High above the Bavarian Lower Main region sits Eichenbühl. This charming community boasts a rich history. Its story begins long ago in Riedern a nearby village. There lived the noble family of Riedern. Their coat of arms a red pot is still part of Eichenbühl’s emblem today.
Eichenbühl’s journey through time is fascinating. It was once part of the Archbishopric of Mainz. Then in 1803 it became part of the Principality of Leiningen. Later Baden took control. In 1810 it joined the Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt. Finally in 1816 after the Hesse-Bavaria settlement in Frankfurt Eichenbühl became Bavarian. The community we see today formed in 1818 with Bavaria’s administrative reforms.
The population of Eichenbühl has fluctuated over the years. In 1970 there were 2553 inhabitants. This rose to 2680 in 1987 then to 2809 in 2000. However by 2013 it had decreased to 2572. Today the population hovers around 2535.
Eichenbühl’s coat of arms tells a story. The six-spoked Wheel of Mainz is a nod to its former rulers. The red pot symbolises the Riedern family. A flag represents Heppdiel. The cross on the flag remembers Saint Maurice’s Parish Church there. Finally the oak sprig is a clever reference to Eichenbühl itself. Eiche means oak in German.
Eichenbühl is more than just history. It’s a place of vibrant activity. Every year it hosts the AvD/GAMSC International Lower Franconia Hillclimb. This thrilling event takes place on a 3.05 km course. It winds along State Road 507 from Eichenbühl to Umpfenbach. The hillclimb grows more popular each year attracting many spectators.
The community also has a modern face. In 1998 254 people worked in trade and transport. Seventy-six worked in other sectors while 1009 worked from home. There were seven construction businesses and 32 agricultural operations. These operations used 1076 hectares of land. 716 hectares were cropland and 351 were meadowland.
Eichenbühl had an impressive education system back in 1999. There were kindergartens with 75 places for 107 children. A primary school had 18 teachers and 309 pupils. Today Eichenbühl remains a vital part of the Bavarian landscape. Its history is a tapestry woven from different eras and communities. The community spirit remains strong. Eichenbühl continues to thrive blending the past and the present.