St. Oswald

St. Oswald is a Gothic chapel set within the Höllental ravine in the Black Forest, built of stone with a rectangular choir and wooden tower. Wooden columns inside support galleries and create the distinctive spatial arrangement of this small religious building.

The chapel received its consecration in 1148 by Bishop Hermann I of Konstanz and served as the proprietary church of the Falkenstein lords. This connection shaped its role as a place tied to both religious practice and local authority for many generations.

The carved altar displays religious figures including Saint Matthias and Saint Oswald, showing how faith was expressed through the art within this space. The sculptures and depictions shape how visitors experience the interior and reveal beliefs from centuries past.

Entry requires obtaining the key from the Sternen restaurant, where a deposit must be left to gain access inside. This arrangement helps protect the small chapel in its remote location while still welcoming visitors who want to explore it.

The high altar originates from the early 1500s and represents an important work by the Upper Rhine School, a notable artistic tradition of that era. Few churches in the region house such a well-executed example of this woodcarving style from that period.

Location: Breitnau

Inception: 12 century

Architectural style: Gothic architecture

GPS coordinates: 47.91750,8.06917

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:08