Waldenburg Chapel

Since the 18th century, this Waldenburg chapel has been a Marian pilgrimage site with a 30-centimetre-high Gothic miraculous image of unknown origin, which is said to date from the 14th century and was enhanced with silver ornaments in 1756.

In 1965, the chapel had to make way for the construction of the Biggetal dam. It is now housed in the South Sauerland Museum.

About 50 meters further up the hill, the chapel was rebuilt by the Ruhrtalsperrenverein at its current location using the historic roof truss. The Barons of Fürstenberg still own the chapel today. The Catholic parish of Attendorn has taken over the ecclesiastical care. In a solemn procession on December 11, 1966, the image of the Virgin Mary was brought from Sauerland Cathedral to the newly built chapel.

Pilgrimages to the Waldenburg chapel still take place regularly today, mainly from the parishes in the surrounding area. Around 60,000 candles are lit every year.There is always a large nativity scene in the chapel at Christmas time. There are more than 70 figures on 35 square meters. Even when the chapel is closed, the nativity scene can be viewed through a grille. There is also a replica of the Waldenburg chapel in the nativity scene.

In 2020, the access path to the chapel was made barrier-free. A paved footpath and a ramp at the chapel make it much easier for people with restricted mobility to access the pilgrimage site.

(Text: www.wikipedia.de)