Geismar is explicitly listed as a stop on several pilgrimage and hiking routes. The routes differ in whether they include the village in a loop to Hülfensberg or pass through it as part of a longer stage. St. Ursula Church adds a historical landmark right in the village.
Pilgrimage Routes and Longer Stages
Pilgrimage Route 1 leads from Hülfensberg via Döringsdorf to Geismar, then via Rollsberg and Wilbich back to Geismar, and returns to Hülfensberg via the Way of the Cross. The village therefore appears twice along the route as described. Pilgrimage Route 2 leads from Hülfensberg via Döringsdorf, the former border patrol road, Lengenfeld/Stein and the former railway line to Geismar; the return to Hülfensberg is via the Way of the Cross. Both routes connect Geismar with the pilgrimage mountain, but describe different sequences of paths.
The third stage of the Leine-Werra Nature Park Trail also passes through Geismar. It runs from the Großbartloff Waterfall via Wilbich, Geismar, Hülfensberg Monastery, the Eichsfeld Cross and Hildebrandshausen to Lengenfeld Draisine Station. On this stage, the ascent to Hülfensberg follows the processional path. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
The Hülfensberg Cross Trail leads from Geismar up to Hülfensberg along the processional path, which is lined with linden trees. As a circular route, the Cross Trail passes through the Herrntal valley on its way back to Geismar. This offers a choice of different routes: a pilgrimage loop with Geismar as a recurring stop, a longer Nature Park stage, or the described ascent from the village with a return through the Herrntal valley.
Hülfensberg: Pilgrimage and Art
Hülfensberg, with its pilgrimage church, lies near Geismar. The church was built between 1360 and 1367. A Romanesque cross from the 12th century, the Hülfenskreuz, is venerated in the church. It is the destination for pilgrims to Hülfensberg and depicts Christ as a gold-crowned king, gazing benevolently and triumphant over death. The information about the church and the cross therefore refers to different periods and distinct aspects of the pilgrimage site.
Since German reunification, an annual pilgrimage has been held at Hülfensberg on 3 October, German Unity Day. Concerts also offer a specific reason to visit: admission is free, and donations are requested during a collection at the door. After concerts at the Hülfensberg Franciscan monastery, coffee and cake are served in the pilgrims’ hall. This offering is tied to the concerts; check its availability and concert dates before visiting.
History in the Village Centre
St. Ursula Church is in the centre of Geismar. It was rebuilt in 1827 and received a bell tower in 1907. Those interested in local history will find a tangible point of reference here in the heart of the village. Together with the route descriptions, this creates a contrast between history on site and the religious destinations in the surrounding area.
More Things to Explore in the Eichsfeld
The wider Eichsfeld destination offers more than Geismar: the region has castles, historic towns, open fields, natural monuments, and cycling and hiking trails. The Eichsfeld Museum, housed in Heilbad Heiligenstadt’s Baroque Jesuit college, explores the history, culture, religious life and folklore of the Eichsfeld across three floors.
Burg Bodenstein adds another historical highlight to the Eichsfeld. It was first mentioned in a document in 1098 and stands on a promontory of the Ohm Mountains. Regular tours there explore the history of the former lords of the castle, the von Wintzingerode family; visitors can also see the small chapel with its baptismal angel. Check tour dates in advance.
Another regional tradition takes place in Dingelstädt: every year on Easter Monday, preschool children ride wooden hobby horses decorated with bells and colourful ribbons around St. Mary’s Church. Such regional destinations and customs broaden the picture of Geismar’s pilgrimage routes to include other cultural themes in the Eichsfeld, without conflating them with the routes in the village.
Discover more destinations: Niederorschel, Kirchworbis, Schönhagen, Wachstedt, Küllstedt, Asbach-Sickenberg, Teistungen, Haynrode.
View the main travel overview: Eichsfeld.
