Ever wonder about a village nestled between the Schönberg-Hohfirst area and the Black Forest? That’s Sölden. It is a charming municipality in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald. Sölden is located less than ten kilometers south of Freiburg im Breisgau.
Sölden boasts a rich history. Its first documented mention dates back to 805 AD. Back then, it was known as Marca Selidon. This name likely evolved from the Celtic word “selda”. Selda refers to the smallest peasant property size. “Marca” meant a place to live or a market town. So Sölden was probably a small agricultural settlement with a regular market.
In 2005, Sölden proudly celebrated its 1200th anniversary. However, this doesn’t mean Sölden was founded in 805. Like many places, that was simply the first time it appeared in writing.
Let’s talk about the name “Hexental” too. You might think it’s linked to witches. Surprisingly, only one woman was ever executed as a witch in the valley. The name likely comes from the Celtic word “hags”. “Hags” became “Hagsental” and then “Hexental”. It described a field surrounded by bushes or a hedge.
Sölden’s history includes a monastery. Around 1087, Prior Ulrich von Zell founded a nunnery in Bollschweil. In 1115, it moved to Sölden in the Hexental. This priory reported directly to Cluny Abbey. About 13 to 20 nuns lived there. They were led by a provost appointed by Cluny. A fire damaged the church and monastery in 1468. Monastic order declined. By 1500, no female convent existed in Sölden.
Sölden formed a dominion with Au. It was under two manorial estates until the 19th century. In 1805, it became part of Baden.
Above Sölden once stood a castle. It stood on a 595-meter-high mountain ridge called “Bürgle”. Traces of it were still visible in 1884. Today, only remnants of two moats and a rock with a few wall remains are visible. Gerold von Scherzingen likely built it around or before 1100. However, it was torn down or destroyed around 1115. Gerold then donated the land to Cluny Abbey to build a women’s monastery. So the history of Sölden’s monastery starts with the destruction of this castle.
Sölden has changed over time. In 1871, its population was 327. By 1995, it had grown to 1,050. Once a village of farmers, today many residents commute to work in Freiburg.
Sölden is part of the Hexental. Its area covers only 380 hectares. The lowest point is 318 meters above sea level. The village church stands at 400 meters. The Bürgle is at 578 meters. The highest point is the Kohlerkopf at 732 meters.
Today, Sölden is a member of the Fédération des Sites Clunisiens. This is a European network of places linked to Cluny Abbey’s history. This connection highlights Sölden’s long and fascinating past. It links this small village to a wider European story.