“Dedicated to remembrance,” the \u00d6lbergkapelle stands as a poignant tribute. It honors the fallen and missing from Ehrenstetten in the World Wars. This chapel is Ehrenkirchen’s youngest.
Imagine this site in the early 1950s. Locals were driven by Ehrenstetter Pfarrers Haungs’ initiative. Countless volunteers and generous donors joined forces. Their collective effort led to the chapel’s consecration in 1954.
The \u00d6lbergkapelle’s location makes it special. It offers what is probably the most beautiful view in the southern Breisgau. Look around you. The vista stretches across the Hexental. It extends over Bollschweil towards S\u00f6lden. To the east, you see the Black Forest’s wooded mountains. Southward, the panorama spans from Staufen’s Burgberg. It reaches towards the Batzenberg in the west. The seemingly endless expanse of the Rhine plain lies between them.
This area is wine country. The \u00d6lberg is a top wine-growing location. The slopes around us are a testament to that fact. Old and newly built dry stone walls dot the landscape. They show efforts to preserve this jewel among Breisgau’s vineyards. Notice the vineyards. Some still use historic single-pole training methods.
Hikers often include the \u00d6lbergkapelle on their tours. A small tour lets you discover the unique vantage point of the southern Breisgau. It offers views across the southern Black Forest. You can see the Upper Rhine Plain and the Vosges Mountains. Spring, early summer, and autumn are especially lovely here.
Before reaching the \u00d6lbergkapelle, the trail reveals unique flora. You can find the Hirsch-Haarstrang. The Melissen-Immenblatt and other remarkable plants grow here. Above the chapel stands one of the mightiest field maples in the area.
Consider taking the Kreuzweg back. It features modern stations. Note that the stone steps at the beginning can be tricky. There is an alternative route. From the church, head west on the main street. Turn into the Schmiege to the right. Then turn right again into the \u00d6lbergweg. This way is suitable for strollers.
The Steinzeitpfad \u00d6lberg also passes nearby. This path leads around Breisgau’s most beautiful vineyard. The circular path is just under 4 km long. It features Stone Age caves. You can explore the Teufelsk\u00fcche, one of South Baden’s oldest settlement finds. The \u00d6lbergkapelle offers a rewarding view. The panorama includes the Vosges, the Burgundian Gate, the Jura, the Black Forest, and the Upper Rhine Graben.
Remember the purpose of the \u00d6lbergkapelle as you take in the view. It is a place of reflection. It is a memorial. It is also a celebration of the beauty that surrounds us.