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PLANNING GUIDE

Romantic Road ® from the River to the

Sightseeing Itinerary Insider tips 2 PLANNING GUIDE LONG DISTANCE HIKING TRAIL

CONTENTS

Hiking in the countryside along the ...... 2

460 km of unadulterated romanticism...... 3

Tips for explorers, connoisseurs and aficionados...... 3

Würzburg...... 4/5 Wertheim...... 6/7 ...... 8/9 Lauda-Königshofen...... 10/11 ...... 12/13 ...... 14/15 Röttingen...... 16 ...... 17 Rothenburg ob der ...... 18/19 Hiking in the Countryside along the Romantic Road Schillingsfürst...... 20 Almost everyone has heard of it: the Romantic Road, where you will immediately see why it is called “above Romantic journey through time....21 the unbroken series of romantic towns and landscapes the Tauber”. Beforehand, you will have passed through ...... 22/23 between Würzburg and Füssen, between the valley of Lauda-Königshofen, Bad Mergentheim, Weikersheim, Dinkelsbühl...... 24/25 the River Main and the foothills of the Alps. The Roman- Röttingen and Creglingen with its famous Church of Wallerstein...... 26 tic Road Long Distance Cycle Path has been in existence our . The Franconian Heights are more severe since 1988; in 2006 a route for true aficionados was ad- and cooler with panoramic views and ancient Bicycle tours...... 27 ded: the Romantic Road Long Distance Hiking Trail. embedded in gentle valleys. The western part has be- Nördlingen im Ries...... 28/29 The new trail does not run along main roads (when- longed to the dynasty for centuries. The Harburg...... 30 ever possible - today, it is not always possible to avoid route takes us through Schillingsfürst, an important asphalt) but along tracks through forests, fields and royal residence, Feuchtwangen and Dinkelsbühl before Romantic Road International...... 31 meadows, along footpaths through the towns as far coming to Wallerstein in the Ries district. We cross the as practicable and always through the town centres. Ries - ‘s only extensive, circular crater, the re- Donauwörth...... 32/33 Rain...... 34/35 After all, why hike the Romantic Road if the aim is to sult of an impact from a huge meteorite - via the district ...... 36/37 avoid the romantic old towns between Würzburg and capital, Nördlingen. The subsequent route to Donau- Friedberg...... 38 Füssen, between and Augs- wörth and Rain via Harburg is easy and takes us across burg and between Creglingen and Dinkelsbühl? Why the imperceptible but important European watershed Festivals and festival plays...... 39 avoid ancient imperial towns, such as Donauwörth, between the Franconian Heights and the Swabian Alb. am ...... 40/41 aristocratic towns, such as Schillingsfürst, towns of The Lech Valley, which we follow from Donauwörth, via Pfaffenwinkel...... 42/43 the , such as Bad Mergentheim and royal Rain, Augsburg and Friedberg, to , ...... 44 residencies, such as Wallerstein? Not to mention all the Hohenfurch, Schongau and , is a long, easy rou- Schongau...... 45 half-timbered town halls, the Gothic parish churches, te towards the distant Alps. Floodplains and fields al- Peiting...... 46 the quiet squares and the splashing of their fountains, ternate with woods, meadows, wetlands and the river is ...... 47 ...... 48 the pilgrimage churches, the ancient castles, never far away. Then, we climb the foothills of the Alps ...... 49 friendly villages, palaces, wayside chapels and, in the with views of the limestone mountains in the south and Halblech...... 50/51 far south of the country, the epitome of German roman- pass through Rottenbuch, Wildsteig, Steingaden with ...... 52/53 ticism, Neuschwanstein, the dream castle of the fairy- its world-famous Church in the Meadow and Halblech. Füssen...... 54/55 tale king, Ludwig II. All in all, this hiking trail has more Through increasingly demanding hills and seemingly fascinating buildings and artistic monuments than any endless grazing land and meadows, we draw closer to other. the mountains until the final stretch takes us in their And this, of course, ignores the miles and miles of beau- shadow past Bannwaldsee, Schwangau, the enchanting tiful countryside. At the beginning of the hiking trail in castle of Neuschwanstein and Alpsee to Füssen. Würzburg, the slopes of the Main Valley are lined by vine- If you walk the Romantic Road long-distance hiking Published by: yards. Many of them, such as the ‘Würzburger Stein‘, are trail without a break, you will need about three weeks. Romantische Straße ® Touristik-Arbeitsgemeinschaft GbR, not only renowned for their great wines but are also only If you take some time out to enjoy the scenery, art and Dinkelsbühl a stone‘s throw away. The Tauber Valley truly earns the culture, you will need around four weeks. Copy, photos and information: appellation ‘charming‘ with soft lines, varied scenery, And that‘s a reason to celebrate if there Member towns and Romantische enchanting views and romantic settings along the ever was one! Strasse ® river. Particularly charming are the close ties between Hikeline hiking guide (in German): Errors and omissions excepted. nature and areas that have been cultivated for many Romantic Road Subject to change without notice generations. You ramble along the valley, past peaks Long Distance Hiking Trail and being unsold. and tributary valleys, one more attractive than the Hiking guide and maps on a scale of 1:35,000 other, between Tauberbischofsheim and Rothenburg Part 1 – From Würzburg to Donauwörth Part 2 – From Donauwörth to Füssen Romantic Road ® 3 LONG DISTANCE HIKING TRAIL 460 KM OF UNADULTERATED ROMANTICISM

