Idar-Oberstein Travel Guide

Idar-Oberstein (Two Towns, One Name) is a great destination for families. You can see the "Church in the rock." which is a massive catholic church built into the face of the hill overlooking the villages. It's a hike getting to it but, the view is great! The village is a former mining town where gems were culled for centuries. You can still find great jewelry bargains if you take your time. Also, Freunberg is nearby and it's medieval parappets are awesome to walk on a foggy and dark night- the castle ruins sit in the middle of a dense forest, you walk a trail to get to it. It was built by a suiter to the countess of Frauenberg. Lots of fun!

In Idar Oberstein there is a church built in to a cliff. The 1400s Protestant Felsenkirche (Rock-Church) is built right into the face of the cliff 214 steps and 165 feet above the Oberstein Marktplatz, and just below the Old Castle of the Earl of Oberstein that’s perched on the very top of the hill. Legend says Wyrich pushed his brother Emich out of a castle window, then built the chapel on the ledge where his brother’s body had landed. They had — what else! — fought over a beautiful lady named Bertha.

Such a beautiful city.