The beginning of the christianisation began in the 8th century by the francs. Before the Eichsfeld 1802/03 came to Prussia, it belonged about five centuries to the health resort-princely diocese Mainz. Of the fact results that the region remained Catholic up to some exceptions. This not always was in such a way. The impulse of religious change, caused by Martin Luther, also spread out above our Eichsfeld. In most places the new apprenticeship had found entrance. On the 15th of May, 1574 fallow elector and archbishop Daniel Brendel of Homburg in Mainz on to begin the counterreformation in the Eichsfeld. He planned the country, took the superior and clerk on commission post with reliable men and founded the Jesuit's lecture saint's town which became the centre of the counterreform. According to the declaration of the Augsburg religious peace of 1555 (cujus regio – ejus religio/of whom the rule – whose faith), the return was concluded to the Catholic faith in 1648. Men of the castle ground stone remained Protestant and with it also to the court to belonging villages Wintzingerode, Kaltohmfeld, Kirchohmfeld, Tastungen and Wehnde. 
Still today shines the town to Leinefelde–Worbis with both parts Leinefelde and Worbis, to the municipalities Kirch-and Kaltohmfeld, Wintzingerode, Breitenbach, Ferna, Beuren, Birkungen, Breitenholz, the old confessional picture again. The culture of the Eichsfeld is still stamped by Christian values and traditions. If we think, besides, of many churches, cloisters and chapels, but also of gravestones, stones tablet and roadside calvaries.

pope's visit in germany

Well prepared Eichsfelder expecting for the pope's visit in germany - station Eichsfeld, 2011/09/23
place of the event: pilgrimage church "Saint Marien" in Etzelsbach/Eichsfeld, former office castle Scharfenstein

online-reservation
Accomodation of the region Eichsfeld (german sites of HVE) >> booking rooms in the Eichsfeld

well prepared informations of hotels, guesthouses...Eichsfeld (Download ca. 28 MB)
accomodaditon catalogue of the region Eichsfeld (german language) >> Eichsfeld-Accomodation.pdf

"Eichsfeld" - a special scenery in the heart of Germany
Who has attended once this unique region between Harz and Werra, can avoid her stimuli hardly more. A diverse scenery with marvellous hill catenas as well as affectionately decorated towns and villages mark the image of the Eichsfeld. However, not only the nature, but also her inhabitants make this region something unique.

Many associate the Eichsfeld with attractive scenery and dependable, diligent people whose religiousness has deeply rooted in the region. Churches, cloisters and castles mark the landscape. Chapels and pilgrim's sites invite for rest, from everywhere it drags Christians to pilgrimages and processions. The Eichsfeld is an icon for lived faith. Also arises the long preserved and blasting wish of the Eichsfeld people to welcome the pope in her native country.

By the central position in the geographical middle of Germany Pilgrimage church "Saint Marien" in Etzelsbach forms in Eichsfeld an interface for all Eichsfeld pilgrimage sites, links the pilgrim's way "Loccum - Volkenroda" as well as the distant footpath "Harz - Eichsfeld - Thuringian wood". The paths help regions to the union, link people in her faith and offer self-contemplation in hectic times.
By a pope's visit the pilgrimage church "Saint Marien" in Etzelsbach in the area Eichsfeld would become the most important landmark in the pilgrim's routes.

This event can be appreciated later in the Christian centre which originates in the castle Scharfenstein accordingly. Finally, Etzelsbach, historically seen, belonged to the former office Scharfenstein.