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State: Baden-Württemberg;
nearest airport: Frankfurt International or Karlsruhe.
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Ah, you thought, only France has Versailles ? No, Schwetzingen also has a beautiful residential castle, which – due to its building history – has elements of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Classicism.
It was summer residence of Prince Electors Karl Philipp and Karl Theodor (17-18th century), and has recently been renovated to give access to all its wonderful buildings.
Adjacent to the castle is a huge park, consisting of a French baroque garden and an English landscape garden. The whole park has a lot of small temples, fountains, artificial rivers, a lake, so that you can wander around and will always discover something new and exciting. Over the year, the park is very well taken care of, so each season has its typical face, which makes it a nice destination all year round.
But it is not only the castle, what gives Schwetzingen its atmosphere, also the city, which stretches just outside of the castle’s gates.
In late spring and summer it is the capital of asparagus, sold by street vendors by the kilo, and each of the countless restaurants is offering their special asparagus dish.
Whenever I have colleagues or friends from abroad, who desperately want to see famous Heidelberg, I tell them, yes, we will go, but first I will show them something else….
Finally, they are all much more excited about Schwetzingen than about Heidelberg, which is proof again for me that it pays off to go off the well known sites :-)
I visit it quite often, but it will take ages until I will write more about it.
So, in the meantime, check what Teresa and Joan wrote.
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State: Hesse(n);
nearest airport: Frankfurt International (or Frankfurt-Hahn).
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Well, by now you might know my "game" - I try to drag you all away from the known places in Germany and lead you to the little gems.
Eberbach Monastery is quite known by the Germans living close by, but as it is nor UNESCO heritage site, it does not always get attention like Cologne and Berlin by (non-German) travellers.
Well, why should you visit this gem ?
First of all, it is one of the first abbeys of Cistercian Order, which have been founded in the Germany of 12th century. It was even founded by one of the most important and famous Cistercians - Bernhard of Clairvaux.
Second, the abbey funds is quite famous for their vineyards; it is said they are the biggest wine-gowing estate of Germany. Wine auctions are held twice a year, offering old and good wine.
Third, the abbey and the buildings are indeed beautiful, they provide a certain aura of quietness and contemplation. It can get crowded over weekends, but if you walk around in between the tour groups, you can have the rooms and church all for you alone.
And - last but not least - it was setting for the famous movie The Name of the Rose with Sean Connery (1986), and trust me, you will recognize the rooms you see, if watching the movie after your visit there.
And: it is not far away from Frankfurt, just half an hours drive.
If you want to know more about Eberbach Monastery: I have put to gether some info on "Kiedrich", which is the spot closest by.
Update: April 6, 2007:
I only changed the link, as I have transferred my writings about Eberbach Monastery to Kiedrich in the meantime. Leave a Comment Address: 15 km west of WiesbadenDirections: Drive west coming from Frankfurt, direction Eltville. In Eltville, head north (turn right) west of the city centre, direction Kiedrich, and then follow the brownish signs for Eberbach Monastery = Kloster Eberbach.Website: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/80c21/bb1b/
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Quintessential Germany- To the foreigner, this Castle probably represents Romantic Germany and Bavaria more than any other attraction. The setting of the Castle, surrounding area, and Schwansee (Swan Lake), warrant a visit in themselves; but most visitors coming to this corner of Bavaria are likely here to see Mad King Ludwig's masterpiece.
During our visit, the weather was not the best, but this fairytale castle was still an amazing site, seeming to be shrouded in the thick clouds and snow. Make sure you go up behind the castle to Marienbrucke (Mary's Bridge), great view of the castle with the lake and Bavarian mountains as the backdrop. We took the bus up, and walked down. It's a couple km's, but going downhill is very manageable and beautiful.
Most trips to Bavaria are not complete with out a visit to Neuschwanstein and Ludwig's other nearby masterpiece Schloss Linderhoff. It would be hard to be dissapointed by these castles. Below the castle (near the parking and info center where you'll buy tickets for the castle and bus) lies another, less spectacular Castle named Hohenschwangau. This is King Ludwig's childhood home and no doubt where he dreamed of the future Neuschwanstein.
