Weiskirchen wants to bring back the white head: The fight for height!

Weiskirchen wants to bring back the white head: The fight for height!

Who knew a hill could spark competitive spirit? In Saarland there is a real battle between the communities for the highest elevation. However, the Schimmelkopf in Weiskirchen, which was considered the highest peak for many years, has lost its top position. What happened? In 2005, new measurements were taken that classified the Dollberg in Nohfelden at 695.40 meters as higher than the Schimmelkopf at 694.80 meters. But Mayor Stephan Barth of Weiskirchen has a plan to get this title back.

Barth would like the old name of the Schimmelkopf “Highest elevation in Saarland” to come back into conversation. To do this, he plans to build a five-meter-high mound of earth, called “High 700”. The highlight: The material used comes from the excavation of new wind turbines in the region, which also gives the project an environmentally friendly touch. As a unique selling point for Weiskirchen, Barth wants to enrich the new hill with natural modeling, greenery and several attractions, including a summit cross, a viewing platform, information boards and a selfie point, to make the landmark interesting for tourists and hikers.

What's behind the plans?

The idea of ​​surpassing the Schimmelkopfs with an artificially raised hill is not entirely without resistance. The community of Nohfelden, which currently claims the highest point in Saarland, is reacting calmly to the plans. A spokesman emphasizes that no artificial embankments are planned in Nohfelden. In addition, the geographical peculiarity that the Dollberg lies across the border into Rhineland-Palatinate is unknown to many citizens.

Mayor Barth sees the mold head as a symbol of local connection and thinks that the new viewing point could attract hikers, mountain bikers and families. “It will be a creative approach to nature,” explains Barth, because the area is damaged by bark beetles. To ensure that the idea doesn't just remain local, he is also planning to install a telescope on the summit. For him, the project is also a promise to a deceased friend who was always involved in the idea.

Wind power and landscaping

At a time when the focus is increasingly on renewable energy, wind power plays an essential role. The planning of new wind turbines and the associated provision of high-resolution wind maps are crucial in order to work effectively on the energy transition. These technical principles come into play when it comes to how wind turbines can be optimally positioned in areas with differences in altitude, such as Saarland. People and nature are faced with the challenge of combining energy solutions with landscape architecture.

It remains to be seen whether Weiskirchen actually returns to the highest elevation in Saarland. But one thing is clear: the competition for the best viewing point creates discussions and stimulates creativity to reinterpret old traditions. Perhaps hikers will soon be standing at the new summit of the “High 700” and enjoying the view – and with it something more than just a piece of natural history.

For more information on current developments in the wind energy sector and its impact on the landscape, visit the website DWD.

For further reports on the Kuppen Battle in Saarland you can read the articles on sol.de and rheinpfalz.de read up.