Tips for explorers, connoisseurs and aficionados

The Romantic Road is a must for con- noisseurs of the finer things in life. The spectrum of fine restaurants and hotels is wide: from cosy farms and family-oriented guesthouses, via rustic inns, traditional, family-run houses and modern chain hotels, to trendy event and lifestyle hotels. Naturally, all offer dishes and wi- nes typical of the region, from tasty snacks and Franconian specialities to stylish afternoon tea. No matter whe- ther you prefer great wines from the Main, Tauber or Hohenlohe districts or first-class , the local products in restaurants, wine cooperatives, wine galleries and breweries gene- rally bear witness to their patrician or aristocratic origins. Splendid resi- More than 460 fascinating kilometres between tradition and trends dences, mighty castles and enchant- ing palaces are an open invitation The Romantic Road is unique: the leading and oldest natural beauty, with picturesque villages and towns to enjoy the three cornerstones of German holiday route. Hugely popular among inter- such as Hohenfurch, Schongau, Peiting, Rottenbuch, the Romantic Road: art, culture and national guests and the trademark for over 400 fas- Wildsteig and Steingaden. cuisine. cinating kilometres, it is the classic alternative to On any journey through the varied the motorway from north to south or vice versa, and The traces of each epoch are unmistakable and leave and attractive countryside, you can a counterbalance to the hustle and bustle of modern unforgettable impressions in harmony with the en- expect more than just a treat for your taste buds. Everyone is sure to be de- life. Descriptions such as art, culture and culinary rou- chanting countryside. Thus, the Romantic Road is a lighted regardless of whether he or te, festival and gourmet road, activities and events destination for people, no matter what their interest. she comes alone, with their family, course underscore the contrasts between ancient and Culture fans, festival visitors, music and art lovers are friends or a club. Along the Romantic Road, you can come face to face with modern from one end to the other. no less well catered for than historians and collectors. the ‘hunters of the night‘ in a No matter whether you go by car, bike or on foot, on Historical and traditional festivals, lansquenet meet- park, discover Christmas - the epito- an excursion, for a weekend, a short break or ‘proper‘ ings and fishing competitions in Donauwörth, opera, me of German romanticism - on 365 days of the year, awaken the child in holiday, you can be sure of experiencing 3,000 years of theatre, ballet and musicals outdoors, in romantic man at the Railway Museum with its German and European history in fast motion at the 29 castles, palaces, civic halls and extraordinary stages, veteran locomotives and carriages, towns between the River Main and the Alps, between St. Ulrich‘s and Leonhard‘s processions and horse bles- or try your luck at one of the region‘s casinos. the Baroque splendour of the princebishops‘ resi- sings, national-costume festivals, mountain services, dence in Würzburg and Ludwig‘s fairytale castles near painting symposiums, pottery, art and flea markets, Würzburg is distinguished by the Ba- Schwangau. unusual museums and amazing collections - there‘s no roque splendour beloved of prince bishops while Schwangau can boast The colourful and varied tableau of the Romantic Road end to the multiplicity of things to do and see along Kings Ludwig‘s castles. You can ad- has been moulded by the , Romans and Carolin- the Romantic Road. mire them during an extraordinary gians, by the , the , Baroque, day of wellness and relaxation. The ‘Königliche Kristalltherme‘ is one of Rococo, Biedermeier and Wilhelminian periods and, No matter whether you are a passive nature lover, a the most attractive thermal baths in of course, by the present day. , barons and po- connoisseur or an active sportsperson, you are sure to Germany. tentates ruled in mighty castles and magnificent pal- be enchanted by the vineyards along the River Main, First-class wellness is only one of the aces, such as those in Bad Mergentheim, Weikersheim, the beautiful river scenery along the Tauber, Wörnitz, multifarious excursion, travel and Röttingen, Schillingsfürst, Wallerstein and Harburg. and Lech, the watershed of the Franconian holiday options to the left and right Wealthy citizens, widely travelled merchants and in- Heights, the meteorite crater near Nördlingen, the of the Romantic Road. How about shopping at a leading factory-outlet dustrious tradesmen breathed new life into medieval, pre-Alpine end moraine and the , the “Top centre to begin with? Which, de- half-timbered towns with gateways, towers and walls, of Germany”. In common with the hiking trail, the Ro- pending on your inclination, can be as can still be seen today in Tauberbischofsheim, mantic Road cycle route opens up kilometres of unadul- rounded off by short or long courses of treatment at one of the country‘s Lauda-Königshofen, Creglingen, Rothenburg ob der terated pleasure (500 km in all) well away from the historical spas, a relaxing farm vaca- Tauber, Feuchtwangen, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, Do- main roads. The Romantic Road is a paradise for run- tion, following in the footsteps of the nauwörth, Augsburg with its world-famous Fuggerei ners, cyclists and skaters and, additionally, offers top Romans along the 2,000-year-old ‘‘, which “takes the social housing, Friedberg and Landsberg am Lech. horse racing, hunting in the autumn, canoeing world same route” as the Romantic Road in Matthias Grünewald, , Veit cup in Augsburg‘s ‘Eiskanal‘ and a golf competition the south, a golf holiday on some mar- Stoss, the Asam and Zimmermann brothers, Neumann with ten or more tournaments. In other words, the fit vellous courses, cycling with special events and luggage transport, make and Tiepolo created works of art unparalleled any- and fun programme is just as varied as the culinary spe- excursions to one of Upper ‘s where in the world. The of Wies, a cialities from , Baden, Hohenlohe-Württem- wonderful lakes, arrive via Germany‘s UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the acme of masterly berg, Bavarian and Allgäu - from rustic snacks second biggest airport, take a coach trip. The Romantic Road has offers to rococo. It lies in the gently undulating countryside to gourmet dinners, from Franconian and Tauber Valley suit everyone’s taste as well as the of the Pfaffenwinkel, the “land of monks, artists and wines to special that are only served within close right partner. farmers”, a glorious land of both cultivated areas and proximity of a number of private breweries. 4 PLANNING GUIDE WÜRZBURG

