Imagine this: a gentle breeze carries the scent of lavender and thyme as you stroll along a narrow path through lush herb beds. In the distance, the chime of the church bell rings out from the Tyrolean mountain village of Reith im Alpbachtal.
Whether you’re an avid herb enthusiast, looking for a peaceful spot in nature, or simply curious about the ancient medicine of St. Hildegard of Bingen, this modest garden has something for everyone.
Who was Hildegard van Bingen?
Before entering the garden, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the woman whose name it bears. Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) was a German Benedictine abbess, mystic, herbalist, and composer. She grew up in a convent in the Rhineland and was elected abbess at the age of 38. Her visions and her insatiable thirst for knowledge constantly drove her forward.
Hildegard wrote extensively on the healing power of nature, including her famous *Physica*, in which she describes the medicinal properties of hundreds of plants, herbs, minerals and gemstones. In this work, she explains how herbs containing bitter compounds, such as wormwood and yarrow, strengthen the body, aid digestion and even support the liver and gallbladder. She was the first to identify marigold as a medicinal plant for skin conditions, an insight that remains medically valid today.
In 2012, she was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI. Her holistic approach to body, mind, and soul makes her teachings surprisingly relevant even in our modern times. As a result, there are numerous doctors and therapists in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium who actively practice her form of medicine.
The Birth of the Garden: Women’s Power in the Alpbachtal
The history of the Hildegard herb garden in Reith im Alpbachtal is a tale of passion, perseverance, and community spirit.
In 2011, ten women from Reith im Alpbachtal noticed a vacant lot next to the village school and came up with an inspiring idea: to transform the site into a thriving herb garden based on the teachings of Hildegard of Bingen. They founded the Hildegard Association of Reith and got to work. The municipality of Reith and three neighboring farmers made the land, located on the Sonnbichl (Sun Hill), available free of charge.
What followed were two years of voluntary work, enthusiasm, and perseverance. Today, the Hildegard herb garden has grown into a **must-see attraction in Reith im Alpbachtal**, drawing visitors from across the Alpbachtal valley, as well as from South Tyrol and Bavaria.
What makes this herb garden so special?
The Hildegard Herb Garden in Reith im Alpbachtal is the first herb and healing garden of its kind in all of Tyrol, dedicated to the teachings of Hildegard of Bingen. The 900-square-meter site, situated on a small hill next to the school, is an oasis of tranquility with a beautiful view of the village and the parish church of Reith, with the imposing Tyrolean mountain peaks in the background.
What you’ll find in the garden:
- Dozens of medicinal herbs, flowers, shrubs, and trees, all of which feature in the teachings of Hildegard of Bingen. Think of lavender, yarrow, milk thistle, soothing meadowsweet, betony root, and many others.
- Wooden information signs next to each plant tell you what healing properties Hildegard attributed to the herb.
- The lavender herb heart, the garden’s showpiece: an elegant heart formed by purple lavender plants, right in the middle of the garden. This is a favorite spot for both regular visitors and first-time guests.
- Quiet seating areas where you can unwind and soak up the serene atmosphere of the garden.
The Hildegard Round Walk: More Than Just the Garden
A visit to the herb garden can be perfectly combined with the Hildegard circular walking trail, an accessible and largely flat walk of about 3 kilometres around Reith im Alpbachtal.
Visit information: Everything you need to know
Opening hours
The Hildegard Herb Garden is open daily from April through October. Please note that the garden is at its most impressive during the peak of the summer season, from May through September.
Admission to the garden is free. There is a small donation box at the entrance. The garden is run entirely by volunteers and donations, so a small contribution is always welcome and appreciated.
Please note: Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the garden.
Special Events in the Hildegard Garden
Have a look at the current events calendar on the garden’s website: www.hildegardgarten-reith.at.
From Hildegard Winkel: Reveries of Herbs and Healing Power
In the heart of the village, right next to the church, you’ll find the “Einfach Leben” Naturladen (Simple Living), a specialty shop entirely dedicated to the teachings of Hildegard of Bingen.
Our staff has years of experience with the Hildegard tradition and is happy to offer personalized advice. It’s the perfect way to round out your visit to the herb garden.