Oberhallau between vineyard slopes and hill climbs

A trip to Oberhallau can be shaped by different reasons for visiting: winegrowing and landscape, the church as the village’s visual focal point, or the annual hill climb. Local history and specific activities each give a stay a different focus. When planning, it is important to decide whether to make a seasonal event or one of the other themes the main focus.

Between vineyards and farmland

The winegrowing village of Oberhallau lies between two vineyard slopes at the edge of a vast, almost treeless agricultural landscape in the sun-drenched Klettgau Valley. In Schaffhausen’s Klettgau region, the village is situated between Lugmer and Oberhallauer Berg, at the foot of the vineyards. Winegrowing and open farmland together shape the village’s appearance.

Church and local history

The history of today’s church begins with a chapel dedicated to Saint Peter, which belonged to the church in Hallau from 1508 onward. Oberhallau became an independent parish in 1713. The present-day church was built in 1751 on the site of the chapel and forms the visual focal point of the village. The key was chosen as an additional symbol on the municipal coat of arms because of the Chapel of Saint Peter. One notable detail inside the church is its organ: it is not on a gallery, but in the middle of the chancel wall. The church is listed as a visitor attraction year-round. In this way, the church connects the village’s appearance with its history.

The automobile hill climb

The “pro Bergrennen Oberhallau” association organizes and runs the automobile hill climb every year. It takes place on the last weekend of August each year, attracts international participants and includes championship standings. Unlike the church, which is listed as an attraction year-round, the race requires planning around a specific weekend; check the organizer’s current calendar before planning your trip around it. The hill-climb course in Oberhallau is three kilometres long, with an elevation difference of 157 metres. The event date and course measurements answer different planning questions: the date concerns when to travel, while the length and elevation difference describe the course.

Tours and a donkey picnic

Graf & Gräfin Hofgut offers tours of its vineyard. The “Picnic with a Donkey” experience in Oberhallau includes unguided hikes with at least two donkeys. One donkey carries a picnic of fine regional products to an idyllic vineyard hut. The tour focuses on the vineyard, while the other experience combines a hike and a picnic. The availability of Hofgut tours and booking details for the picnic experience may change; check with the relevant provider before making plans.

Getting to the church

The “Oberhallau, Trottengasse” stop is the listed arrival point for reaching the church by public transport. Before travelling, check the stop details and current timetable, as both may change.

Discover more destinations: Wilchingen.

For the broader travel overview: Unterklettgau.