March/April: Flamenco Festival Würzburg ‘Residenz‘ race May: Cultural Festival in the Juliusspital Vineyard Estate Würzburg City Marathon June: Mozart Festival Africa Festival Bürgerspital ‘Hofschoppen- fest‘ (Wine Festival) FESTIVALS | EVENTS Umsonst & Draussen (Free & Outdoor) Festival Würzburg Wine Dominated by its landmark, the ‘Marienberg‘ Fortress, this university and congress city Hofgarten Wine Festival July: is surrounded by vineyards. The lies in the shadow of the towers of St. Kilian‘s Kiliani: Beer festival and Cathedral, the Neumünster church and the Chapel of St Mary, adjacent to the former prince fun fair bishops‘ palace, the splendid Baroque masterpiece planned by and now Stein Wine Festival a UNESCO World Heritage site. Music Festival: Würzburger Hafensommer Sightseeing (Selection) Juliusspital (Hospital - endowed in 1576): August: (early 13th century); 1253 - castlelike Baroque building with an original Rococo Ringpark Festival 1719 residence of the prince bishops; large-scale pharmacy, the ‘Alte Anatomie‘ (1705-14), and a re- reinforcement and extension of the Fortress in the nowned vineyard. Today, a modern hospital with old- Wine parade 17/18th centuries; extensive fortifications with the people‘s home. September: Church of the Virgin Mary (‘Marienkirche‘, the oldest Käppele: Chapel of Grace (1653) on the ‘Nikolaus- International Street Art & round church in Germany east of the built in berg‘ with attached domed central building and dou- Street Music Festival AD 706), gateway (‘Scherenbergtor‘ - 1345/1482), ble tower façade by Balthasar Neumann; magnificent November/December: Renaissance ‘Brunnentempel‘ (well temple - approx. ceiling frescos and stuccowork; steps with stations of Würzburg Bach Festival 1600) and ‘Fürstenbau‘ (prince-bishop‘s residence) the cross lead up to the pilgrimage church. Christmas Market with Late Gothic ‘Bibra‘ staircase (1511). Marienkapelle and Falkenhaus at the Market Place: Residenz: prince bishops‘ palace (1720-1744): late Gothic hall church (1377-1481) erected by the major work of South German Baroque built accord- citizens of Würzburg; remarkable tombstones and For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de ing to plans by Balthasar Neumann; staircase with tomb of Balthasar Neumann. Adjoins the ‘Falkenhaus‘ self supporting arched ceiling and splendid ceiling with an attractive Rococo façade (1751). Today tou- fresco by Giovanni Tiepolo; late Baroque and Roco- rist information and ticket service. co staterooms, e.g., White Room, Imperial Room, Theatres, concerts Mirror Room; elaborately decorated church (‘Hofkir- ‘Mainfranken Theater‘ and ‘Kammerspiele‘: opera, che‘) and Baroque court garden; UNESCO World operetta, ballet and stage plays, symphony concerts Heritage site since 1981. by the Würzburg Philharmonic orchestra. ‘Theater St. Kilian‘s Cathedral (approx. 1040): the fourth im Chambinzky‘: comedies, pantomimes, musicals. biggest Romanesque church in Germany with a cru- ‘Werkstattbühne‘, ‘Theater am Neunerplatz‘; ciform layout; extended, rebuilt and added-to up to ‘Theaterensemble’. ‘Kabarettbühne Bockshorn‘ at the the 18th century; destroyed in 1945; reconstruction ‘Kulturspeicher‘. completed in 1967; bishops‘ tombs from the 12th to 19th centuries; cloister (1420-53) built on Ro- Museums, exhibitions man foundations and ‘Schönbornsche Grabkapelle‘ Mainfränkisches Museum in the former arsenal of (1718-36) by Balthasar Neumann. the ‘Marienberg‘ Fortress; collections of artistic Neumünster (New Minster - 11th century): Roman- works and cultural objects by Franconian artists and esque basilica with dome (1710-16) and Baroque artists living in Franconia, as well as artistic crafts- men, including masterworks by Würzburg woodcarver Insider tips façade. Remains of cloister from the Staufer period Tilman Riemenschneider. Maritim Hotel with tomb of minstrel Walther von der Vogelweide in +49 (0) 931 30530 the ‘Lusam‘ garden. www.maritim.de Romantic Road ® 5

▶ About 1000 BC HISTORY Fürstenbau Museum in the rebuilt ‘Fürstenbau‘ Many of the short break packages include the Würz- Celtic fortification on the (bishop‘s residence) of the Marienberg Fortress: ex- burg Welcome Card, which offers price reductions on Marienberg hibition showing how the prince bishops lived; numerous sights, museums, theatres, ship excursi- ▶ About AD 650 Franconian ducal seat treasure chamber; local history department. ons on the River Main, tours, souvenirs, etc. ▶ 704 Würzburg mentioned in a Martin-von-Wagner Museum in the south wing of Congresses, conferences document for the first time the ‘Residenz‘ with art gallery (14th to 19th centu- Congress Centre Würzburg, Conference Centre at Ma- ▶ 706 Consecration of the church on ry), collections of prints and antiques. rienberg Fortress and Barockhäuser and Kulturspei- the Marienberg Museum of Art - ‘Museum im Kulturspeicher‘ - cher event rooms with capacities from 50 to 2,500 ▶ 742 with 19th to 21st century works of art, regular ex- people, as well as numerous conference venues. The Bishopric of Würzburg founded hibitions, non-representational art in the ‘Concrete CTW Congress Office offers a complete service incl. ▶ 788 Work starts on the first cathedral Art‘ collection, light objects and computer art. organisation, reservation, registration, service and ▶ 1156 ‘Galerie Spitäle‘, ‘Domschatz‘, ‘Museum am Dom‘ development of programs. Frederick Barbarossa marries and ‘Siebold‘ Museum. Beatrix of Burgundy Fringe programme ▶ 1168 Frederick Barbarossa confirms the Itinerary Organised excursions (for groups only): Romantic Duchy of Franconia from April to December. Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber; Franconian Wine ▶ 1525 Guided tours in German: Country Würzburg takes the peasants‘ side during the Peasants‘ War January – March: Saturday at 10.30 a.m. ▶ 1582 March – April: daily at 10.30 a.m. Culinary Delights Julius-Maximilian University founded May – October: daily at 10.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Today’s recommendation: quaint old pubs and tra- ▶ 1631 October – November: daily at 10.30 a.m. ditional wine taverns offering regional Franconian Würzburg conquered by Gustav II Adolf of Sweden November – December: daily at 10.30 a.m. and cuisine as well as top international restaurants that ▶ 1720 2 p.m. can stand up to any comparison. You will find all this Foundation stone of the ‘Residenz’ Tours in English: in a countryside that has the best conditions for laid ▶ 1802 Guided tours by city train (duration 40 minutes): wine growing, and not only in terms of the climate: Secularisation of the Hochstift, April - December: 5-8 daily departures on the full this is where wine in the traditional Bocksbeutel the central administration of the hour. bottles can be enjoyed best. So there is no end to bishopric Guided walking tours for individual travellers: ▶ 1814 our invitations! Würzburg incorporated into Bavaria tours of the ‘Residenz‘; tours of ‘Marienberg‘ ▶ 1867 Fortress. Nature (Cycling) The city fortifications are dismantled For groups only (the tours can be arranged in How about doing some sport or getting on a moun- and the Ringpark takes their place ▶ 1895 various languages): a stroll through the Old Town tain bike? Or a leisurely trip on a touring bike? Das Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovers of Würzburg; guided tours of the Old Town and network of cycle paths has been optimally devel- X-rays the ‘Residenz‘, ‘Marienberg‘ Fortress, medieval oped and signposted: there are tours for every age ▶ 1945, March Würzburg, Baroque Würzburg, women in Würzburg; 90 percent of the city is destroyed by and every requirement. The cycle along the bombing art and culture tours; nature and culture walks and river Main, one of the most popular cycle trails in ▶ 1970 bicycle tours; guided tours for the disabled. Germany, has already won several awards from the Reconstruction of the Old Town Excursions: ‘Franconian Wine Country‘ (half or German Cyclist‘s Association (Allgemeiner Deut- virtually complete ▶ 1985 whole day tour), “Along the Romantic Road”, scher Fahrrad-Club e.V.) as a high-quality route. And Congress Centre opened educational tours. along the River Tauber, the Franconian Saale or the ▶ 1990 River Main steamers: scheduled trips Würzburg - Werntal region, cycling is sheer pleasure. Together Bavarian State Garden Show Veitshöchheim - Würzburg, daily from 10 a.m. – with the Romantic Road cycle path, you will find one ▶ 1991 Würzburg is linked to the ICE High- 4 p.m., April to October; special (holiday) trips for of Germany’s most attractive cycling regions here. speed Train Network groups of 30 or more. ▶ 2002 Stein wine trail: at the historical ‘Würzburger Art Museum - ‘Museum im Kultur- speicher’ - opens Stein‘, vineyard with information boards. ▶ 2004 Wine tasting in the cellars of major wine growers: 1300th city anniversary ‘Staatlicher Hofkeller‘, ‘Bürgerspital-Weingut‘, ‘Juliusspital-Weingut‘; ‘Weingut am Stein Ludwig Knoll‘. Information: Congress · Tourismus · Würzburg Short break packages Am Congress Centrum Würzburg‘s hotels offer attractive short break 97070 Würzburg packages throughout the year, including the Easter Phone +49 (0) 931 372335 and Christmas periods. Fax +49 (0) 931 373652 [email protected] www.wuerzburg.de 6 PLANNING GUIDE WERTHEIM

