Denzlingen: Stork Tower, Glotter and Local History

Denzlingen combines traces of its early village history with art, nature and regional discoveries. The Stork Tower in the old village centre, in the lower village, is particularly distinctive: it is the former Church of St Michael, decorated with frescoes and paintings by Theodor Zeller. Storks have nested at the Stork Tower again since 1993. This site brings together sacred architectural history, mural painting and a natural feature.

Places steeped in local history

The Church of St Severin ruins lie on Mauracher Berg. The arch of the surviving Gothic portal bears the year 1497. The ruins of St Severin’s Chapel are a popular destination for excursions and are used as a barbecue area in green surroundings in summer. This combines the historic site with seasonal outdoor use.

In the upper village, the Sackträgerbrunnen fountain stands right by the Glotter. The sandstone ensemble known as the “Sackträgerbrunnen” was created in 1974 by Breisach artist Helmut Lutz and commemorates former mills. The Glotter flows through Denzlingen from east to west, crossed by historic bridges. The artwork, river and bridges thus each contribute a different element to the townscape.

Museums and everyday history

Heimethues at Hauptstraße 76 is a museum featuring the Otto Raupp Room and a collection of agricultural equipment. The local history museum also displays traditional local crafts and Denzlingen’s cigar production. Kitchen and bedroom furnishings, household equipment, and Denzlingen costumes and uniforms round out the exhibition. Its themes therefore range from craft and agricultural work to home life and clothing.

The “Spuren suchen – Denzlingen entdecken” (“Search for Traces – Discover Denzlingen”) project also focuses on historic buildings, with interactive information boards featuring QR codes. They provide information on topics including geological formations, forest use and the church ruins on Mauracher Berg. These varied themes link local history with knowledge of nature and the landscape.

Trails, river and activities

Denzlingen has numerous cycling and hiking trails stretching from the Kaiserstuhl to the Black Forest. Those who like to combine their stay with some activity will find an extensive network of trails alongside the cultural attractions. There is a playground at the forest barbecue area in Einbollen. This is separate from the barbecue area on Mauracher Berg, which is used in summer by the ruins.

The Glotter and its historic bridges give the town another connection to the landscape. Together with the information boards on geology and forest use, they offer different ways of seeing Denzlingen: as a place with distinctive buildings, a waterscape flowing through the town, and topics that extend beyond individual attractions.

Arriving and planning your stay

The Rhine Valley Railway and the Elz Valley Railway meet at Denzlingen station. This railway junction is a useful landmark when planning your arrival; check the relevant connections for your travel date. A weekly market is held at Kohlerhof. If you would like to visit during your stay, check the current schedule, as dates and times may change.

When choosing accommodation, consider which aspects of Denzlingen you would like to shape your stay: local history and museum exhibits, the riverside landscape, cycling and hiking trails, or a visit to the weekly market. These offerings provide different options without requiring a set itinerary.

Emmendingen at a regional level

The wider travel destination of Emmendingen offers another regional perspective. Emmendingen district has 900 kilometres of cycling routes, including 250 kilometres of signposted routes, as well as an 800-kilometre network of hiking trails and tours. These figures refer to the district.

Hochburg is another site of regional historical interest: it was first mentioned in writing in 1161 and is one of the largest castle complexes in Baden. The Association for the Preservation of Hochburg Ruins operates a museum there and also offers guided tours. This adds another historical perspective to Denzlingen’s local history within the wider travel destination of Emmendingen.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vörstetten, Kenzingen, Sexau, Herbolzheim, Forchheim, Riegel Am Kaiserstuhl, Biederbach, Bahlingen.

Return to the main travel overview: Emmendingen.