Bickendorf: Architectural History in the Nimstal

Bickendorf lies in the Nimstal valley, surrounded by rolling countryside. Architectural monuments and small historic landmarks give the village a distinctive historical character. They include the neo-Gothic St. Martin’s Church, six wayside crosses and the Nims Bridge north of Bickendorf. Those looking to combine nature, cycling and architectural history will find a range of options to consider when planning their trip.

St. Martin’s: Architectural History in Several Layers

St. Martin’s is Bickendorf’s neo-Gothic landmark, built of red sandstone. The church was built in 1896/97 by Saarbrücken architect Wilhelm Hector. It brings together elements from several periods: a stone Baroque altar wall from 1738 comes from the previous church. The original neo-Gothic stained glass has also been preserved. The neo-Gothic high altar reredos, dating from 1898, was donated by Karl Ernst Schrod, Auxiliary Bishop of Trier, who was born in Bickendorf.

The contrast between the older altar wall and the neo-Gothic church building makes the passage of time especially clear. The dates 1738, 1896/97 and 1898 mark different stages: from the furnishings of the previous church, through the construction of the new building, to the high altar reredos. St. Martin therefore offers visitors interested in culture several specific topics to explore through its architecture and individual furnishings.

Wayside Crosses and a Sandstone Bridge

Six wayside crosses add to Bickendorf’s historic buildings. The two oldest date from 1623 and 1626. One wayside cross at the junction of Zur Maisbach and Burgstraße dates from 1623; a niche cross on the old road to Ehlenz also dates from 1623. The Postkreuz near Nattenheimer Straße is a niche cross dating from 1626. Their different locations and forms help distinguish these individual landmarks without reducing them to a single architectural history.

The Nims Bridge north of Bickendorf is another clearly dated structure: built in 1920, it is made of red sandstone and has an arch. Together with St. Martin’s, it illustrates the range of historic structures in the village and its surroundings—from a church to a bridge.

Countryside, Cycling and Leisure

Bickendorf’s setting in the Nimstal valley and its rolling countryside define its natural surroundings. Leisure facilities include a barbecue hut and fishing waters. The Nimstal Cycle Route also runs through the Bickendorf area. These offer a range of different activities: cycling, fishing and using the barbecue hut are different ways to spend your free time from exploring the village’s architectural and cultural monuments.

Bickendorf is connected to the regional public transport network via the L 5 between Bitburg and Prüm.

More Cultural Destinations in the Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm

In the wider destination of Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm, cultural topics range from geology and fossil life to military history and historic domestic culture. The Devonium in Waxweiler offers a playful introduction to the complex topics of palaeontology and the science of fossil life. The Westwall Museum houses a military history exhibition on three accessible levels of a bunker; it is presented in underground corridors and rooms.

The Mühlenberger Stollen Bleialf visitor mine offers one-hour tours of the mine. Visitors learn about ore mining in Bleialf, from its geology to the technology used. The mine also has a mining trail with numerous information panels on the area’s mining history. The tours and trail offer a different focus from Bickendorf’s architectural history: here, the emphasis is on mining and the development of its technical foundations.

Another historical perspective is offered by Rittersdorf Water Castle, which is around 700 years old. It has been preserved virtually unchanged since it was built and offers an impressive picture of late medieval and early modern Renaissance domestic culture. The castle also has a privately run restaurant serving fine country cuisine; check whether the restaurant is currently open before your trip. These destinations offer a variety of cultural interests: St. Martin’s and the wayside crosses in Bickendorf, the museums and visitor mine, and Rittersdorf Castle each have their own topics and points of focus.

If Bickendorf’s church, wayside crosses and countryside are to be part of your stay, you can start by searching for accommodation in Bickendorf.

Discover More Destinations

Olsdorf, Biersdorf Am See, Oberweiler, Metterich, Fließem, Oberweis, Gondorf, Bettingen

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