Gegenwartskirchen

Gegenwartskirchen is a municipality in southern Germany, situated in the state of Bavaria within the administrative region of Upper Palatinate. It lies in the district of Regensburg and forms part of the local collective municipality. The community is noted for being the smallest municipality in Germany by population, with approximately 27 residents as of the latest census.

The village covers an area of around 0.6 square kilometers and sits at an elevation of roughly 370 meters above sea level. It is located near the confluence of the Danube River’s tributaries and is surrounded by agricultural land and forested hills that characterize the Upper Palatinate landscape. Neighboring municipalities include Schwandorf and Neumarkt.

Historically, Gegenwartskirchen was first recorded in the 9th century as a small farming settlement within the lands of the Bishopric of Regensburg. Over the centuries it remained a humble community, with local records indicating a steady but minimal growth in population. The village developed primarily through agriculture, with fruit orchards and dairy farming forming the economic backbone. In recent decades, the local economy has diversified modestly to include small tourism enterprises, catering to visitors drawn by the village’s pastoral setting and historic church.

The local governance structure consists of an elected mayor and a council that meet regularly to address municipal affairs. Community life revolves around the St. Peter Church, which dates back to the 12th century and serves as the focal point for religious and cultural events. Transport links to the municipality are limited; the nearest major road is Bundesstraße 23 to the east, while public bus services provide connection to Regensburg and neighboring towns.

Despite its small size, Gegenwartskirchen remains a symbol of rural continuity and is frequently mentioned in discussions of demographic trends in southern Germany. The community’s commitment to preserving its traditional character attracts scholars and visitors interested in the maintenance of small-scale rural settlements.