Reiterleskapelle, Chapel near Waldstetten, Germany
The Reiterleskapelle is a small hilltop chapel near Waldstetten in the Swabian Alb, sitting at around 640 meters (2,100 feet) above sea level. It stands between the Rechbergle and Graneggle hills, next to an old linden tree that towers beside the building.
The chapel was built in 1714, and the date is carved into the stone lintel above the doorway. The old linden tree growing beside the building suggests that a shrine or structure may have stood here as far back as around 1600.
The chapel is dedicated to Saint Leonard, the patron of farmers and horses, and a wooden statue inside shows him holding an abbot's staff and a book. Visitors can still feel that this is an active place of prayer, not just a historic building, as candles and offerings are left inside.
Marked hiking trails lead from Waldstetten up to the chapel, and the climb is steep enough that sturdy footwear is a good idea. Starting early in the morning means fewer other walkers on the path and better light for the views.
The chapel sits at the crossing of several long-distance paths, including the Jakobsweg pilgrimage route, and travelers can collect an official stamp here to record their journey. This makes it a meeting point for walkers coming from many different directions.
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