Creglingen is about 20 minutes from Rothenburg ob der Tauber, along the Romantic Road in Germany, and somewhere you should take time to explore. While small, there are two points of interest you will want to see: Fingerhutmuseum and Herrgottskirche church. Luckily, both are right across the street from each other!
Things to See in Creglingen, Germany
Fingerhutmuseum (The Thimble Museum) in Creglingen
Opened in 1982, this museum owner is Brigitte Greif, a descendant of a thimble factory owner. This museum is more than just your average souvenir collection. There are more than 4,000 thimbles and they come from all over the world.
Herrgottskirche
Located across the street from the Thimble museum, Herrgottskirche has one of the finest examples of hand carved wooden alters in all of Europe.
The story is that in 1384 a peasant, plowing the field, discovered a communion wafer. This wafer was considered holy and thought to be the cause of miracles in the area. As a consequence, people came from near & far to be in contact with this miraculous wafer, and thus, the church was constructed just a few years later.
While very unassuming on the outside, it is the inside that holds one of the most beautiful alters in all of Europe.
The Marienalter sits at the apex of the church and is the focal point. It was constructed and carved by Tilman Riemenschneider, a master-woodworker, and tells the story of the Virgin Mary.
In the center panel of the Marienalter is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin who is surrounded by the twelve apostles. The side panels show scenes from Mary’s life including the birth of Christ.
At the far end of the church is the High Altar which depicts the Passion of Jesus. The sculptures and artists that created this work are unknown.
The left & right side alters feature paintings by Jakob Mülholzer. On the left altar, you will find images including the wedding of the Virgin Mary, Jesus & the three wise men, and John the Baptist. The right features scenes with the Virgin Mary.
From the outside, Herrgottskirche seems rather plain and it is easy to see why you might drive by it and think nothing of it. But once you walk through the doors, you will be amazed by its interior and well-maintained altarpieces.
If you can, be sure to stop and see Herrgottskirche in Creglingin on your journey down the Romantic Road.
Opening Hours
| 31st December | 31st January | closed |
| 01st November | 31st March | 1 – 4 p.m.(closed on Mondays) |
| 01st April | 14th August | 9.15 a.m. – 6 p.m.(closed on Mondays) |
| 15st August | 31st August | 9.15 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.(closed on Mondays) |
| 01st September | 31st October | 9.15 a.m. – 6 p.m.(closed on Mondays) |
Have you visited Creglingen, Germany? What did you think of these two attractions?
Caroline @ The Travelling Sloth
Thursday 16th of March 2017
Oh wow, that's an extremely detailed alter piece! It looks like a pretty "off the beaten path" sorta place and something unique! I wonder what sort of miracles were caused by the wafer - gonna have a read about it in a bit. Thanks for sharing this interesting place!
Liza
Thursday 16th of March 2017
Looks really beautiful! I would love to do a road trip around Germany only one day and I'll refer to your post once I decide to go on this trip.
Anisa
Wednesday 15th of March 2017
I had to look up where Herrgottskirche is, but wow that alter piece is really impressive! The woodwork is amazing. Definitely makes that church worth a visit.
Ivana
Wednesday 15th of March 2017
What a gorgeous church! I'm usually not a fan of churches, but this one seems special. Great photos.
Melissa C.
Wednesday 15th of March 2017
I love the detail work on the altar! I've never traveled to that part of the world, but it's definitely on my list. Thanks for sharing :-D