January Christmas exhibition “Christmas-tree decora- tions in glass – past and present” March Easter market with Sunday shopping in the old town April ‘Night groove’ pub music festival, town centre

FESTIVALS/EVENTS June Wertheim town experience – culture & shopping Wertheim pottery market July /August Where the rivers Main and Tauber meet, surrounded by lovely countryside, lies the romantic, ‘Schöpple’ wine festival on mediaeval town of Wertheim. The mighty ruins of a stone castle, high above the town, are an Neuplatz square Wertheim imposing landmark from a bygone age. A visit is well worthwhile at any time of the year, for old-town festival a concert in the castle moat or a glass of wine on the sun terrace at the castle restaurant. October Traditional Wertheim Elaborately decorated half-timbered houses, small squares and narrow alleyways, as well as Michaelmas fair with many other sights, characterise the townscape. Culture lovers will appreciate the top-class art Sunday shopping collections and temporary exhibitions in the municipal ‘Grafschaftsmuseum’ and the Glass Mu- November seum and in the ‘Schlösschen im Hofgarten’ fine art museum. Wertheim is also a shoppers’ para- Farmers’ market in the old dise, be it in the town centre or at Wertheim Village, the luxury shopping outlet. Wertheim lies town with Sunday shopping in the middle of the ‘Route der Genüsse’ (Route of Culinary Delights), where you can feast, en- December joy, taste and savour to your heart’s content, as well as buying directly from producers. This is Wertheim Advent calendar Wertheim Christmas market culinary enjoyment at its best, for it is unparalleled to find so many producers so close together. Traditional Christmas exhibition Attractions Construction began in 1472. A coat-of-arms frieze de- ’Christmas-tree Wertheim Castle picts the ‘Wertheim monkey’ as a symbol of vanity. decorations in glass – past Once the seat of the Counts of Wertheim, this cast- Kittstein Gate and present’ le complex, which originally belonged to the von The view from the Kittstein Gate towards the Staufen family and dates from the 12th century, is Collegiate Church and the castle is one of the best- For up-to-the-minute details, see known views of the town. All the high-water marks www.romanticroad.de amongst the largest and most beautiful stone cas- tle ruins in the south of Germany. During the Thir- since 1595 are engraved on the north side. ty Years War, the castle came under heavy fire and Spitzer Turm was severely damaged. Today it belongs to the town The ‘Spitzer Turm’ (36.5 metres high) was built in of Wertheim. Many concerts and other events take the 13th century as a watchtower and keep. It also served as a prison for ‘drunkards’ and ‘scolding place against this fabulous backdrop. wenches’. Today, it is a venue for some spectacular Historic marketplace guided tours. In the historic marketplace, with its beautifully pre- Jewish Cemetery served half-timbered houses, some of which date The Jewish Cemetery, approved in 1406, is one of back to the 16th century, is one of the oldest and, the oldest cemeteries in Germany. indeed, narrowest houses in Franconia. ‘Grafschaftsmuseum’ Protestant Collegiate Church (Stiftskirche) Alongside the permanent exhibitions and depart- The Romanesque church, predecessor of today’s ments devoted to folk culture, works by the famous three-naved Gothic basilica, was built and extended North German painter Otto Modersohn (1865-1943) in 1383/4. A late Gothic canopy in front of the main and his painter friends can be seen. portal, as well as a choir bay, belonging to the ‘Schlösschen im Hofgarten’ – Museum of fine art chapel in the tower, are pointers to its existence. Not far from the historic old town, in a magnificent The tombs of the Counts of Wertheim (15th – 18th park, stands the rococo ‘Schlösschen im Hofgarten’ century) can be found in the large chancel. Museum, built in 1777. Today, it houses some very fine St Kilian’s Chapel art collections and donated works, such as paintings The late Gothic St Kilian’s Chapel is considered to be and watercolours by painters from the Seces- one of the finest Gothic double chapels in Germany. Romantic Road ® 7

