Geotope Isteiner Klotz | Historic Istein

Welcome to Efringen-Kirchen

Fascinating geological and chronological traces from long and not so long ago can be found in Istein. For example, there is the so-called Klotz, a remarkable overhanging rock, which is actually a former coral reef. Cause 50 million years ago, an ocean stretched out here. During the last Ice Age, the Rhine flowed so high past the western rockfall that it washed out caves from the limestone walls and served as a dwelling place for people from the Middle Stone Age onwards.

At the Klotzenspitze was the monastery "our dear Frowen zu Istein", founded in the 12th century. Markings of the water level show that the monastery was surrounded by water and could only be reached from the village by water.

A walk through the picturesque, protected village centre leads past historic buildings worth seeing. The construction of many houses is particularly vivid evidence that they used to be located directly on the banks of the Rhine. Their open cellars sloping down towards the river ensured that the water could flow away freely during high water.

Museum in the 'Old School House'

Nikolaus-Däublin-Weg 2
79588 Efringen-Kirchen

Tel.: 07628 8205

Opening hours

Sunday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Entry

The entry is free.
Guided tours and kids special upon request.