Maria-Frieden-Weg

On July 14, 1946, the Maria Frieden Chapel was consecrated in Zell im Wiesental-Mambach. The Seniorenakademie Hochrhein-Wiesental e.V. has set itself the task of researching the background and history of this peace chapel in order to preserve it for posterity. The chapel stands as a thank you for being spared during the Second World War, but also as a permanent memorial for peace.

After the documentation was published in 2021, the new "Maria-Frieden-Weg" was opened on July 14, 2022. This is a very scenic circular route with a length of 7.9 km and a difference in altitude of 170 meters. The route itself was designed in collaboration with the Black Forest Association of Zell im Wiesental. There are four stations along the way which provide information about the origins and construction of the chapel. The special feature of these stations is the design of the supports to which the information boards are attached. This reflects the different materials used in the construction of the chapel. A red brick is symbolically integrated into each station; the bricks were carried up the hill by children at the time.The Maria Peace Trail is intended to preserve the original idea of this chapel as a chapel of thanksgiving and peace. However, the path also aims to keep alive the memory of the selfless commitment of many women, men and children and to draw attention to the two people who realized the construction of the chapel: Pastor Eugen Thoma (1906-1983) and the painter Hans Franke (1892-1975) from Freiburg.

A QR code is located on each plaque, which can be used to access historical film and audio documentation.