A sandstone fountain from the early 19th century, a wayside shrine dating to around 1900 and a former brewery from the 18th century mark different historical periods in Oberoberndorf. The listed Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Aspach and the church fair also shape the character of the village. A stay here combines architectural history, landscape and local traditions with a specific hiking option to Kirchschletten.

Chapel, Fountain and Historic Buildings

The listed Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes is a hall church with a pitched roof. Its architectural features include a gable turret with exposed sandstone and a recessed chancel with a 5/8 termination. At the also-listed Lorenz Fountain, the material is a defining feature: its fountain chamber is built of sandstone blocks and dates from the early 19th century.

Residential buildings and a former business also shape the historic architecture. The listed farmhouse at Oberoberndorf 12 is a two-storey building with a pitched roof. Its ground floor is solid and rendered, while the upper floor is half-timbered; the building dates from the early 19th century. At Oberoberndorf 7, there is a listed wayside shrine consisting of a sandstone pillar with a niche-topped structure and a semicircular roof, dated to around 1900. The listed former brewery at Oberoberndorf 20 is a two-storey half-timbered building with a hipped roof, dating from the 18th century. Its rear extension with a brick chimney dates from the 19th century.

The sequence spans the former brewery of the 18th century, buildings and structural elements from the 19th century, and the wayside shrine dating to around 1900. Sandstone features in the fountain, wayside shrine and chapel, while half-timbering characterises both the farmhouse and the former brewery.

The Aspach and Hiking Connections

The Aspach rises in Oberoberndorf and flows through the village. Its course passes Kirchschletten on the way to Zapfendorf and eventually the Main. This makes it possible to follow the stream beyond Oberoberndorf without confusing the connections between the individual villages.

One specific hiking option follows a local trail through Oberoberndorf to Maria Frieden Monastery, the pilgrims’ hostel in Kirchschletten. The stated distance is 5 km. A distinctive row of apple trees also makes the route from Oberoberndorf towards Hofhölzer visible in the landscape.

In the wider area around Oberoberndorf, the highly visible Windischletten Linden stands on the boundary between Windischletten and Oberoberndorf. It is on grassland belonging to the town of Scheßlitz, is associated with Windischletten and is listed as a cultural and historical monument. It is therefore a separate point of interest outside the village centre.

Church Fair, Apple Market and Folklore

The church fair in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes is held on Mother’s Day, or the second Sunday in May. It features the Hahnenschlag (cocks’ shying) and a climbing tree with sweets for children. Both customs give the occasion a distinctive local character.

The Oberoberndorf-Kirchschletten-Reuthlos Fruit and Horticulture Association lists an apple market on the first Sunday in October. Check the programme for the relevant year before travelling if you want to plan your stay around this date.

Local folklore tells of the “Gruäßtunnern”: farmers are said to have lit cigars while passing through Schweißdorf and Kirchschletten, then, out of thrift, stubbed them out on wooden telephone poles only after leaving the villages. As a tale, this passed-down episode adds another perspective on local history to the story of the buildings.

For the overall travel overview: Zapfendorf.