(you can find all the tourist info, opening hours, costs, etc on the good official website below)
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Yes it's often overflowing with tourists, but this is for good reason. For a slice of the middle ages you can not beat this town; one of Europes best preserved walled cities. We've taken a number of visitors there and they've never been disappointed.
There are a number of parking lots just outside the walls of the City, the town is compact and all is accessible on foot.
Head for the marktplatz, with the beautiful Rathaus. You can climb to the top of the tower for great, panoramic views. (Warning, I did this with a 1.5 yr old on my back and barely made it, tight staircase!). Information is close by; with the Rathaus behind you, go left on Markt and it's just up on the left. Grab some cash here at the bank right next to it. Also, the info center has a neat map with many guesthouses identified by lights, letting you know where available rooms are if you've yet to get accommodations.
Wander the streets, plenty of opportunity to pick up souvenirs from anywhere in Germany- my sister got a good deal on a coo-coo clock, typical of the black forest in SE Germany.
The "Mittelalterliches Museum", middle ages torture museum is a fascinating display of instruments of torture/punishment, one of the most extensive collections anywhere.
Head down the street further past the museum towards the city wall to see the most painted/photographed area of Rothenberg. It's where the road (now called Untere Schmiedegasse) forks just before the Wall.
Speaking of the wall, you can ascend to the top and any number of spots and "Walk the wall" for a great view. Notice the bricks in the wall labeled with names of those who donated to the city to help it's rebuilding after damage sustained in WWII.
You'll see that Schnee ballen (snow balls) are the snack of choice here. Fried dough strips wrapped into balls, coated with all sorts of sugary, chocolaty, concoctions. They look better than they taste but you'll surely try for yourself.
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 Speyer, Cathedral and
absolute symmetry :-) by Trekki,
4 more photos
State: Rheinland-Pfalz;
nearest airport: Frankfurt International or Karlsruhe.
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When looking at the most popular places for Germany in VT travel guide, there is Trier, Cologne, Aachen - but Speyer, Mainz and Worms are missing. Which is sad, as not many German towns are loaded with so much European history as it is Speyer.
Speyer was a very important town during Holy Roman Empire. Salian King Konrad II has initiated the construction of the Kaiserdom - Imperial Cathedral in 1030, which was the biggest church within the occident those days.
Today, after several destructions, reconstructions and expansions, the Kaiserdom is still one of the most important and beautiful romanesque buildings in Germany, maybe even in Europe.
8 Kings and Emperors of Holy Roman Empire have their burial ground here - did you know that ?
(it is UNESCO listed, if this helps to decide for a visit :-)
But Speyer does not only have the Cathedral, the town itself is beautiful as well, a lot of half-timbered houses, excellent food (palatine specialities - aah, YUMM), Memorial Church invites with 36 stained glass windows, Trinity Church is one of the most beautiful late baroque church in Germany, with paintings and wood carving interior, it has an old Jewish bath of 12th century, and so many other sights as well.
For me, apart from the Cathedral, Speyer's most impressive attraction is the Historical Museum of the Palatine, a museum with excellent exhibitions and very knowledgeable staff. The museum houses the Cathedral Treasury, a wine museum, several other interesting permanent and special exhibits.
(I have started to write a bit more extensive about Speyer, if you are interested, please see link below).
Congratulations to Speyer:
In September 2006, Germans selected it as their 9th most favourite place in Germany :-))
(see my TL here below). Leave a Comment
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Mainz -
I lively Town with University feel, it is the Capital of the state of Rheinland-Pfalz. The city was founded around 40 BC, on the site of a Roman Citadel. Located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers, the City has been an important trading and religious center throughout its history.
Head towards the Marktplatz at the center of town and central to all the cites. Tuesday, Friday, & Saturday this area hosts a great farmers market; we would usually plan a visit to Mainz on one of these days as the market is wonderful and offers more than just fruits and vegetables.
The Marktplatz lies in the shadow of the Mainz Dom. Duck inside to see one of the oldest Romanesque Cathedrals of its kind (completed 1009 AD).
This is the home town of arguably the most important inventor in History...you know, Gutenberg.. printing press. There's a good museum named after him in the town (www.gutenberg-museum.de).
East of the Marktplatz is our favorite pedestrian area, Kirchgarten. Up the hill (take Gaustrasse) is St. Stephankirche, with it's vibrant blue windows by Marc Chagall. If I had but one site to see in Mainz, this is it.
