Tiengen Chindlistein

In the charming town of Waldshut-Tiengen in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, stands a remarkable and ancient monument known as the Tiengen Chindlistein. This enigmatic stone, also referred to in the local dialect as the Chindlistein von Tiengen, is the southernmost menhir in Germany and a captivating relic of the past that has intrigued locals and visitors alike for centuries.

Location and Features

The Tiengen Chindlistein is situated in the Wutach lowlands at the base of a diluvial gravel terrace. Just above it lies the entrance and exit of the Tiengen West section of the Bürgerwald Tunnel. The stone itself is a heavily weathered Nagelfluh pillar, standing at an impressive height of 5.92 meters above the ground. Its base is nearly rectangular, with a circumference of 7.50 meters and a maximum diameter of 1.70 meters. The stone's origin is quite unique, as it can be precisely traced to its nearby surroundings, making its transportation distance less than 50 meters. The vertical alignment of the pebbles within the stone indicates that it was deliberately erected in its current position.

Adjacent to the Chindlistein runs an old road connecting the High Rhine Valley to the Klettgau metropolis of Tiengen. This historical path was once the site of the Klettgau Landgericht, a local court that convened in the shadow of the towering stone. The stone has also been known locally as the Chindlistai, though the origins of this name are somewhat obscure. According to historian Egon Gersbach, the name likely emerged after the original function of the stone as a judicial site had faded from collective memory.

Historical Significance

The Tiengen Chindlistein holds a storied past that dates back to ancient times. Brigitte Matt-Willmatt, in her chronicle of Lauchringen, mentions that following the Alemanni's land acquisition, they held advisory assemblies known as Dings at specific locations, including the Chindlistein. The free imperial court also convened at these traditional Ding sites, with the Chindlistein first documented in 1020. However, it is believed that Tiengen, known as Tuoingen at the time, was the site of the Albgau assembly as early as 855, making the stone's historical significance even older.

During the Nazi era, the stone was imbued with ideological significance and designated as a Germanic Thing site. The Tiengen Chindlistein also features in local folklore, with a legend that keeps its memory alive. Today, the stone is recognized as a cultural monument and is protected under heritage conservation laws.

Recent Developments

In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and maintain the Tiengen Chindlistein. In May 2021, a group of activists took it upon themselves to care for the stone, clearing it of plants and shrubs that had taken root in its crevices. Even a small tree that had grown on the stone was removed. The group also created visual clearings from a nearby hiking trail and installed an informational plaque to educate visitors about the stone's history and significance.

Visiting the Tiengen Chindlistein

For those interested in exploring this fascinating piece of history, the Tiengen Chindlistein is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the region's ancient past. The stone stands freely in the landscape, having been liberated from the surrounding sports field infrastructure in 2019. The area around the stone has been renaturalized, and it lies within the floodplain of the Wutach River, adding a serene and picturesque setting to the historical site.

While visiting, take a moment to reflect on the countless generations that have passed by this ancient stone. Imagine the judicial proceedings that once took place in its shadow and the legends that have been woven around it over the centuries. The Tiengen Chindlistein is not just a stone; it is a silent witness to the ebb and flow of history, standing tall through the ages.

Conclusion

The Tiengen Chindlistein is a remarkable testament to the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or simply someone looking to connect with the past, a visit to this ancient menhir is sure to be a memorable experience. So, the next time you find yourself in Waldshut-Tiengen, make sure to pay a visit to the Tiengen Chindlistein and immerse yourself in the timeless stories it has to tell.