Felsenkirche: Repentance of a Brother
Idar Oberstein is a beautiful district in Germany. It is situated in Birkenfeld in Rhineland- Palatinate (part of the sixteen states of the Federal Republic of Germany). It has many tourist sites one of the most handsome is Felsenkirche. It is also known as Chapel situated on the rocks. Millions of people from all over the globe visit the place all the year round.
Locations
49°42′41″N 7°18′47″E is the exact location of Idar Oberstein. The town is situated in Birkenfeld in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It is located on the southern point of Hunsruck range. The church is located in the hills present in the district.
Weather
The weather at Idar Oberstein is pleasant; the annual precipitation ranges from 750 to 774mm. December is the wettest month whereas April has the lowest precipitation. The best months to visit is July and August as the temperatures are pleasant with very little rainfall in these months.
History
The most famous legend about the construction of the Felsenkirche comes from the life of Lord Wyrich IV and Emich of Duan Oberstein. According to it, Wyrich IV built it out of remorsefulness due to Emich’s death. There is no solid proof about the legend being true. However, the church is the most important symbol of Idar Oberstein. The town was formed after administrative reforms which took place in Germany, in two rounds. The first administrative reform took place in 1933 and saw an amalgamation of Oberstein, Idar, Tiefenstein and Algenrodt. The second round of administrative reform took place in 1969. The merged centers were Göttschied, Kirchenbollenbach Regulshausen, Weierbach, Nahbollenbach, Mittelbollenbach, Enzweiler, Georg-Weierbach, and Hammerstein.
Around eighteenth century, the gemstone industry in the town started to dwindle. Many locals left the town for better-earning opportunities. Some of them settled in countries as far as Brazil. Brazil proved itself as a profitable exporting site. Due to the migration, there was much cultural exchange between the town as well as Brazil. It is a matter of fact, the practice of roasting meat in open was bought to Idar Oberstein from Brazil. Today the town is quite famous for this method of meat preparation.
The Chapel
According to an old legend, two brothers lived in Castle Bosselstein. Their names were Wyrich and Emich. When the boys were of age, they both fell in love with a beautiful girl named Bertha. Bertha came from a noble family who resided at Lichtenberg Castle, which was quite near Bosselstein. Both Wyrich and Emich were not aware of each other’s feelings for Bertha.
The elder brother Wyrich had to leave the town for some days to complete some work. Meanwhile, Emich managed to win Bertha’s heart and married her. When Wyrich came back, he was enraged to see the two of them together. He felt cheated and insulted and in the heat of the moment, he pushed his brother out of the window. Emich fell on the rocks below and died. Wyrich was filled with deep remorse as soon as he came to his senses. According to many Bertha could not bear her husband’s loss and died. However, Wyrich had no escape. The sincerity of his penitence was unquestionable. A local abbot counseled and suggested Wyrich to build a church on the exact place where Emich lost his life. Wyrich waited for a heavenly sign which could indicate that he has been forgiven for the sin he has committed. He gave himself completely for the construction of the church. He was finally awarded the sign as soon as the church was completed. A majestic spring opened up miraculously in the church.
Wyrich’s soul was redeemed, and he died soon after the church was completed. When the Bishop came to the church for its first prayers, he found Wyrich dead on the stairs. Soon Wyrich was laid to rest in a tomb in the church. It is ironic that both the brothers breathed their last at the same place.
Felsenkirche at Idar Oberstein is a symbol of penitence and redemption.
Traveling to the Church
The church is in the valley, and there is a tunnel which goes straight to the church. Tourist will have to walk for fifteen to twenty minutes to reach the church. The way to the tunnel can be found at the following places:
At the end point of Genossenschaftstraße, there is a path to the tunnel.
Next to Zum Alten Goten is Hauptstraße where another staircase is present.
There are stairs from the Market Square, also known as Marktplatz Oberstein.
You can go downhill from Castle of Altes and Castle of Neues.
Felsenkirche cannot be reached by car or bus due to its location, hence walking is the only way to reach it.
Idar Oberstein can be reached by a rental car or bus from Frankfurt- Hahn Airport.
Why Visit
The scenic beauty of the town will make you fall in love with it. The location of the church and the path taken is breathtaking and worth your time and experience. You will enjoy the scenery as well as the church due to its serene location. It is situated in a natural niche and people who love nature should come here at least once. The path to the church is worth all the anticipation. Moreover, once you reach there, you can see the entire town below you. The expanse of land below will make you feel like a bird. For art lovers Felsenkirche is like a Christmas gift, there are many paintings from Renaissance. Another reason to visit the church is the spring which is present inside it. The Royal crucifix made of crystals is another beautiful thing. The Nahe region is popular for gemstones, and Idar Oberstein is the gemstone capital of the region. There are many mines. Tourist can visit ones which are open for them. You can also excavate gemstones along with other tourist. Life is quite happening due to the festivals that are held in the town regularly. If you are a rock climbing enthusiast, then a trip to Felsenkirche is a must for you. You can also reach the Oberstein Castle as well as the Bosselstein castle through the rocks following the trail. You can calm down your adrenaline rush at the airfield. Due to the geographical location of the town tourist can enjoy hiking as well as cycling. The town of Idar Oberstein is a complete package. Days spent here will be fun filled as well as peaceful.
Major Attractions
- The cave-like tunnel to the church.
- The church has a very intricate and handsome altar. It is medieval in nature built around 1400 AD by an unknown artist. The altar is winged.
- The epitaph of Wyrich’s father, Knight Phillip II of Daun-Oberstein, is also a major tourist attraction.
- There is a painting depicting the family of Count Sebastian. It was painted approximately in the year 1570 AD.
- Several paintings from Apostle made in the 17th and 18th century.
- There is a cross which is composed of naturally occurring agate found in Brazil.
- There is royal crucifix composed of crystal.
- Due to rock slides the Gothic window constructed in 1500 was destroyed, but its fragments are still present.
- The Muller organ was constructed on Stumm organ’s covering in 2002. On the left side of the organ is a small figure known as the penitent, it is said to depict Wyrich when he was observing penance.
- A platform was opened in 2003 for tourists. Due to the platform, it is possible to view the scenic beauty of Oberstein like a bird.
- The spring in the church is beautiful. The spring signifies eternity. This place is a must visit if you believe in miracles.
- The church is worth visiting on Christmas Eve.
- Tourist can also visit the church for service.
- Wyrich’s and Emich’s castle can also be reached from the church.
What Else is Around?
- Steinkaulen is the only mine which is open for tourists for visits.
- Gemstone camp is here where both children and adults can dig the ground in search for gemstones.
- Oberstein Castle can be reached if you follow the trail from the Felsenkirche.
- Another castle known as Bosselstein is just above the church. It was destroyed during the war and has never been restored.
- There are many shops and restaurants, for people who love food and shopping.
- The airfield, Flugplatz Göttschied is present for all adventure junkies who love the adrenaline rush.
- Many festivals are organized in the town.
The Spießbratenfest is the most popular festival of the region. Other festivals such as Idar Oberstein Castle Fest, the Jazz festival, etc. are also quite popular.
- The town also boasts of many museums such as Museum Idar-Oberstein, Industriedenkmal Jakob Bengel or the factory Museum, Deutsches Edelsteinmuseum which means German Museum of Precious Stones.
So go ahead and enjoy this place and explore the various tourist hotspots in and around this town. Plan a trip and visit Idar Oberstein soon!