Discover Kirchzarten: Celtic Traces and Giersberg

Kirchzarten brings together archaeological traces, architectural history and specific tours. The Celtic oppidum, the Talvogtei and St. Gallus offer different ways to explore the town’s history, while an easy circular hike and an MTB tour provide other highlights. When choosing accommodation, the mix of history, hiking and cycling you want can help guide your decision.

History between the oppidum, the Talvogtei and St. Gallus

East of Kirchzarten, within the Burg district, a Celtic oppidum stood on a terrace between the Rotbach and Wagensteigbach streams. Some of its fortifications are still visible, while others have been confirmed through archaeological research. Its position between the two streams places this historic landmark in the landscape.

The Talvogtei in Kirchzarten was originally a medieval moated castle. St. Gallus parish church reveals another side of the town’s history: it became the parish church for the entire Zarten Basin as the valley’s center shifted to this church village. This links the town’s ecclesiastical significance with the development of the valley center.

Compare hiking and mountain biking

Two routes of different lengths are available for planning your outings. The “Kirchzarten – In the Footsteps of the Black Forest Ultra-Bike” MTB tour is 34.1 km long and has 1,050 meters of elevation gain. The easy “To Giersberg Chapel” circular hike covers 5.14 km, with 103 meters of ascent and 102 meters of descent. It starts at the Tourist Information Office in Kirchzarten’s pedestrian zone. The distances and elevation gains give you a clear idea of the different levels of effort involved. Route details may change; check them before setting out.

If you’re looking for more hiking ideas, the Dreisamtal hiking booklet features 30 top tours. The booklet is available free of charge from the Tourist Information Office in Kirchzarten and offers additional ideas to help you choose a hike.

Giersberg: views and a forest playground

From Giersberg, enjoy views across Kirchzarten and the Dreisamtal, as far as Freiburg and the Vosges. There is a forest playground for children on Giersberg. Facilities may change, so check what’s available before your visit.

Getting here and getting around

For your travel planning: you can reach the Dreisamtal by Deutsche Bahn via Kirchzarten station. Check the timetable before travelling, as services may change. A bicycle service station with supplies for minor bike repairs is located right next to the outdoor swimming pool, on the Dreisamtal Cycle Route in Kirchzarten. Check that the station is accessible before setting out.

Getting around the wider destination

In the wider Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald destination, many towns in the district can be reached by train. The free KONUS Guest Card gives you free travel on local trains and buses throughout the Black Forest.

Discover more destinations: Ehrenkirchen, Ihringen Am Kaiserstuhl, Oberrimsingen, Vogtsburg Im Kaiserstuhl, Wittnau, Ballrechten-Dottingen, Sankt Märgen, Pfaffenweiler.

Back to the wider travel overview: Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald.