What secrets does this ancient stone hold? Right here, we find the Hohbannstein. It is more than just a marker. It is a testament to a time of shifting borders and territorial disputes.
The Hohbannstein, sometimes called Hohebannstein, stands as a historic boundary stone. Specifically, it sits on the southern part of the Schönberg massif. This is south of Freiburg im Breisgau. The stone marks a unique point. Five municipalities meet here. These are Bollschweil, Ebringen, Kirchhofen, Pfaffenweiler and Wolfenweiler. Such a convergence is quite rare.
The name Hohbannstein comes from the word “Bann.” In the Alemannic language, “Bann” means district. The Hohbannstein is the most prominent of many boundary stones. These stones mark the borders converging on this spot in the Hohfirstwald. The grandest stones lie on the border between Ebringen and Wolfenweiler.
To reach the Hohbannstein, take the road from Ebringen to Wittnau. You will find it 410 meters above sea level. It is a short walk from the Hohfirst summit. The Hohbannstein is also near the old Bollschweil lime mine.
Until the 15th century, the Hohfirst was a commons. Nearby villages shared its resources. Population growth and independent local policies changed this. Villages wanted to expand their territories. Pfaffenweiler and Wolfenweiler clashed over land. Ebringen was also involved. Pfaffenweiler tried to control the northwestern Hohfirst. This would have been at the expense of Wolfenweiler and Ebringen. The claim failed. In 1748, the Hohfirst was divided. The boundaries set then are still in place today. The Hohbannstein was erected at that time.
The division of the Hohfirst shows the complicated politics of the late Middle Ages. Territorial disputes involved nobles and their villages. Villages needed their lords’ support to claim territories.
The Hohbannstein is shaped like a pentagon. Each side bears the coat of arms of a bordering municipality. The original stone was damaged in 1996 during a forestry accident. It is now in the Pfaffenweiler village museum. Since 1997, a replica stands at the boundary point.
In her book about Bollschweil, Marie Luise Kaschnitz described the “Hohen Bannstein.” She called it an old boundary stone with five coats of arms. She wondered what had once been there. A meeting place? A crucifix? Something all the villages wanted a part of?
This stone, the Hohbannstein, is more than just a marker. It is a symbol of history. It speaks of old disputes and shared spaces.