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A day out from our campsite, near Basel,found us at the German / Swiss boarder town of Rheinfelden, split into two by the fast flowing Rhine. A pretty town, with a sad history. Most of the town starving to death during the war between the Austrians and the Swiss. The houses are very quirky and there is a surprise down every little street. There are a couple of very nice park's filled with lots of beautiful flower's. The street's are full of cafes, fountains and bars. Not to be missed hidden in a side street is a monument to those who starved to death in the great wars.
Ferry's takes tourist for pleasure cruises down the Rhine from the Swiss side.
Half the of the town is in Germany, and half in Switzerland. It's best to Park on the German side and walk across the bridge into Switzerland, but most importantly don't forget your Passport, they are hot on checks on the Swiss boarders and it is so easy to get caught out. Leave a Comment Address: Rheinfelden. Germany/ SwitzerlandDirections: On the Swiss German boarder,close to Basel.
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Der Rheingau is the unique stretch of the Rhine river that flows west to east between Wiesbaden/Mainz to about Lorchhausen. This stretch (about 35 km) is famous for the picturesque towns, dense population of romantic medieval castles, and it's vineyards. Those grapes on the vines are predominantly Riesling, making probably Germany's best (and best know) Riesling wine. This east-west flow of the river allows more constant sun on the hills terraced down to the river, contributing to the excellent conditions for the Riesling grape. Enough about Wine...
This area is truly spectacular. The towns along the river are all gems, particularly, from east past Wiesbaden:
- Elteville, town of roses
- Rudesheim, possibly over touristed,
- Assmannshausen, surounding hills produce Spatburgunder, a easy drinking red wine from the pinot noir grape)
-Bacharach, great combination of castle a (used as a youth hostel), medieval walls, and ruins of the gothic chapel
Even though technically out of the Rheingau, continue on to the famous Lorelei and St. Goar to spend some time. The castle ruins Dominating above St. Goar are the largest along the Rhine. Across the river is St. Goarshausen with the 2 castles of Burg Katzenburg and Mause (yes Cat and Mouse). If time permits, continue on up to Koblenz, where the Mosel river meets the Rhine; more of the same with some even more spectacular castles.
A trip through the Rhinegau will surely not disappoint. It is best and easy to drive if possible, stopping off at the towns, castles, and locals selling wine at the side of the road. Alernatively, the train runs right along this stretch, as does regular boat service starting at the larger cities of Wiesbaden and Mainz. Check out the Koln-Dusseldorf cruise website for info on the boat services.
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 Eibsee, near Garmisch by rubbersoul75
Our favorite area of Germany is definately Bavaria. I know I'm not the only one. More specifically, anywhere near the Alps.
Garmish is Ideally situated for day trips to:
- Oberammergau, famous for hand carved wood figurines and the live passion play enacted very 4 years
- Ettal, and it's beautiful Benedictine abbey (that happens to brew some good beer)
- Mad king Ludwigs castles of Linderhof and that subdued work, Neuschwanstein.
- the lakes in the region (photo)
- and even into neighboring Austria
Live well, and keep some euros in your pocket by staying in one of the many guesthouses in the city. See my lodging page for more info. Garmisch-Partenkirchen were formerly 2 seprate towns, combined when the 1936 winter olympics. SOme of the best Sking in Germany is to be had here, as well great hiking, depending on the time of year. Just be prepared for major amounts of snow if you are planning a winter visit.
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This is probably the most famous structure in all of Germany. The Cathedral is fascinating ins so many ways. The first stone was laid in 1248, built gradually until 1520, and then finally fininshed in the 19th century. It's extremely gothic design is impressive, but outdone by the buidings sheer size. The Dom's presence exerts itself on the landscape for miles and miles around in every direction.
No doubt, this is the most impressive buiding I've ever seen (having seen the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Twin Towers, Duomo in Florence, blue Mosque Isanbul). We traveled to the top of the spire- with our 1 yr old on my back. Claustrophobic dizzing trek, but rewarding views for those who venture.
The city of Koln is pleasant enough, one of Germanys oldest towns, but not so many historic buidings due to heavy bombong in WWII. A visit to Koln, even just to see the Dom and the surrounding squares is must if you've got the time and are in the vacinity.
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