Oberdreis
Geography
Oberdreis is situated on the northeastern edge of the Rhein-Westerwald Nature Park, slightly removed from major transportation routes. The municipality includes the districts of Lautzert and Dendert, as well as the residential areas Guter Trunk Marie (a former quarry known as 'Tonzeche') and Sonnenhof. The village lies at an elevation of approximately 285 meters.
Governance
Municipal Council
The municipal council of Oberdreis consists of 12 elected members and the honorary mayor, who serves as the council’s chair. The most recent election was held on June 9, 2024.
Mayor
The current mayor, Julian Klein, took office on July 3, 2024, after being directly elected with 89.7% of the votes. Previous mayors include Ralf Engel (2019–2024) and Dieter Klein-Ventur (1999–2019).
Culture and Landmarks
Evangelical Church of Oberdreis
The village’s evangelical church dates back to at least 1253. Originally built as a fortified church, it served military purposes during the Thirty Years' War. The church underwent significant reconstruction in the late 18th century and was last renovated in 2002. The site also houses the grave of Paul Deussen, a renowned philosopher and friend of Friedrich Nietzsche.
Historical Oil Mill
The "Owerdresser Ollichsmill", a 300-year-old oil mill, is a notable example of local half-timbered architecture. Restored in 1980, the mill retains its original equipment, including a stamp-powered wedge press and waterwheel.
Backhaus (Bakehouse)
Next to the former fire station stands a traditional bakehouse, where bread is still baked every two weeks using a stone oven.
Beilstein
The "Beilstein", a basalt volcanic cone, is a natural monument in the Oberdreis forest. While no longer part of the main trail network, it's infrequently a destination for climbing and abseiling.
Renewable Energy
Oberdreis has invested in renewable energy with a 5.6-hectare photovoltaic plant, operational since 2011, generating enough electricity to power 170 households annually.
References
- ^ Kommunalwahlergebnisse Oberdreis 2024, Landeswahlleiter Rheinland-Pfalz, accessed 21 Jan 2025.
- ^ "Bevölkerungsstand 2022, Kreise, Gemeinden, Verbandsgemeinden" (PDF) (in German). Statistisches Landesamt Rheinland-Pfalz. 2023.
- ^ Kommunalwahlergebnisse Oberdreis 2024, Landeswahlleiter Rheinland-Pfalz, accessed 21 Jan 2025.
- ^ Kommunalwahlergebnisse Oberdreis 2024, Landeswahlleiter Rheinland-Pfalz, accessed 21 Jan 2025.
- ^ Angela Göbler: Nach 20 Jahren als Ortsbürgermeister in Oberdreis abgelöst: Ralf Engel folgt auf Dieter Klein-Ventur. Rhein-Zeitung. Mittelrhein-Verlag GmbH, Koblenz, August 27 2019, accessed 21 Jan 2025. (Paywalled).
- ^ Sign at Evangelical Church of Oberdreis. Picture of sign
- ^ Sign at Oberdreiser Ölmühle. Picture of sign
- ^ Oberdreis beteiligt sich am Solarwerk, Rhein-Zeitung, Accessed Jan 22 2025