Olef

With over 1,100 residents, Olef is one of Schleiden’s larger neighborhoods and is located between Schleiden and Gemünd along the Olef River. The village is defined by the river, which winds through it and connects it to the surrounding landscape.

The townscape is defined by a historic village square and a cohesive half-timbered structure, which gives Olef a unique, time-honored character. Small vistas and glimpses emerge repeatedly between the houses, lending the town a lively atmosphere.

The Catholic parish church of St. John the Baptist, whose origins date back to the 13th century, is a central feature of the village. Inside, there are distinctive architectural features such as a baptismal font made of Namur bluestone and a rare two-story altar.

An unusual eye-catcher in the village is the so-called “crazy chair,” a small, quirky detail that piques curiosity.

Olef combines history, half-timbered architecture, and the river landscape to create a place with a special atmosphere.