sion. The museum continues to arouse more and more interest across the whole of Germany, thanks to ▶ 7th century HISTORY First settlement on the site of its extraordinary collections of paintings. what is today Kreuzwertheim Glass Museum ▶ 779 The only museum of glass work in Baden-Württem- First authentic mention of berg is home to exhibits ranging from luxury glass Wertheim of antiquity to today’s glass industry. Well worth ▶ 1009 Market rights granted by seeing are, among other things, the glass pearl cab- King Heinrich II inet, glass for science and industry, glass blowing ▶ 1103 demonstrations and a Christmas exhibition during First documentary mention of the ‘county’ of Wertheim Advent. ‘Wertheim transforms your lifestyle’ and ‘Wert- heim transforms best friends’, to name but a few. ▶ 12th century Bronnbach Monastery Building of castle begins The Bronnbach Monastery, founded in 1151, is a for- Boat trips on the River Main April/October ▶ 1306 mer Cistercian monastery in the Lower Tauber Val- Wertheim receives its town charter Sightseeing tour of the locks, scheduled service and thus also the right to mint coins ley, the 326th of the order. This culturally important – Wertheim, special tours for groups. ▶ in the 16th century monastery complex combines both Romanesque and Wine growing is the principal activity Gothic architectural styles. Today it is an important Eating and drinking: Wine, and game typify Main-Tauber- ▶ 1556 conference and events centre. Death of the last Count of Wertheim, . For centuries, wine has been Eichel fortified church, Urphar fortified church Count Michael III, whereupon the grown in Wertheim and its region. Wine-tastings ‘county’ passes to Count Ludwig of Dertingen fortified church, Waldenhausen fortified can be enjoyed in both the ‘Grafschaftsmuseum’ Stolberg church and the Glass Museum, as well as at the Konrad ▶ from 1598 Takeover of government by Count Schlör and Alte Grafschaft vineyards, the cellars Ludwig of Löwenstein-Wertheim Activities for visitors of the wine growers’ cooperative, the ‘Winzerkel- ▶ 1634 Guided tours open to the public ler im Taubertal’ and at the Martin Baumann and Destruction of castle in 30 Years War, From March/April to October – duration 1 hour Oesterlein vineyards. For beer drinkers, there is no since when it has just been left as a ruin Old town: from Monday to Saturday at 5 p.m. shortage of fine ales in the cellars of the tradi- ▶ 1806 Sundays and Bank Holidays at 10.30 a.m. tional breweries. draws up new frontiers, Castle: Sundays at 2.30 p.m. which divide the region. Wertheim is Spitzer Turm: Sundays 11.30 a.m. Restaurants: incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Baden; Napoleon imposes tolls on the (30 – 40 minutes’ duration) Special tour: Many traditional family-run inns offer a range of regional and international cuisine right up to star- Main bridge between Wertheim and Night-watchman’s tour - Fridays at 9 p.m. Kreuzwertheim rated gastronomy. ▶ 1913 Group tours (max. 25 participants) Do not miss: Start of first incorporation into Guided tours of the town and castle, as well as a today’s industrial region of Wertheim- special tour through the ‘Spitzer Turm’, Bargains in Wertheim Village! On Saturdays, try Bestenheid night-watchman’s tour and tours led by guides in the ‘Green Market’ and admire the view over the ▶ after 1945 town from the castle terraces. Establishment of glass industry by traditional dress displaced persons in Wertheim-Bes- Guided tour of the town, with trip to the castle, Don’t forget us: Come again! tenheid aboard the Wertheim castle train (Wertheimer Burg- ▶ 1972/1976 bähnle) or complete town tours including the castle. Popular souvenirs: With the incorporation of 15 surroun- Regional specialities: Franconian wine in the ding communities, Wertheim becomes Culinary tours of the town the regional administrative centre world-famous ‘Bocksbeutel’ bottle, alfi vacuum (‘Große Kreisstadt’ or major district (minimum of 20 people) jugs at factory-outlet prices, the traditional town) The Wertheim gourmet tour ‘A taste of Wertheim’, Wertheim ‘Buddescheißer’ peach liqueur, perfume ‘The wine-tasting walking tour’ and a guided ‘From Wertheim with Love’ and Wertheim jewel- tour of the town with a complimentary drink, the lery - charms such as a , a bunch of grapes, ‘ express’ through Wertheim in its a ship or the ‘Spitzer Turm’. Christmas finery, guided tour of the town com- bined with a visit to the museums. Active Wertheim Wertheim is the ideal place for cycling and hiking Packages for groups (minimum 20 participants) enthusiasts to set out from. Wertheim is the ‘1000 years in a day’, ‘Experience Wertheim Castle’, start or the end of the only 5-star cycle path in ‘The curse and the blessing of hydropower’, ‘Wine Germany ‘Delightful Tauber Valley – the Classic’ tales of the Kaffelstein’, ‘Shopping and enjoyment’ to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. and ‘Active enjoyment in Wertheim’. Information: Excursions TOURISMUS WERTHEIM GmbH Packages for individual travellers Bronnbach Monastery, Gamburg Castle, Freuden- Gerbergasse 16 Whatever the season, Wertheim guarantees a very burg, Henneburg Stadtprozelten Castle, Külsheim 97877 Wertheim special experience. There are around 50 different – town of fountains, Kreuzwertheim Castle – Phone +49 (0) 9342 935090 packages that can be booked. These have been Residence of the Princes of Löwenstein-Wertheim- Fax +49 (0) 9342 9350920 developed to delight visitors throughout the , Hasloch with the only working [email protected] year, including ‘Wertheim transforms your tastes’, tilt-hammer forge in the mountains. www.tourismus-wertheim.de

8 PLANNING GUIDE TAUBERBISCHOFSHEIM

First weekend in July: Old Town Festival (Fri.-Sun.) September to April: Tauberbischofsheim Castle Concerts Mid-October: ‘Martini‘ fair and trade exhibition December: Christmas Market

FESTIVALS | EVENTS ‘Badische Landesbühne‘: Seven theatre perfor- mances throughout the year Tauberbischofsheim - the capital of the Main-Tauber District - is one of the oldest towns Tauberbischofsheim Art along the picturesque Tauber Valley. Kurmainz Castle is grouped around the ‘Türmersturm‘ Society: tower, landmark of the town. Besides the numerous interesting half-timbered houses, the Readings and cabaret neo-Gothic Town Hall with its glockenspiel is the most striking building on the Market Place. shows at irregular Pedestrian precinct. intervals

