About the Schwanberg Labyrinth
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The
Schwanberg Labyrinth was built in 1995 by a group
of people taking interest in labyrinths. After numerous workshops
and considerations about the subject for long weeks the labyrinth
was designed in its very own unique shape and realised. Rosmarie
Schmid from Zurich and Gernot Dettweiler
from Ingolstadt had been originally consulted and worked with
the group.
Mrs.
and Mr. Koller (the Schwanberg parson at that
time, now both in Erfurt) took part too. On August 2, 2003 parson
Koller visited the labyrinth.
The
outline of the labyrinth and the words "Der Weg ist das Ziel"
(the way is the destination) was engraved into a rock,
taken from the excavation of the first Chapel of St. Michael.
The rock, invariably guarding the entrance to the labyrinth, now
appears somewhat weather beaten.
There
is a sun-dial in front of the entrance to the
labyrinth. Small stone blocks, arranged in a half circle present
the hours. The shadow of the visitor actually takes the place
of the short hand when he stand on the small paved path, the actual
position of course depends on the season. It is meant to symbolise
the relationship of space and time.
The
labyrinth was laid out as a square, with bordering hedges. The
hedges are no longer there today. They disappeared, along with
many other objects that had been placed there originally. Nature
itself is responsible for part of it, since it is a natural labyrinth
and located on a meadow surrounded by old apple trees.
Many shrubs have been planted and many flowers and plants sown.
The
tile with the outline of the Schwanberg Labyrinth was created
by Gabriele Schubert, a ceramic artist from
Reupelsdorf. She is prepared to give artistic form to any customised
tile you may wish.
The
gentleman in this picture claims to have been "the gardeners
assistant of the first hour". But he is selling
himself a bit short, he has actually done more than that. Anyway,
he is happy that the labyrinth-idea is still going strong after
all these years.
For
a while the labyrinth was in danger to disappear in the wild growing
vegetation, but meanwhile a small number of women, full of enthusiasm
from Kitzingen and Prichsenstadt have committed themselves
to the care of the labyrinth at present.
The
playground located nearby is good for the labyrinth.
The children run with drive and enthusiasm through the paths and
in doing so help to keep the paths clear from overgrowth.
The
labyrinth is located between the convent building
for the sisters of the Community Casteller Ring and the old
farmhouse on Schwanberg. From the central parking lot
you turn right toward the farmhouse, turn left in front of it.After
crossing the children's playground you may enter a small gate
in the low fence.
Not
far away from here there are radio and transmitting aerials of
different civil and military institutions. Schwanberg (hill of
Swans) reaches a height of 470 metres right on the edge of the
Steigerwald, a low Franconian mountain range.
Schwanberg area belongs to the village of Rödelsee.
Schwanberg is within easy reach from the railway
station Iphofen and by car coming from the highway A3 from Frankfurt
- Nürnberg, Kitzingen exit and then via B8 through Kitzingen,
Mainbernheim, Rödelsee.
The
Schwanberg Labyrinth is totally different from
other types of labyrinth. Its form is not inspired by the classical
7 circuit labyrinth or similar forms, developed over the last
1000 years. It has a diameter measuring 18 metres and paths aapproximately
200 metres long. Since the way back is the same lenghts as the
way in, you actually walk about 400 metres.
One
principle for a labyrinth is therefore met: To
gain as much room possible in a narrow and very limited space
available. You are circling around once counter-clock wise before
entering the path leding to the middle. The path meanders in four
double coils through four sections toward the middle; you proceed
by first walking the left lower section, then the the left upper
section, then you go on to the right upper section and finally
the right lower section which leads to the middle.
These
technical facts however are not the essentials for a labyrinth.
There are a great many interpretations and explanations. Some
of them you might discover in a different part of this web site.
But for every person who has walked the Schwanberg
Labyrinth, the most important factor is the personal significance.
Quotations
taken from a flyer about the Schwanberg Labyrinth,
which can be found in the foyer of Saint Michael's church. The
text is translated for you.
Here
the road to the Schwanberg comes to an end. If you want it to
be, it is also a labyrinthine way. Its branches off the main road
at the bottom of the hill between the villages of Rödelsee
and Wiesenbronn, wind up the hill and end here
at the top. The way back is the same, there is no other way.
The Schwanberg has a long and extensive historic tradition, but
today is commonly known as "Geistliches Zentrum
Schwanberg"
(Spiritual Center Schwanberg), an institution for reflective
conferences and meditation maintaining its own spirituality
for the past 50 years.
The
Schwanberg Café also is a longstanding
tradition on the mountain. Many years managed by the sisters of
the Community themselves, it is now leased and aptly operated
by Miss Doris Paul as of last year (2002). Here
you can enjoy "Franconian hospitality", the view and
some peace and quiet.
More
information under www.schwanberg.de ... Link >
The Schwanbergsee
For more pictures of the labyrinth
please go to the Photo Gallery under Schwanberg
>
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