Heiligenborn - Schweicher Heilbrunnen, Schweich, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany

## Overview The Heiligenborn, also known as the Schweicher Heilbrunnen ("Holy Spring of Schweich"), is a historic healing spring located on the northwestern edge of the town of Schweich in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany, nestled at the border of the Meulenwald forest. This remarkable site is far more than a simple water source — it is a carefully designed cultural and spiritual landscape comprising a natural spring, a wayside chapel (*Wegekapelle*), a Stations of the Cross pathway, and a wayside cross, all set within a landscaped garden. The spring's documented history stretches back to at least 1602, when the first miracle reports about the healing power of its waters appeared. These accounts of the water's curative properties led to a flourishing spa operation (*Kurbetrieb*) during the 17th century. Although the spring never became a large-scale commercial enterprise in later centuries, it was never forgotten by the local community and remains the most significant healing spring in the district (*Kreisgebiet*). The site's design reflects layers of Christian sacred spring tradition. A tree-lined avenue leads axially toward the wayside chapel, while the eastern side of the avenue features a Kreuzweg (Way of the Cross) with 14 stations that guide visitors down toward the spring itself. The spring has been architecturally enclosed (*gefasst*) multiple times since 1615 and was rededicated as the "Paradiesborn" (Paradise Spring). In 1926, the spring was redesigned into its current form: a sandstone-walled basin with steps leading down to the water. Above the water outlet — which features a carved grotesque face (*Fratzenkopf*) and flanking inscription plaques — stands a sandstone pillar crowned by a high-quality Baroque sandstone statue of the Immaculata, originally conceived as a niche figure. The water itself has been described by visitors as light and neutral in taste. One local family of five has reported drinking the water regularly for months and describes it with great gratitude as "wonderful." The spring has historically been used as a source of healing water, though as with any natural spring, visitors should assess water quality for themselves. ## Directions 1. Head to the town of **Schweich** (postal code 54338) in the Trier-Saarburg district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. 2. From the center of Schweich, travel **northwest** toward the edge of the **Meulenwald** forest. 3. The spring complex is located at the forest margin — look for the tree-lined avenue and the Stations of the Cross pathway, which are distinctive landmarks. 4. **GPS coordinates:** 49.82436, 6.753062 The site is always accessible (*immer zugänglich*) — there are no restricted hours. ## What to Expect Visitors will find a beautifully maintained devotional landscape steeped in centuries of history. The approach along the tree-lined avenue, flanked by the 14 Stations of the Cross, creates a contemplative atmosphere as you descend toward the spring. The spring basin itself is enclosed by sandstone walls, with a stairway leading down to the water level. The carved grotesque face above the water outlet and the elegant Baroque Immaculata statue give the site a striking artistic character. The water flows freely and the spring is publicly accessible at all times. The surrounding Meulenwald forest provides a peaceful, shaded setting that makes this an ideal stop for walkers, pilgrims, and anyone interested in the intersection of natural springs, sacred architecture, and regional history. The site is well-suited for a quiet visit of 30 minutes to an hour, allowing time to walk the Stations of the Cross and explore the chapel and garden grounds. This is considered a significant cultural heritage site (*Kulturobjekt*) in the region, reflecting both the Historicism and Art Nouveau periods in its architectural elements.