Discover Umkirch: Roman history, church and village walk

Umkirch combines a Roman past with striking religious and technical buildings. Remains found in the town center, the Church of the Assumption of Mary, the former Büningen moated castle and the Umkirch Castle Mill each add a distinct historical note. There is also a village walk for your stay, with clearly stated details, which you can explore on foot or by bicycle.

Roman Traces and Architectural History

A Roman settlement arose in the area of present-day Umkirch. Numerous Roman remains have been found in the town center; a well on Dachswanger Weg was discovered in 2021. The Church of the Assumption of Mary at Waltershoferstraße 2 brings together further historical layers. It is Umkirch’s oldest building and was first mentioned in its present form in 1084. It is also considered the oldest church in Breisgau. The church building stands on Roman foundations covered by a layer of fire debris. The parish of the Assumption of Mary celebrates its patronal feast on August 15. The former “Büningen” moated castle dates from the 13th century and now serves as Umkirch’s town hall. Here, you can encounter both archaeological traces and buildings with present-day religious or municipal functions.

Planning the Village Walk

The Umkirch village walk has ten stops, is about 2.2 kilometers long and takes about an hour. You can explore it on foot or by bicycle. You can start at any stop and choose the order freely. The length and duration provide two approximate figures for planning: the approximate route distance and the approximate time required. There are three-language QR-code signs at the stops that take you directly to the digital route. This means the information at the stops is paired with direct access to the digital walk.

Mill History and Mill Bread

A mill in Umkirch has been documented since 1483. The Umkirch Castle Mill is a rare technical monument, once again fully operational today and listed as a protected monument. The Umkircher Mühle e.V. support association regularly bakes the popular mill bread, among other things. If you are specifically looking for the mill bread, check its availability before your trip.

Parkland Towards Waltershofen

In a park landscape towards Waltershofen, there is a castle belonging to the House of Hohenzollern and its associated “country house.” Neither is open to visitors.

In the Broader Destination of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald

For further travel plans beyond Umkirch, the wider destination of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald is relevant. Many places in the Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district can be reached by train. The free KONUS guest card can be used for free travel on local trains and buses throughout the Black Forest. Regional leisure attractions also include Badeparadies Schwarzwald in Titisee and Fundorena in Feldberg. Badeparadies has summery temperatures 365 days a year, along with real palm trees and turquoise-blue water. The Galaxy slide universe offers more than 25 attractions and water fun for all ages. Fundorena includes a three-level trampoline park and the X Mind Arena with six stations. There is also an on-site snack bar, “Chicco’s Lounge.”

Discover more destinations: Hartheim am Rhein, Gottenheim, Merdingen, Oberglottertal, Freiburg im Breisgau, Eichstetten am Kaiserstuhl, St. Peter in the Black Forest, Au

View the broader travel overview: Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald.