Picture the Berghauser Kapelle. Imagine yourself standing before this serene chapel nestled amongst the rolling hills. This unassuming structure holds centuries of history. It stands as a silent witness to the ebb and flow of life in the region.
The Berghauser Kapelle isn’t just a pretty building. Its current form dates back to 1748. Long before that however there was a settlement of the same name. This medieval village existed around 1400. It belonged to the St Trudpert monastery in the Münstertal valley. The chapel replaced an older church. This older church was once the center of a pilgrimage. The pilgrimage honored “Maria vom guten Rat”. You can still see her depiction on the chapel’s left side altar.
The Berghauser Kapelle’s small onion dome is a striking feature. It makes the chapel visible from afar. A footpath leads to the chapel. It starts at the cemetery in Ebringen. The path features seven stations. These were built as early as 1751. Today the chapel serves as a popular wedding venue. It even served as the main location for the 2012 film “Jesus liebt mich”.
Surrounding the Berghauser Kapelle are the Berghauser Matten. This area is a protected nature reserve. This 150-hectare area is diverse. It includes pastureland still grazed by sheep. There are also semi-dry grasslands. You’ll also find orchards. Glatthaferwiesen meadows and wooded areas also contribute to the reserve’s rich ecosystem. There are small bodies of water and reed beds. A wealth of flora and fauna thrives here. From Riesenschachtelhalm (giant horsetail) to various orchids. This includes the rare Ohnsporn and red and white Waldvögelein. Animals like the shrike, the grasshopper warbler, and the wryneck are also found here. Even snakes like the smooth snake and the ringed snake call this home.
The Berghauser Matten have a unique history. The French army used the area as a training ground until the early 1990s. This unusual past helped preserve the area’s natural beauty. This is why the area exhibits such an unusual and rich biodiversity.The tranquility of the Berghauser Kapelle contrasts sharply with its lively surroundings. Yet it harmoniously fits into the larger picture. It’s a testament to the enduring power of faith and nature. The chapel stands as a lasting symbol of the region’s rich past and vibrant present. It truly is a place of both spiritual and natural wonder. So take a moment to appreciate this hidden gem. Savor the peace and quiet. Let the history of the Berghauser Kapelle wash over you.