rhine and the city, became a center of Hildegard worship. The Hildegard altar with its reliquary shows scenes from her life.
Very close to the Rochus Chapel is also the Hildegard Forum of the Sisters of the Cross. Here you will find exhibitions, seminars, lectures and audiovisual installations about one of the most important women of the Middle Ages. The integrative restaurant serves lunch based on Hildegard von Bingen's nutritional teachings.
Your Hildegard journey includes a total of 18 exciting stops, which are distributed throughout the city. Design your search for clues exactly according to your wishes. Take your time, look closely and listen carefully. Follow your inspiration, because "man can work wonderful things with body and soul." - Hildegard von Bingen.
Cultural experiences in Bingen
Customer testimonials
What our guests say
Bingen is simply beautiful. We are there at least once a year at the motorhome site in Gaulsheim. We usually visit the wine festival in Bingen. Very nice restaurants there. Very good food everywhere we've been. Tourist info very nice. All in all top.
Doris Heinrich
Many thanks for the organization of the city tour. Also many thanks to Mr. Jungerts, who expanded our knowledge of Bingen with wit and expertise. Also the selected restaurants were great. He did a very good job. All around a successful event. For this again to you both many thanks. Many greetings from Wuppertal
Reinhard Engmann
So Bingen is worthwhile in general whether the Rhine in flames the Rhine the near or the vineyards and the good wine even carnival can be celebrated well there am Palatinate but the Rhine Hesse / Kurpfalz Rhineland area is also super greetings from the Palatinate Forest ✌✌👍🌲🌳
Joshua collector
The Rochusberg is a beautiful corner for walks with views of Rheinhessen, the Nahe Valley and the Rheingau plus the Rhine. A place of strength on a line with the Donnersberg. Hence the Rochus Chapel, which is definitely worth a visit with its stone carvings as well as the grove around it. In autumn all the colors of the vine leaves from green to yellow and ocher to red...
Christopher Kubaseck
Nice staff at the tourist information. There is a lot of free information material about Bingen and the surrounding area. Also a free toilet is available, including disabled toilet and baby changing facilities. Here is also the ticket office for events in the city.
Alexa
Competent staff, had a lot of fun on the recommended tour.
Thomas Schwarzenburg
You had a lot of patience with me! Thank you very much for this detailed customer service and support! All the best to you, you helped me a lot and were always patient and friendly. Best regards and until the next booking!
Jasmin Ackermann
Great tourist information, nice staff, in a beautiful city.
A.K.
One has from the castle Klopp in Bingen on the Rhine, a beautiful view over Bingen, the Rhine shipping and the many vineyards. Interesting is also the castle fountain, and if you are still fit enough, you can climb the 150 stairs up the tower, here you are compensated with a great panoramic view. Also in history, you can expand his horizons up here still something.
Paul Stöckl
The Rochusberg is very beautiful for hiking all around. Everywhere are benches to rest and picnic and enjoy the beautiful view in every direction. Partially at various vantage points are available barbecue areas that you can use after prior registration.
Silvia W.
Rochusberg is a beautiful place, for walking and recharging your batteries. There is ample parking at the Rochuskirche pilgrimage church. A beautiful circular path with references to Hildegard von Bingen lead through the vineyards. The view from the Rochuskirche into the Rhine valley is beautiful.
Manuela Seiter
The museum at the river is great built and very informative, we were there especially because of Hildegard von Bingen. Not to be missed!
Andrea
The park at the Mäuseturm and the beautifully designed Kulturufer are essentially thanks to the successful State Garden Show of 2008. When the weather is nice, countless visitors flock to this place on weekends. It is simply a beautiful destination for young and old with a wonderful view over the Rhine.
Bettina Link
The Kulturufer, a former state garden show area from 2008, is still beautifully maintained and diversified 10 years later, invites you to relax and linger, gardens above, including harbor promenade, playground and catering also available, free parking.
C. Sch.
The Kulturufer is a beautiful, well-maintained facility that is definitely worth a visit. In addition to the ship berths, there is a well-balanced gastronomy. There are free (!), clean toilets, which other cities can take an example! This park is a success!
Patrick