Shelter Hochgerichtsheide

This hut is situated in the “Hochgerichtsheide”. In the Middle Ages, Kleinich played an important part as seat of the high court. The feudal lords subsumed several villages to so-called high courts (Hochgerichte), where law was executed.

High Court Kleinich comprised the villages Kleinich, Thalkleinich, Oberkleinich, Hochscheid, Horbruch, Wederath, Ilsbach, Götzeroth, Emmeroth, Pilmeroth, Kautenbach, Fronhofen, Beuren and Irmenach. The court with the gallows was located on the heath near Wederath, which is still called Hochgerichtsheide today. Near this high place the post road led past and the gallows visible from far should admonish the passers not to deviate from the right way. This high court also ruled in favour of serious crimes.