Oppenheim Travel Guide

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Standing tall above the lower part of the town, this makes for a great landmark when attempting to navigate to and from the train station. It was built in the stead of the ruins of a much earlier clock tower in 1829. At its base is a tiny and peaceful little alcove in which to sit in its shade next to a pentagonal fountain.

The Ruprechtstum is one of the few reminders of the nearby Landskron's substantial defences. This tower was named after King Ruprecht, who died in the castle in 1410. The tower was built the same year. The tower is atop a steep incline, which can now be climbed thanks to the placement of some very tiring steps. This is probably the quickest way of climbing the hill to the town center, but only if you have the legs and the energy.

Just downhill from the Katherinenkirche is the Oppenheim's town hall. It's a typical rural German town hall, and quite evocative in its simple elegance. I can just imagine people standing in front of it wearing the stereotypical Lederhosen.

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I came upon the Katharinenkirche somewhat by accident. I knew it was up the hill somewhere from the station, but couldn't see it because it was tucked away behind the buildings. I walked up some steep steps towards a tower, which I thought might have hope of being the church, but it proved to be some stone lookout called Ruperechtsturm. After wandering into what looked like be a private vinyard, and wondering if I should go back out again, I came across this view in the picture, and knew I was on the right path. I walked past some child's sandpit, down the steps and out of the gate, to find myself at the foot of this immense construction.

It's called a church, but it is very big. Despite its size it hides itself well, dug into a crevice in the hillside and hunkering down behind a circle of tall houses. Up close, however, it is very impressive. Too large to get into a picture without a wide angled lens. The church was built over two centuries, giving it a mix of styles, from the Romanesque towers to the Gothic nave. Inside are some fantastic stained glass windows, including the famous Openheimer Rose.

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The Katherinenkirche contains some really impressive pieces of stained glass. I'd read that the most famous piece was the Oppenheimer Rose, designed and placed in the church in the 14th century. For the life of me I couldn't find out which one it was, but the one pictured was impressive, stood behind the alter and was in the only part of the church to date from that far in the past, so I assume it is the correct one. Please update me if you know better!

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Favorite thing: Oppenheim has a great collection of old timbered buildings built somewhat haphazardly up and down the hillside. The place has been relatively untouched by either bombs or progress, so there are plenty of original or restored buildings to admire. The streets are very old fashioned, and meander through the town and allow for plenty of good photographic material.