Stülerkirche in Reitwein (church)

Reitwein’s defining feature is its outstanding location. Anyone approaching Reitwein will see the tower of the Stüler church rising proudly above the slope of Reitweiner Sporn. It is not the first church to be built in this spot. A predecessor building was erected in this prominent place above the village in medieval times, after permission to built a church had first been granted in 1414. 


The congregation no longer fit into the small church by the middle of the 19th century, and Count Rudolf Finck von Finckenstein decided to instruct the ‘royal architect’ Friedrich August Stüler to build a new church. 


Almost one century later, the church was caught between the fronts of the fighting in the last few weeks of World War II. Only ruins remained. It was thanks to the personal commitment of H.-G. Rieger, who was the pastor at the time, and the church council that the church just about escaped being demolished in the 1970s. Reconstruction of the bell tower was started after the reunification, and in this millennium, the bells are once again tolling every day at five minutes to six to indicate the end of the working day. However, the church nave still remains without a roof.


A popular secular series of events has established itself within the walls of the church: the music festival Reitweiner Musiksommer. A wide range of styles is represented at the concerts, including the eclectic local style ‘Zickenumpa’, throaty rock music and fine blues. The annual Christmas market attracts people from near and far. Reitwein is perfect for all those who are tired of the noisy, crowded pre-Christmas festivals. Everything here is handmade: traditional home-made cake, wild flower garlands, wood art, watercolour paintings, twist bread and wind music.