Riegel am Kaiserstuhl: Archaeology and Michaelsberg

Riegel am Kaiserstuhl combines archaeological heritage with scenic impressions around Michaelsberg. Several highlights are available to help you plan your trip: Roman history at the museum and Mithras Temple, Michaelskapelle, as well as geological insights and far-reaching views across the region. Rail connections and access to the A5 round out the practical orientation points for a stay.

Roman History in Riegel

Riegel’s local history stretches back 7,000 years, as numerous archaeologically significant finds attest. Around 300 finds are on display at the award-winning Archaeological Museum in Riegel. Museum Riegel presents Regola, ancient Riegel, and everyday life in a Roman town north of the Alps about 2,000 years ago. A hippocampus depicted on a terra sigillata drinking vessel is the emblem of Museum Riegel.

The remains of the former Mithras Temple can be visited alongside the museum exhibits. The archaeological trail also includes the excavated Mithras Temple. The exhibits and temple remains therefore offer distinct ways to explore Riegel’s Roman past.

Michaelskapelle and Michaelsberg

Michaelskapelle on Michaelsberg dates from the 12th century and is one of the oldest sacred buildings in the Emmendingen district. Late Gothic wall paintings came to light during interior restoration in 2008. The building’s history and paintings offer insights into different periods: the chapel dates to the 12th century, while the wall paintings were discovered during the restoration.

The landscape around Michaelsberg offers its own points of interest. At the foot of the hill, loess walls reveal geological history spanning millions of years. The Riegeler Michaelsberg nature trail offers a way to explore the area’s geological features. From the viewpoint on Michaelsberg, the view extends far across the surrounding region. The highlights are therefore distinct: the museum and Mithras Temple offer archaeology, while the loess walls and viewpoint offer geological and scenic impressions.

Getting There by Train and Car

Riegel has two railway stations with connections to Deutsche Bahn’s Rhine Valley Railway and the Kaiserstuhl Railway. The Breisgau S-Bahn reaches Riegel-Ort from Freiburg or Breisach. From Riegel-Ort station, it is about a seven-minute walk to the museum. As rail routes and stopping patterns can change, check your connection before travelling. Riegel is connected to the A5 via the Riegel exit. If travelling by car, it is also advisable to check the latest traffic conditions and access information.

Hospitality and Local Life

Riegel offers hospitality in restaurants and inns throughout the year. In summer, the options include more than 600 beer garden seats and an ice cream parlour known beyond the region. The former Riegel brewery site has been converted into Riegeler Lofts, where home brewers make Römerbräu. The local theatre kumedi is also part of cultural life in the town.

In the broader destination of Emmendingen

The Emmendingen district has 800 kilometres of hiking trails and walking routes. There are also 900 kilometres of cycle paths, including 250 kilometres of signposted routes.

Discover more destinations: Bahlingen, Elzach, Rheinhausen, Simonswald, Freiamt, Sexau, Biederbach, Malterdingen.

Back to the overview of destinations: Emmendingen.