Industry and history

 

This region was shaped by mining for hard coal above and underground. The hill in the background is artificial, built from mining waste. But nearly unfazed by this lies in the valley the historic village of Schöller with its castle, an old mill and a church from the 12th century.

Schöller mill

Castle Schöller

Protestant church in Schöller

River Düssel

Silent dialogue

A former mine pit, now nature reserve

Next to the former mine pit one finds the village of Gruiten, with one thousand years of history. Tourists especially appreciate the old town core with its timber frame buildings.

Village of Gruiten

More or less... grey

If there hadn't been the last fall foliage it had been a very depressing hike. Grey skies, muddy and slippery trails, but also nice vistas and a castle to boot. The region is densely populated, however, it is amazing how the trail uses the green corridors in between to avoid metropolitan areas.

Castle Hardenberg in Velbert

The village Düssel

Tillmannsdorf Saddle - a window into Earth history

Getting back to work

It only took a few weeks to get me back on track. I got two job offers at the same time and I made my decision. I will be back supporting the supply chain in the IT-infrastructure, a business sector I had worked in before almost a quarter of a century ago.

The journey is the destination (Confucius)

Meanwhile I used my free time and dry weather spells to rack up some more mileage on foot by starting the Bergischer Weg, a long-distance hiking route located in the Bergisches Land region of Germany. It stretches over approximately 260 kilometers (around 162 miles) and offers hikers the opportunity to explore the beautiful natural landscapes, charming villages, and historical sites of this picturesque part of North Rhine-Westphalia, beginning in the city of Essen and ending on the shores of the river Rhine in Königswinter.

Key Features of the Bergischer Weg:

1. Scenic Beauty: The trail winds through a variety of landscapes, including dense forests, rolling hills, rivers, and meadows. Hikers can enjoy views of the region’s characteristic half-timbered houses and stone bridges.

2. Historical Significance: The route passes through areas rich in local history, with landmarks such as old castles, mills, and churches, as well as remnants of the region's industrial heritage, especially the former textile and iron industries.

3. Cultural Heritage: The Bergischer Weg is not just a nature trail but also a cultural journey. It passes through small towns and villages, where visitors can experience traditional local culture, cuisine, and architecture.

4. Well-Designed Path: The trail is clearly marked and is suitable for both experienced and beginner hikers. It is divided into several stages, allowing hikers to choose routes that fit their schedules and abilities.

5. Accessibility: The trail is accessible by public transportation, making it easy for hikers to start or finish at various points along the way.

   Start in Essen at Baldeney Lake

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

   

   Castle Isenburg (12th century)

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Journey's End

A short ferry ride took me to Rüdesheim, where I continued to walk in Hildegard's steps. Rüdesheim, for reasons unbeknownst to me is very popular with international tourists.

At the Benedictine abbey of Eibingen, also founded by Hildegard to further expand her efforts to create a greater community for women in the church,  I paid a visit to her shrine and tomb to honour her legacy. My journey ended at the new founded monastery St. Hildegard.

A pilgim's booklet