For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de Sightseeing Bertold’s Bauernhofmuseum Market Place with magnificent half-timbered and Viewing by arrangement. Contribution to costs. Baroque buildings: Selection of Group Offers / Information ‘Alte Post’, (Old Post House - 1602), ‘Stern-Apothe- Contribution to costs. ke’ (Star Pharmacy - 1670), ‘Franck-Haus’, ‘Rincker Haus’ (1678), ‘Rehe-Hof’ (1702), Guided tours through the historic Old Town ‘Mackert-Haus’ (1744) Duration approx. 1.5 hours. Up to 25 participants Neo-Gothic Town Hall (1865) and St. Martin’s including tour of the church or a climb to the top of Parish Church (1910). the Türmersturm tower. Duration 2 hours per tour Kurmainz Castle, built about 1280, modified in the 15th/16th centuries with ‘Türmersturm’ tower, Guided tour with the tower keeper (‘Turmwäch- nowadays home of the ‘Tauber-Franconia Rural ter’) though the historical old town Museum’. The tour includes a climb to the top of the Türmer- Two-storey, Gothic Sebastian Chapel (1474), sturm tower. Duration: approx. 2 hours, up to 25 St. Peters Chapel (1180), the town’s oldest sacral participants building, St. Lioba Monastery Church, extended Guided tour for children with a climb to the top of later in Baroque style (1735). the ‘Türmersturm’ Remains of the medieval town fortifications. Duration: approx. 1 hour, up to 25 children Guided tour through the historic Old Town and Tauber-Franconian Rural Museum in Kurmainz visit to the Olympic Fencing Centre Castle with a model of “Bischofsheim in the Duration: approx. 2.5 hours, up to 25 people mid-18th century“ Guided tours for groups on request, contribution to Cycling, hiking, Nordic walking and mountainbike costs. Open from Palm Sunday to 1 November. guides are available via Tourist Information. The starting point is Tauberbischofsheim. ‘School Museum VS’ The museum at the Vereinigte Spezialmöbelfabriken under the ‘The Classroom’ leitmotiv is open all the year round on week-days, entrance free. Guided tours, also at the weekend: duration 1 hour, fixed charge. Romantic Road ® 9 TAUBERBISCHOFSHEIM

Tauberbischofsheim is known to cyclists and ram- Travel companion for Tauberbischofsheim and the HISTORY blers not only on account of the natural beauty and ▶ About AD 735 ‘Lovely Tauber Valley’ concentrating on Tauberbi- Convent founded by Bishop schofsheim are arranged by the Tourist-Info office. its superb routes to be found there, but also for the Bonifacius Fees: all-day, up to 8 hours plus commission. The delicious Franconian wine and culinary delights. ▶ Between 1237 and 1245 costs of guided tours outside Tauberbischofsheim Town charter granted and, as a rule, admission charges are not included. There are numerous sport and leisure activities for ▶ 1688 everyone to round off the wide variety of interest- Latin School, forerunner of The bus is provided by the group. the Matthias Grünewald ing offers. For example, you can take a refreshing Grammar School, founded by plunge in the heated open-air swimming pool on a Franciscan monks fine summer’s day. ▶ From 1865 Work begins on the construction of the neo-Gothic Town Hall at the Excursions Market Place Visit to the districts of , Distelhausen, ▶ 1910-1914 , , Hochhausen and , as Construction of the Catholic Town well as to other destinations in the region that are Church of St. Martin well worth a visit. ▶ 1954 Fencing Centre founded by ; today, it is the National and Experience the fascination of sword-fencing at Regional Fencing Centre; Olympic first hand! Fencing Centre Tauberbischofsheim achieved world fame on account ▶ since 1973 Capital of the Main-Tauber District of the Tauberbischofsheim Fencing Club, whose ▶ 2005 sportsmen and women wrote history by winning 1250th anniversary of more than 340 medals at the Olympic Games and at Tauberbischofsheim the World and European Championships.

Educational wine trail in the ‘Edelberg’ municipal vineyard With expert guides to accompany you and numerous illustrative examples, the educational wine trail offers you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the specific characteristics of the grape vari- eties cultivated there. Duration: approx. 1.5 hour, up to a maximum of 30 participants. Wine tasting is possible.

Local taverns, wineries in the districts

Brewing Experience tour at the ‘Distelhäuser Brauerei’ Visit to a brewery, multivision show, visit to the Schalander to enjoy a hearty evening snack (Ves- Information: perteller) and delicious beers and non-alcoholic IOC-President Dr. – The first German Tourist-Information beverages. Any day can be arranged. to occupy the highest office in international sport. Marktplatz 8 Since September 2013, Dr. Thomas Bach has not 97941 Tauberbischofsheim Hotels, inns, guesthouses, private houses of- only been the highest-ranking representative of the Phone +49 (0) 9341 80333 fering bed and breakfast, and holiday apartments Olympic Movement, but is also an ambassador for Fax +49 (0) 9341 803991 look forward to your visit. Information has been his home town, Tauberbischofsheim, which awarded tourismus@tauberbischofs- loaded onto the town website www.tauberbischofs- him the Freedom of the Town in 2008. heim.de www.tauberbischofsheim.de heim.de and the local Tourist Information Office in the town hall will also be happy to supply you with information. Insider tip

Hotel St. Michael ***S +49 (0) 9341 84950 www.hotel-stmichael.com 10 PLANNING GUIDE LAUDA–KÖNIGSHOFEN

