Umkirch brings together Roman traces, a church built on Roman foundations, a former moated castle and a technically remarkable mill. These themes reveal different aspects of the town: archaeological finds, church building history, a present-day town hall and a functioning technical monument. A flexible walking tour complements these historical points of interest with an easy-to-follow route through the town.
Roman Traces and Church History
A Roman settlement arose in the area of today’s Umkirch. Numerous Roman remains have been found in the town centre; most recently, a well was discovered on Dachswanger Weg in 2021. The specific findspot links the history of the settlement with the present-day town centre. The Church of the Assumption of Mary at Waltershoferstraße 2 is the oldest building in Umkirch. Its present form was first mentioned in 1084; it is also considered the oldest church in Breisgau. The church stands on Roman foundations covered by a layer of fire debris. The year 1084 marks the church’s first mention in its present form; the foundations and fire layer belong to its archaeological building history. On 15 August, the parish celebrates the patronal feast of the Assumption of Mary.
The Walking Tour
The Umkirch walking tour has ten stops, covers about 2.2 kilometres and takes approximately one hour. You can explore it on foot or by bicycle, start at any stop and choose your own order. These details can be considered separately: ten stops describe the route’s layout, about 2.2 kilometres its length, and approximately one hour the estimated time. Three-language QR code signs at the stops link directly to the digital route.
Castle, Mill and Mill Bread
The former moated castle “Büningen” dates from the 13th century and now serves as Umkirch’s town hall. Its name recalls its former function as a castle, while its current use makes the building part of everyday community life. Another historical reference is the documented presence of a mill in Umkirch since 1483. The Umkirch Castle Mill is a rare technical monument, once again fully operational today and listed as a protected monument. The Umkirch Mill Association (Förderverein Umkircher Mühle e.V.) regularly bakes, among other things, the popular mill bread. The bread adds a local baking tradition to the mill’s technical and historical significance. It is best to check before travelling whether it will be available during your visit.
Further Information
In a park landscape towards Waltershofen are a castle belonging to the House of Hohenzollern and its associated “country house”. Neither is open to visitors. If you are planning a visit, check access again before travelling.
In the Wider Destination
In the wider destination of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, many towns in the district are accessible by train. The free KONUS guest card provides free travel on local trains and buses throughout the Black Forest.
Discover more destinations: Löffingen, Merzhausen, Dittishausen, Buchenbach, Munzingen, Eisenbach, Buggingen, Breisach Am Rhein.
View the wider travel overview: Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald.
