Hidden in the southern entrance of the Hexental valley lies Guttighofen. A tiny hamlet straddling the border of Ehrenkirchen and Bollschweil. Its single street bears the same enchanting name.
Guttighofen’s history whispers of ancient times. Its first documented mention as Gnittinhovin possibly dates back to 1270. A later record from 1344 uses the name Guttikoven. This suggests a name derived from a person. This person’s identity remains a mystery lost to time.
The oldest building in Guttighofen is the Felsenmühle a rock mill. Agricultural settlements likely clustered around it. By the end of 1852 the Bollschweil part of Guttighofen housed three families. These families comprised fifteen people. The Ehrenkirchen side boasted eight families with 36 residents.
Today Guttighofen is peaceful. Mainline agriculture is gone. The last local business the Steiert and Armbruster carpentry closed in 2019. It moved to a new location. But the tranquility of this place near the Ölberg mountain remains. The Ölberg is the southernmost elevation of the Schönberg.
Above Guttighofen lies a thrilling landscape. This landscape includes Hauenfels Castle and the Teufelsküche. The Teufelsküche is a cave complex. It was used by reindeer hunters during the early Stone Age. Nearby stands the Teufelskanzel. It is a solitary rock formation. This rock formation is made of Middle Jurassic oolitic limestone. It serves as a magnificent viewpoint for hikers.
Guttighofen sits on the Bettlerpfad hiking trail. This trail offers stunning views. It also offers a glimpse into history. It shows how Guttighofen has adapted to changing times. Despite the changes Guttighofen retains its charm. Its location near the meeting point of the Eckbach and Möhlin streams adds to its beauty. Guttighofen remains a place where history and nature intertwine. A place worth exploring and remembering.