Schankweiler Klause

A baroque gem in the solitude of the forest
In the northeast of the Ferschweiler Plateau, above the villages of Schankweiler and Holsthum, lies a simple little church in the middle of the woods. Two plaques on the facade provide information about its year of construction; the inscription and the niche figure above the portal point to its patroness: the current pilgrimage chapel Maria Hilf was built in 1762 on the Schankweiler height. It was not the first structure on this site; a chapel with the accompanying cloister was already mentioned in 1648.

Those who enter the church are amazed: Behind the simple facade lies a rich late Baroque interior. The centerpiece of the main altar is the image of grace, a enthroned Madonna, surrounded by a radiant halo from the 17th century. This is the Mother of Good Counsel, to whom numerous people pilgrimage each year. To the right on the wall stands a black Madonna - the "Sorrowful Mary," around whom many legends have formed.

The first hermits had to make do with a tiny eremitic cell on the protruding rock next to the chapel, which was only accessible via a small bridge. Even today, a walkway leads to the rock. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the current hermit residence was built, which is attached to the south side of the church. About 25 hermits inhabited the cloister over time.

From May to September, the Schankweiler Cloister is a very popular wedding church.

Every year, on May 1st, the pilgrimage season is opened with a pilgrim’s mass.

Additionally, regular services are held. Please inquire at the church for details.

The Schankweiler Cloister is the start and end point of the Klausnerweg hike in the NaturWanderPark delux. A hiking parking lot is located a short distance from the church and the hermit residence.