Forest chapel/hermitage

Anyone setting off from the walkers’ car park or the bus stop through the lush green woodland will, after just a few minutes’ walk, come across a real hidden gem in the Münsterland. Nestled within the rolling hills of the Hohe Mark Nature Park lies the Reken Forest Chapel – a place that harmoniously combines history, spirituality and nature. A small chapel was built here as early as the 17th century, after a shepherd discovered a spring beneath a rose bush, the water from which is said to have healed him. This event marked the beginning of the veneration of the Virgin Mary at this site. The chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, houses a Pietà dating from the 16th/17th century. This work of art, originally from the Church of St Lamberti in Coesfeld, was acquired for the Reken Forest Chapel by Brother Antonius Fischer in 1782. Until 1879, hermits lived here and looked after the chapel.

Today, the Reken Forest Chapel is a wonderful place to enjoy peace and tranquillity amidst nature. Surrounded by dense woodland, the chapel lies amidst well-tended meadows. There are plenty of places to sit, perfect for relaxing or having a picnic. Along the short, idyllically laid-out processional path and the longer Way of the Cross, there are numerous religious symbols to discover.

Let yourself be inspired

The forest chapel on an early autumn day
© Münsterland e.V./Christoph Partsch
Beautiful outdoor facilities surround the Reken forest chapel
© Münsterland e.V./Christoph Partsch
The forest chapel in the Hohe Mark Nature Park near Reken
© Münsterland e.V./Christoph Partsch
View of the altar of the forest chapel
© Münsterland e.V.
Marvellous nature surrounds the forest chapel in Reken
© Münsterland e.V.
The small room in the forest chapel is open during the day
© Münsterland e.V.

A look inside

The simple beauty of the forest chapel is also reflected in its interior. The altar with the ornate Marian lament, the candlelight and the subdued light invite you to enjoy moments of peace. The forest chapel is open during the day and can be visited free of charge.

Map | Forest Chapel

Service & offers

  • Bus stop
  • Car park
  • Picnic area
  • WC (barrier-free)

Insider tip | Picnic at the forest chapel

The marvellous picnic area at the forest chapel in Reken
© Münsterland e.V./Christoph Partsch

There's nothing better than a picnic in this idyllic setting. The location is simply marvellous: surrounded by the dense forests of the Hohe Mark and with a view of the picturesque forest chapel. There are four cosy picnic spots, two of which are also covered, where you can take a break and unwind.

Your way to the picnic area

Address

Forest Chapel Reken
Berge 25
48734 Reken

How to get there

The forest chapel is just a few minutes' walk from the K48 / Sandheck car park. Travelling by bus? You can find more information below.

By bus and train to the forest chapel

Bus and train in Münsterland
© Münsterland e.V.

Preserving the good together! Use bus and train for your journey and protect the climate and the environment. In Münsterland, this is often much better than you think.

  • Maria Veen railway station is approx. 2.5 km from the Waldkapelle.
  • The station is served by trains from Essen, Gladbeck, Dorsten and Coesfeld.
  • Footpaths and cycle paths lead from the railway station to the forest chapel.
  • The bus stop "Waldkapelle" is about 500 metres from the Waldkapelle and offers connections from the railway stations, Maria Veen, Reken and Borken.

Sights around the forest chapel

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