Waldkirchen

Waldkirchen is the biggest town in the district of Freyung-Grafenau in Germany.

History

It was mentioned for the first time in 1203. Soon it became an important trading place along the "Goldener Steig" (Golden Path), a salt-trading route between Bavaria and Bohemia in the late Middle Ages. In the 13th century the Bishop of Passau gave Waldkirchen the title of a "Markt" (market). After several raids of Bohemian soldiers during the 15th century the city was surrounded by the "Ringmauer", a big stonewall which is still to be seen in many places of the city.

Belonging to the Bishop of Passau's territory for more than 600 years, the city became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1806 and in 1871 of the German Empire.

Waldkirchen burned down 6 times (1492- 1945). The last time was on April 26th 1945, when Waldkirchen was destroyed by advancing American troops because of a misunderstanding. Thereby died eight persons and 48 houses and also the historical church were destroyed. Thus 120 families became homeless.

The totally devastated city was rebuilt during the 1950s and became a "Stadt" (City) in 1972.

Waldkirchen was host of the 2007 Landesgartenschau.

Inhabitants

• 1979: 8,835
• 1982: 8,882
• 1992: 10,067
• 2005: 10,673 City centre: 3,613 Villages: 7,060

Religion

• Roman Catholics: 89%
• Protestant: 6%
• others: 5%

Sights

-City Wall

-St.Peter and St.Paul Church

-Schratzlgaenge (hidden labyrinth under the city)

- Marketplace

Tourism

Waldkirchen's main "industry" is tourism. Embedded in the Bavarian Forest, Waldkirchen is close to Prague, Munich and Vienna.

Famous people

• Emerenz Meier

References

External links

• http://www.waldkirchen.de/