Lausheim: Renaissance Art, Early History and Hiking Trails

In Lausheim, traces of art history meet long-distance hiking trails. St. Nicholas Church, finds from various periods and the Lausheim-Blumegg railway stop offer different perspectives on the village. When planning your trip, you can explore cultural history and hiking separately or focus on both.

Renaissance Art and Traces of Earlier Times

St. Nicholas Church in Lausheim is a former pilgrimage church in the Renaissance style. It was built in 1616 under Abbot Martin I Meister. Its notable features include unusually extensive surviving painted decoration from the late Renaissance; examples of this kind are very rare. Church paintings dating from before the Thirty Years’ War also contribute to the building’s art-historical significance.

Its building history extends beyond the church we see today. During restoration work in 1968/69, at least three predecessor churches were identified in the limited excavation area of the chancel. The tower already existed at that time. These finds show that the history of the site is not confined to a single phase of construction.

Further evidence can be found in the areas known as Schiedhag and Fohrenschachen. Grave finds at Schiedhag—including an arm spiral, a small dagger and a copper band—point to the period from 2000 to 1500 BC. A Roman country estate, or villa rustica, stood at Fohrenschachen. Together, these clues trace a broad timeline from early grave finds to the history of the church.

Bärensonntag (Bear Sunday) is also part of Lausheim’s cultural history: this ancient custom is intended to drive out winter. It complements the architectural and archaeological traces with a tradition passed down through the generations.

Hiking from Lausheim-Blumegg

For hikers, the Lausheim-Blumegg railway stop is a practical starting point. From there, the Sauschwänzle Trail is 10.5 kilometres long. The stop was established in 1899 to transport timber out of the Black Forest, so its history is closely tied to the railway’s purpose at the time.

Along the route, you can take a historic Sauschwänzlebahn train back to Blumberg-Zollhaus station. The railway does not run every day, so check operating days before making plans. This lets you coordinate your route with the actual train service without assuming that a return train runs daily.

The first stage of the Schluchtensteig Trail also passes the Lausheim-Blumegg railway stop. It runs from Stühlingen via Weizen station and through the Wutach Gorge, continuing over the Buchberg to Blumberg. The two hiking routes are described from different perspectives: the Sauschwänzle Trail is given by its length from the stop, while the Schluchtensteig is described by its stage route between Stühlingen and Blumberg.

Stühlingen as a Separate Regional Destination

You can also consider Stühlingen as a separate destination. Stühlingen has an extensive network of cycling and hiking trails. The town’s cultural attractions also include the Capuchin monastery and its crypt.

In a hamlet near Stühlingen-Blumegg is the museum mill, one of Germany’s oldest mills and one that is still largely preserved in its entirety. It is equipped with three water wheels and five grinding and pounding mechanisms. The mill has been open to the public since May 2000 and offers expert demonstrations and guided tours. If you plan to take a tour, check the dates in advance.

This way, your choice of accommodation can reflect your travel plans without conflating the distinct themes of the different places.

For the broader travel overview: Stühlingen.