Around Kirchzarten’s charming streets history whispers. This is Kirchzarten a village nestled in the heart of the Black Forest. Its story stretches back centuries. Even before recorded history.
Long ago in the Celtic era a vast settlement thrived. It was known as Tarodunum. This significant Celtic Oppidum covered an area of approximately 200 hectares. The ancient geographer Ptolemy himself mentioned it in the 2nd century. The name Tarodunum or Tarodunon persisted even after the Alemanni arrived around 260 AD. This suggests continuous settlement. Archaeological digs have uncovered only limited Roman remains a cellar and a hypocaust. These were likely part of a Roman road station.
The name evolved. After the High German consonant shift in the 7th century t became z. The name transformed into Zarduna. This appeared in a St Gallen monastery document in 765. Interestingly the medieval villages of Zarten and Kirchzarten aren’t located on the original Celtic Oppidum site. Kirchzarten’s first documented mention dates back to 816.
For a time Kirchzarten fell under the rule of the Lords of Falkenstein. Around 1500 Freiburg acquired control. The Peace of Nijmegen in 1679 transferred Freiburg and its possessions including Kirchzarten to France. Kirchzarten became part of Alsace. But after the Peace of Rijswijk in 1697 everything went back to Austria. Finally in 1805 following the Battle of Austerlitz Kirchzarten became part of the Grand Duchy of Baden.
Today Kirchzarten is a thriving community. Its population exceeded 10000 in 2021-22. Its growth is remarkable. In 1870 Kirchzarten had only 1024 inhabitants. A century later it had almost six times as many. Thirty years after that the population increased by another 50%.
The modern Kirchzarten benefits from its location. It’s close to Freiburg and the Black Forest’s heights. Tourism plays a significant role in its economy. There’s a campsite and the Kurhaus offers conference facilities. Many medium-sized companies have also established themselves here.
Look around. Notice the St Gallus Church. It’s a prominent landmark. It shows the early connection to the St Gallen monastery. The church boasts elements from the Romanesque Gothic and Baroque periods. The 32-meter-high steeple is a perfect stork nesting spot. There are also other notable chapels like the Giersberg Chapel.
Explore and experience Kirchzarten. It is a place with a story to tell. A story rich in history and charm.