12. The historical “Himmelsstäpfele”
In the district Himmelreich you pass by Johann Christian Wentzinger‘s (from 1710 to 1797) birthplace who was an artist and master builder, before you have to walk steep up to the Ehrenstetter Ölberg. A difficult road that the winemakers had to go long time ago. The vineyard area being on steep slopes with a fantastically sunny situation on limestone terraces, can only be harvested by hand. The dry-stone walls must be continuously cultivated and maintained. In fact, the so-called “Himmelsstäpfele” looks like a stairway to heaven.
It is well worth the ascent since you reach a small chapel (Ölbergkapelle) built in 1954 and situated on a pre-summit. The beautiful view to the Black Forest mountains with Schauinsland, Belchen and Blauen and to the open Rhine Valley and the Vosges is a fantastic reward for the effort.
What a wonderful panoramic view!