1st weekend in May: Wine Festival in Beckstein 2nd weekend in June: Wine Festival in Old Lauda 1st weekend in August: ‘ Festival‘ in Lauda 3rd - 4th weekend in September: ‘Königshof Fair‘ - the big- FESTIVALS | EVENTS gest fun fair in Franconia Concerts ‘Jazz in the Assembly Hall‘ Wine town with magnificent churches dating back to the heyday of Franconian Baroque. Jazz concerts in the As- Historical bridges, imposing half-timbered houses, a museum of local history and shrines sembly Hall of the Martin dating back up to 600 years as well as splendid cycle paths and hiking trails make Lauda- Schleyer Grammar School Königshofen a charming place to stay. in Lauda For up-to-the-minute details, see Sightseeing Oberbalbach: www.romanticroad.de Lauda: Catholic Parish Church of St. George (1738) with Historic Old Town with half-timbered houses: Baroque decor. The High Altar includes a figure of Old Hospital, ‘Pike‘ inn and ‘Badstube‘ St. George made in the workshop of Tilman Riemen- Historic Town Hall with ‘Mariensäule‘ schneider. Museum of Local History - in the house where Dr. Oberlauda: Philipp Adam Ulrich was born. Catholic Parish Church of St. Martin (1790) with Catholic Parish Church of St. Jacob (1698) with late Baroque decor. Renaissance portal. ‘Halbritter‘ little castle in the town centre. Upper Gate (1496) and Powder Tower - remains of South Germany‘s biggest overshot waterwheel the medieval town fortifications. (12 metres diameter). Church of the Virgin Mary (1613) with High Baroque Way of the Cross in the town cemetery (1782). Sachsenflur: Gothic bridge over the River Tauber (1512) with a Elaborately renovated little castle (1583) in the statue of St. Nepomuk and shrines. town centre. Steam engine monument. Protestant Church (1785). Showing Christ and His Disciples, the paintings on the gallery balustrade Königshofen: appear to come from the previous church. Foun- Late classicist Catholic Parish Church of St. Mau- tains and attractive half-timbered houses. ritius (1836) with Baroque decor and Romanesque tower (about 1200). Unterbalbach: Half-timbered houses, such as ‘Goten‘ (1544) and Catholic Parish Church of St. Markus built in ‘brandy the ‘High House‘. Old Watchtower on Turmberg hill. distiller‘ style in 1824, late Baroque décor. The Jewish cemetery (dedicated 1590) is one of the Gerlachsheim: most impressive of its kind in Germany. Former Premonstratensian monastery with the Baroque Church of the ‘Holy Cross‘ (1723-30), three- aisle colonnaded basilica, choir and dome room in light stuccowork, magnificent altar vessels and decorations, and pulpit. Grünbach bridge with Baroque statues of saints. Beckstein (wine village): Historic wine press, wine trail, nature and culture trails, Beckstein Vintners‘ Cooperative. Messelhausen: Augustinian monastery in the former Zobel Castle (1740-1743) and beautiful Marstadtsee Lake. Romantic Road ® 11 HISTORY Itinerary Bad Mergentheim, spa park, wildlife park, ‘Soly- ▶ AD 741/1135 1st documentary mention Guided tours of the town in groups of up to 50 mar‘ bathing and wellness centre, Teutonic Order (‘Kunegeshoven’ and ‘Ludun’) people: Museum. ▶ 1344/1415 one or two-hour walking tour of the historic Old Wertheim: castle ruin, Glass Museum. Town / market charter for Town of Lauda. Tours of Königshofen can also be Würzburg: ‘Residenz‘, ‘Marienberg‘ fortress. Lauda-Königshofen arranged. ▶ 14th/15th century Museums, exhibitions Work begins on the town Museum of Local History in the former Vintner‘s fortifications (Upper Gate, For groups only: Powder Tower) House with collections depicting wine-growing, Guided tour of the wine trail (1.5 km long) in ▶ 16th century Beckstein peasant life, handicrafts, railway history and the Construction of the Town Hall The wine trail is marked by various information ‘Fasnacht‘ () tradition. and other half-timbered houses boards along the way. ‘das auge‘ (the eye) gallery in Lauda‘s historic Town ▶ 1723-1730 Hall: monthly exhibitions organised by the Lauda- Construction of the Premonst- Ornithological and natural-history tours of the ratensian monastery with the nature reserves around Lauda-Königshofen. Königshofen Art Society. ‘Holy Cross’ Roman Catholic Church in Gerlachsheim Guided tour of Lauda Museum of Local History and Package arrangement the Baroque Cloister Church of the ‘Holy Cross‘ in ▶ 1894 ‘3-day wine deal’ Beckstein winegrowers‘ Gerlachsheim. • Welcome glass of sparkling wine co-operative founded Wine tasting and tour of the cellars in various • Two nights’ accommodation with a delicious ▶ 1975 vineyards. Town of Lauda-Königshofen breakfast in a guest house / hotel reorganised and formed from • 3-course evening meal 12 towns and municipalities Excursions • A ‘Bocksbeutel’ of wine per room (traditional Visit to the surrounding wine villages of Gerlachs- bottle used for Franconian wines) heim, Marbach and Beckstein. • Day ticket for the municipal indoor-outdoor swim- Day trips to Langenburg Castle and Car Museum; to ming pool and the Götz Open Air Theatre Festival; • On the Saturday, you can enjoy a journey of to the Baroque town of in the discovery with the ‘Vintasticum’ tour, “a real treat Forest (Abbey Church, 1742-44; Wildenburg); for the senses”; includes a wine tasting (3 wines) Bartenstein Military Museum, Bronnbach (former or, alternatively, a voucher for the ‘vinoteque’ Cistercian monastery). wine shop to the value of € 10 per person Cycling along the picturesque Tauber Valley and the Price per person: ‘Main-Tauber-Franconian Figure of Eight‘; cycling Based on two sharing, with en suite: € 99 tours of the side valleys to Gerlachsheim (Baroque Single room with en suite: € 119 ‘Holy Cross‘ Church), Grünsfeldhausen (Chapel of St. Upgrade for the Weinhotel Benz: € 40/night supplement Achatius), Wölchingen (Frankendom).

Information: Tourist-Information Marktplatz 1 97922 Lauda-Königshofen Phone +49 (0) 9343 501128 Fax +49 (0)9343 501100 tourist.info@ laudakoenigshofen.de www.lauda-koenigshofen.de

Insider tips

Hotel Becksteiner Rebenhof ***S +49 (0) 9343 6278-0 www.rebenhof.net

Becksteiner Winzer eG +49 (0) 9343 500-0 www.becksteiner-winzer.de 12 PLANNING GUIDE BAD MERGENTHEIM

1st Saturday in March: Horse market 1st week after Whitsun: Wine Festival in Bad Mergentheim- Markelsheim July: ‘Kurpark‘ Festival Songs in the Castle 1st weekend of August: Fun fair FESTIVALS | EVENTS August: Wine village of the Tauber Valley The former town of residence of the Teutonic Order and nowadays a modern spa resort, Bad December: Mergentheim, is distinguished by a variety of attractions: blooming meadows along the Ri- Christmas Market ver Tauber, sunny vineyards, one of Germany’s most beautiful spa parks and a busy pedestri- Concerts: an precinct with smart shops and lively cafés. Museum concerts in the And over everything there is the flair of an enchanting town that discreetly combines the Teutonic Order Castle past and present, nature and culture and health and wellness. For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de

