Felsenkirche, Gothic church in Idar-Oberstein, Germany
Description
The Felsenkirche is a church carved directly into red sandstone rock in Idar-Oberstein. The structure rises above the Nahe River valley, merging natural rock formation with shaped stone walls and a wooden-lined interior prayer space.
History
Construction occurred between 1482 and 1484 under Count Wirich IV of Daun-Oberstein. The project incorporated sections of an earlier fortress structure, reflecting the regional building traditions of that era.
Culture
The church serves the local community as a place of worship and draws people interested in medieval craftsmanship and engineering feats. Visitors experience how the space between stone and wooden interior creates an atmosphere tied to centuries of spiritual life.
Practical
Access requires passing through a tunnel carved into the rock and climbing interior stairs to reach the church entrance. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven surfaces and steps.
Did you know?
A natural spring flows from the rock inside the church, discovered during the original construction work. According to local story, the water emerged after Wirich's prayer as a sign of his repentance.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Idar-Oberstein).
Concrete churches from different countries show the architectural evolution of the 20th century. These buildings combine geometric forms with modernist designs and use light as a design element. The structures demonstrate the technical capabilities of concrete as a construction material for...
Castle Oberstein
150 m
Wildenburg Castle
9.4 km
Burg Bosselstein
21 m
Deutsches Edelsteinmuseum
2.3 km
Burg Frauenburg
5.7 km
Börsenhochhaus
2.4 km
Burg Naumburg
9 km
Moerschieder Borr
9.5 km
Bismarck Tower
2.4 km
Wildenburger Kopf
9.4 km
Römischer Grabhügel bei Siesbach
9.1 km
Weiherschleife
4 km
Kirche Niederbrombach
6.3 km
Kirschweiler Festung
9.4 km
Saint Simon and Jude Thaddaeus, Baumholder
9.8 km
Rosselhalde
9.5 km
Kirche Nohen
9.6 km
Kammerwoog - Krechelsfels
1.8 km
Church of the Assumption of Mary, Ruschberg
9.7 km
Wildenburg und Umgebung
9.4 km
Jüdischer Friedhof
5.5 km
Church of Reichenbach, near Baumholder
7.7 km
Jüdischer Friedhof Nahbollenbach
3.2 km
Christuskirche
258 m
Nahebrücke Gefallener Felsen
1.3 km
Hochwald-Idarwald mit Randgebieten
8.3 km
Aussicchtspunkt
206 m
Ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postamt
581 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes