“A village in the city.” That’s how Kernscheid is often described. This description already gives you an idea of what awaits you here.
Kernscheid is a district in the southeast of Trier. It sits on a hilltop between Grundbach and Kandelbach. It has managed to preserve its original village character to this day. Kernscheid is surrounded by forests meadows and fields.
Let’s delve a little deeper into the history of Kernscheid. The area was inhabited in Roman times. Graves from the early Roman period were found in the “Im Krenkel” district. This proves the centuries-old tradition of Kernscheid.
In the Middle Ages Kernscheid was called “Kernsel”. It was first mentioned around 1200 as “Karnescul”. Professor Jungandres suggests that the name comes from the Latin word for “Hagebuchenwald” which is “carpinetum”.
Information from the Middle Ages is fragmented. Church books often provide clues about historical events. They show that Kernscheid had a chapel by 1629. It was dedicated to Saint Catherine and Barbara.
In December 1715 residents complained to the cathedral chapter. They felt their pastor was neglecting them. The cathedral chapter decided that the pastor from Liebfrauen should hold mass with sermons every two weeks in “Kernisch”.
Until 1803 Kernscheid belonged to Trier Liebfrauen. This was the parish and baptismal church of the cathedral. It was closely connected to the cathedral chapter. In 1803 the new parish of Irsch was established. Kernscheid became one of its branch parishes along with Tarforst and Filsch. This situation remains unchanged today.
In Kernscheid people value their independence in many areas. However, they also maintain good relationships with their neighbors. In 1820 Kernscheid had 27 houses and 182 residents. By 1852 the population had grown to 267. Today Kernscheid has about 954 inhabitants.
On September 5 1861 the council decided to use money from the winter sheep pasture for a new chapel. This was the beginning of the chapel we see today. It has been renovated and restored several times.
Kernscheid supported the construction of the school in Irsch in 1847. Since the early 1970s Kernscheid no longer has its own elementary school. Children attend school in Irsch. Kernscheid’s two kindergarten groups are also connected to the central kindergarten in Irsch.
Kernscheid has become a sought-after residential area in Trier. New buildings blend harmoniously into the village. Kernscheid is a cohesive community. The Spiel- und Sportgemeinschaft contributes to communication and togetherness.
Today Kernscheid is characterized by agriculture. There are still five full-time farms in the old town center. Some of these farms are historic estates. Since 2023 there has been solidarity-based agriculture here.
Kernscheid may be the smallest district by population. There are no supermarkets banks or post offices here. The residents of Kernscheid are actively involved in shaping their village life. With commitment and creativity they ensure a lively community.