A unique historical hiking trail - which connects the Sinn and Saale.
The name NONNENPFAD is reminiscent of the unmarried daughters of the Rieneck counts who took this path to enter the then Cistercian monastery of Schönau. Because this was probably not always done voluntarily, people also called this path the "Path of Tears".
The Schönau monastery, with its more than 800-year history, owes its existence to the two most important noble families in the region in the Middle Ages: the Barons of Thüngen and the Counts of Rieneck. Its foundation in 1189 goes back to the noble family of Thüngen.
In the middle of the 13th century, however, the young women's monastery threatened to become deserted again. Now the Rieneck family ensured its preservation and continued existence, particularly by sending young women from the noble family. Elevated to an abbey, the monastery flourished for almost three centuries, with six of the abbesses coming from the Rieneck family alone. In the 16th century, however, the monastery was severely affected by military destruction and looting, including during the Peasants' War. In addition, a lack of offspring forced the Schönau Cistercians to abandon their monastery in 1800. 1564.
After 135 years of decay, the Franciscan Minorites from Würzburg brought the Schönau monastery back to life.
Distance approx. 6.5 km
Duration approx. 2 hours
uphill 270 m
downhill 270 m
Source: information board at the location