Vallendar: Rheinsteig, Pilgrimage and Culture

Churches and Architectural History

The Catholic parish church of St. Marcellinus and Peter brings together different periods of its history. In 836, Bishop Hetti consecrated it in honour of the Roman catacomb martyrs Marcellinus and Peter. Its west tower dates from 1501; in 1837/41, Lassaulx rebuilt the church as a three-aisled hall church. Those interested in religious buildings will therefore find both an early historical connection and the form of the later new building here.

Other buildings also give Vallendar its historic character. Marienburg was once the seat of the Counts of Sayn and was rebuilt in 1779 by Quirin Josef D'Ester, a sole-leather manufacturer. Haus Meffert was built in 1647 and is considered the oldest wine tavern. The Kaiser-Friedrich-Turm was renovated by the building company in 1988/89. From the tower, there are far-reaching views across the Rhine Valley, the Hunsrück and the Eifel mountains. Vallendar thus brings together different forms of architectural history and a viewpoint with sweeping landscape views.

Rheinsteig and Landscape

Those wishing to include stages of the Rheinsteig in their travel plans can use the stated route locations as a guide: one stage leads from Vallendar to Koblenz-Ehrenbreitstein, and another from Bendorf-Sayn to Vallendar. The two descriptions have different starting and ending points. They can help you match your preferred section of the Rheinsteig to your travel plans without combining the stages into a single route.

The Rhein-Traumpfad Waldschluchtenweg offers another perspective on the landscape. It leads through idyllic stream valleys and unspoilt floodplain landscapes. This description highlights different natural features from the sweeping view from the Kaiser-Friedrich-Turm. Those who appreciate both nature experiences and historic sights can take these different aspects into account when choosing a holiday destination.

Schönstatt and Pilgrimage

The Schönstatt district belongs to Vallendar and is the birthplace and spiritual centre of the international Schönstatt Movement. The Original Shrine is the pilgrimage destination of Schönstatt in Vallendar. Pilgrimage therefore shapes the character of this district in a distinctive way. The Schönstatt Pilgrimage Centre can organise and accompany pilgrimages and other events. For travellers interested in religious history and living pilgrimage traditions, Schönstatt is a distinct focus alongside the architectural history of the parish church.

On Niederwerth Island, opposite Vallendar, stands an old monastery church dating from the 15th century. It is one of the best-preserved and most significant religious buildings on the Middle Rhine. This nearby religious building complements the churches and historic buildings that define Vallendar itself.

More Activities and Practical Information

Vallendar’s mini-golf course is at the edge of town in the direction of Weitersburg, on Weitersburger Weg or by Untere Meerbach. It offers a variety of mini-golf holes in a quiet setting. Guests can be served on the terrace after their game. Alongside the historical and landscape-related attractions, this adds a leisure activity to consider in your travel plans, whether or not you are interested in churches or pilgrimage.

A regular ferry service runs from Vallendar to Koblenz and back. Daily operating hours are listed as 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Those taking this connection into account can also plan their stay with the crossing of the Rhine in mind. The times provide a specific reference point for planning the day.

More places to consider for your trip: Brodenbach, Kruft, Kürrenberg, Dieblich, Mayen, Langscheid, Wierschem and Urbar.

For the main travel overview: Mayen-Koblenz.