Bergkirche

Upon this hill stands the Bergkirche a testament to time. This isn’t just any church. It’s the Bergkirche in Freiburg-Opfingen a landmark of the neighborhood. Built in 1778 this structure replaced an older church from 1525. The current Bergkirche was designed by Carl Friedrich Meerwein. He cleverly incorporated the older church’s tower. This tower was raised during construction. The Bergkirche is more than a building. It’s a symbol of Freiburg-Opfingen. Its elevated position gives it the name Bergkirche meaning mountain church. The church sits on a slope of the Tuniberg. This offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It is a rectangular building with a hipped roof. Five window axes mark its length three its width. The Bergkirche’s tower is capped with a gable roof. A stork nest sits atop the roof. This is regularly occupied by storks. Two clock faces adorn the tower’s sides. They are located beneath the bell openings. The bell itself dates back to 1698. Inside the Bergkirche is surprisingly understated. A few rococo elements remain. These include the balustrades of the galleries. The pulpit and organ are also from this era. The church’s interior is exceptionally bright. This is due to the abundance of clear glass windows. These are square on the lower level rectangular above. The ceiling is a simple coffered ceiling. A large gallery is located above the entrance. A smaller gallery on the opposite side houses the organ. This organ built by Georg Marcus Stein in 1781 is one of the oldest playable organs in the Breisgau region. It boasts 800 pipes across 13 registers. It has undergone several renovations and restorations throughout history. Each repair reveals the Bergkirche’s enduring importance. The Bergkirche in Freiburg-Opfingen is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a living piece of history. A place where the past whispers stories to those who listen. A true Freiburg treasure.