The former industrial canal, Schauenburg Castle ruins and Oberkirch’s history give a stay different points of focus: trails with information boards, viewpoints and historical themes. Two routes of different lengths and with different themes are available for planning. There are also destinations in the town centre and the district of Gaisbach.
Compare routes and themes
The Oberkirch MĂĽhlbach Trail is 6.2 kilometres long. Following the former industrial canal downstream, it crosses the Rench embankment and returns to the starting point; information boards offer additional insights. The Legends Circular Trail is about 9 kilometres long and loops around Eselskopf, the Gaisbach district and the village of Wolfhag. It features a total of eight information boards. The route lengths can be compared directly when choosing a walk: the MĂĽhlbach Trail is shorter, while the Legends Circular Trail covers more distance and follows a different route. The themes also differ: the former industrial canal on one route, and the Legends Circular Trail with its information boards on the other.
Viewpoints and the town garden
Schauenburg Castle ruins are a landmark above Oberkirch’s Gaisbach district, on a 397-metre-high spur. The castle was built between 1070 and 1090 and expanded between 1240 and 1275 as a shield-wall castle with several residential towers. From the castle restaurant beside Schauenburg, views extend across Oberkirch and the Rhine Plain to Strasbourg. Another viewpoint is the Geigerskopf Tower: the observation tower is 20 metres high, and in good weather the view extends across the Rhine Plain to the Vosges. These descriptions refer to different locations, which can be considered separately when planning.
Oberkirch Town Garden is located right in the town centre. Its green grounds include benches, a duck pond and a large playground. Families can also play mini golf and boccia there, then relax in the beer garden. Alongside longer walks and viewpoints, it offers a town-centre location with places to play and sit.
Local history, architecture and wine
The Local History and Grimmelshausen Museum presents the town’s history and themes from the Rench Valley: traditional crafts, agriculture, industry and customs. Those interested in architecture can explore a different focus on the Oberkirch Architecture Trail. It includes six Oberkirch buildings that meet the selection committee’s strict criteria for architectural and design quality. A specific historical connection can be found in the district of Gaisbach: St. George’s Chapel was donated by Hannibal von Schauenburg in 1623. The museum, architecture trail and chapel each offer a distinct perspective on Oberkirch’s history and buildings.
The Oberkircher Winzer winegrowers’ cooperative offers public wine tastings with cellar tours. Since the published events calendar is subject to change, check the latest dates before your trip.
Ortenau district: regional overview
The Ortenau district lies between the Rhine and the Black Forest. Its 23 nature reserves cover a total of around 3,110 hectares, extending from the Rhine Plain to the higher elevations of the Black Forest.
Discover more destinations: Sasbach, Oberharmersbach, Lautenbach, Achern, Biberach, Oberwolfach, Neuried, Ringsheim.
Go to the regional travel overview: Ortenau district.
