Olsdorf: Hoorhof and the History of the Rochus Chapels

If you are considering a stay in Olsdorf, you will encounter a local history with several clearly distinct milestones. Hoorhof and the Rochus chapels are at its heart. The dates range from a mention in the 14th century to the construction of a chapel in the 20th century, revealing different periods in the history of the buildings.

Hoorhof and the Rochus Chapels

The Hoor farm is mentioned as early as 1385 in the rent register of the St. Catherine’s Brotherhood in Bettingen. The Hoorhof as it appears in local history today was built in 1767. The two dates refer to different events: the early mention is not the construction date of the Hoorhof, which was built in 1767. To understand the history, it is worth considering the written record and the construction separately.

A chapel dedicated to St. Roch has been associated with the Hoor farm since the late 16th or early 17th century. Despite major repairs in 1878, the former Rochus Chapel continued to fall into disrepair. In 1910, its masonry was completely dismantled. This sequence describes the history of an older chapel, which should not be confused with the later construction date of St. Rochus Chapel.

The Catholic St. Rochus Chapel was built in 1928. Together with the Hoorhof, it forms a historic entrance to Olsdorf. The distinction between the former Rochus Chapel and the chapel built in 1928 helps put the widely separated construction dates into context: these are not simply different dates, but different periods in the history of the town.

Getting around Olsdorf

There is also a specific reference point for getting around: the B 50 runs right alongside Olsdorf and is designated as the Bitburg–Vianden (Luxembourg) route. Check current road conditions before setting out. If you are considering Olsdorf as an overnight destination, the town’s history and this transport connection may factor into your choice of location.

Culture in the wider destination of Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm

The wider destination of Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm offers a range of cultural and educational attractions. The Mühlenberger Stollen Bleialf visitor mine has a mining trail with numerous information boards about the area’s mining history. The visitor mine also offers one-hour guided tours, introducing visitors to ore mining in Bleialf, from geology to practical techniques. Take seasonal opening information into account when planning your visit.

At the Devonium in Waxweiler, complex concepts in paleontology and the study of fossil life are presented in a playful way. The Westwall Museum has a different focus: it is housed across three accessible floors of a bunker and displays a military history exhibition in its underground corridors and rooms. The subjects are clearly distinct: the science of fossil life on the one hand, and military history on the other.

The water castle of Rittersdorf, around 700 years old, has been preserved almost unchanged since it was built and offers a vivid picture of late medieval and early modern Renaissance domestic culture. The castle has a privately run restaurant serving refined country cuisine. Check whether the restaurant is open before your trip.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Nattenheim, Biersdorf Am See, Bettingen, Oberweiler, Metterich, Halsdorf, Oberweis, Stahl.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Bitburg.