Station: [11] View and Farewell

You have reached the final highlight of your tour: the viewing platform at the Rock Church.

Go through the door in the back wall and climb the stairs in the rock alcove. Even the space behind the church is something special. It’s considered the best evidence against the legend. Here you can see it with your own eyes: The church stands in a natural rock alcove. No one carved it out of the rock.

The platform was first opened to the public in 2003. Once you reach the top, take a moment to yourself. Let your gaze wander in peace. Below you lie the rooftops of Oberstein and the Nahe Valley. Above you, the rock rises even higher. Up there stand the ruins of Bosselstein Castle. That’s where the legend began. On the other side, Oberstein Castle greets you. It later became the seat of the count’s family.

From up here, you can perhaps best understand this place. This church belongs neither entirely to the town nor entirely to the mountain. That is precisely what gives it its special charm. Perhaps that is also one reason why it has been the landmark of Idar-Oberstein for over 500 years. Whether a repentant knight carved it into the rock or a self-assured count had it built, it is awe-inspiring either way.

The view into the Nahe Valley also draws one’s thoughts to the town itself. The development along the Nahe River is one of the most striking changes this place has undergone. Standing up here, one can easily imagine just how much Idar-Oberstein has changed. In the past, the town was a major garrison town. At the same time, all traffic flowed through the city center, even through the pedestrian zone. This shaped the town’s character in a very unique way. Today, the view down into the valley shows just how closely the landscape, the town, and history are intertwined here.

Perhaps this view in particular will make you want to explore more. If this spot has piqued your interest in Idar-Oberstein, you can begin the historic city tour at the market square. There, you’ll learn more interesting and informative facts about the city and its significant history from the informational plaques.

This concludes our tour together. There’s still time to take photos at your leisure before the tour ends. The group leaves the church together. Thank you very much for your visit, for your interest, and for treating this historic place of worship with respect. Enjoy your time in Idar-Oberstein and discover even more of this special place.