Sightseeing Culinary Delights Castle of the Teutonic Order with castle church and Bad Mergentheim is where three major wine- the extensive grounds of the Castle Park set out in growing regions come together. Markelsheim, the English style a district of Bad Mergentheim, is located in the Historic old town with attractive half-timbered Württemberg wine-growing region. Along with the houses and Baroque palaces, as well as a Renais- usual grape varieties there is also a rarity – the sance Town Hall, ‘Milchling‘ fountain and one of Tauber black [Tauberschwarz] – that is grown only in Germany’s ten most beautiful spa gardens. the Tauber Valley. St. John‘s Minster with an important Local gastronomy offers something for every taste. sepulchre Whether it is a typical green spelt dish or Boeuf de Church of the Virgin Mary, three-aisle basilica Hohenlohe, you’ll find the right dish to suit your (14th century) with wall paintings taste! Gothic St. Wolfgang‘s bridge with statue of St. Nepomuk, and St. Wolfgang‘s Church

Museums, exhibitions Teutonic Order Museum in the castle with royal accommodation in Baroque, Rococo and classicist styles; One of Europe’s largest exhibitions about the Teutonic Order as well as the history of the town and special temporary exhibitions. The treasure of St. John‘s Minster consists of liturgical vessels and utensils covering a span of 500 years Stuppach Parish Church with the ‘Stuppacher Madonna‘ by Matthias Grünewald Ottmar Mergenthaler memorial, inventor of ‘Linotype’ Cultural Forum: changing art exhibitions as well as cabaret and variety performances Romantic Road ® 13 BAD MERGENTHEIM Itinerary Congresses, conferences HISTORY Guided tours of the town; daily – 2 p.m. starting ‘Wandelhalle‘ in the ‘Kurpark‘, 400 to 700 people. ▶ 9th century AD from the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) ‘Kursaal‘ of the ‘Kurhaus‘, up to 500 people. Court of a Franconian king at the cross roads of important Water fountains in the spa gardens set to a musical ‘Dorfgemeinschaftshaus‘, Neunkirchen, up to 300 trade routes framework from May to October people. ▶ 1219 Guided tour of the cellars in Markelsheim every Castle of the Teutonic Order, up to 180 people. Passed on as a gift from the Friday from May to October princes of Hohenlohe to the Teutonic Order Wandering through the seasons every Saturday Saga of the ‘Klöpferle’ In the Mühlwehrstrasse there is a large, impressive starting from the House of the Spa Guest [Haus des ▶ 1250-1274 looking house, popularly called the ‘Knights’ House’ Building of St. John’s Minster Kurgastes] [Ritterhaus] or even the ’Haunted House’ [Geister- ▶ 1526-1806 Historical procession every 1st Friday in the month haus], where the so-called ‘Klöpferle’ have been Residence of the Teutonic Order; from May to October construction of the castle wreaking havoc since times immemorial. Guided tour of the Castle of the Teutonic Order ▶ 1564 If there are signs of a good year for wine, in the up- every Thursday from April to October Construction of the Renaissance per rooms of the house and especially in the vaulted Town Hall For groups: cellars, you can hear the sound of the ‘Klöpferle’ ▶ 1730-1736 Guided tours of the historic town centre or com- Castle church built with the banging on the barrels with their silver hammers. involvement of Balthasar bined tours of the Teutonic Order Museum and spa The noise they make is not only supposed to presage Neumann grounds. a good wine year. Occasionally they can get up to ▶ 1826 Languages: German, English, French. mischief and then they start knocking over the Shepherd Franz Gehrig discovers Wine tastings and/or guided tours through the vegetables in the bowls and the plates in the cellar. the mineral springs vineyard in Markelsheim Guided tours of the Teutonic Order Museum Information: Excursions Tourist-Information Marktplatz 1 Visit to the wild-life park with one of Europe’s 97980 Bad Mergentheim largest wolf packs Phone +49 (0) 7931 574815 Bathing and wellness centre ‘Solymar‘ with sauna Fax +49 (0) 7931 574901 landscape and thermal waters tourismus@bad- Boat tour on the River Main from Wertheim to mergentheim.de Würzburg www.bad-mergentheim.de Bicycle tours into the neighbouring Kocher-Jagst Valley to Langenburg Castle Insider tips Canoe trips on the Tauber Hiking on one of the ten circular hiking routes BEST WESTERN around Bad Mergentheim PREMIER Parkhotel****S Day trips to , or . +49 (0) 7931 539-0 www.parkhotel-mergent- heim.de

Flair Hotel Weinstube Lochner ***S +49 (0) 7931 9390 www.weinstubelochner.de

Kurverwaltung Bad Mergentheim GmbH +49 (0) 7931 965-0 www.kur-badmergentheim.de

Wildpark Bad Mergentheim +49 (0) 7931 563050 www.wildtierpark.de 14 PLANNING GUIDE WEIKERSHEIM

Mother’s Day, 2nd Sunday in May: Maisingen – music and dancing Festival in the market square

1st Saturday in July: Grand music festival at Weikersheim Castle with craft market

End of July /

FESTIVALS | EVENTS beginning of August: Opera in the castle courtyard or Open-air cinema Visitors to Weikersheim enthuse about the magnificent Renaissance palace and its fabulous- 1st weekend in ly beautiful park laid out in the style of Versailles. The almost totally preserved interior is September: unique. A guided tour of the palace is worthwhile for every visitor on account of the impres- Weikersheim ‘Kärwe‘ fair sive Knights’ Hall (Open daily). with historical parade In Weikersheim, wine-growing has a long tradition. Naturally the state-approved resort town 2nd weekend in has excellent catering and hotel facilities to offer. The vintners also like to invite people to September: a wine-tasting. Wine Festival in Weikers- For more than 50 years, Weikersheim has also been internationally recognised for its music heim-Laudenbach and as the home to Jeunesses Musicales Deutschland. There are concerts all the year round. 3rd weekend in The high point is the opera festival in the palace grounds. Art exhibitions, historical festivals December: like the Kärwe, as well as the wine and street festivals attract many visitors. Christmas Market in the castle courtyard Sightseeing ‘Gänsturm‘ tower with small town museum and a Concerts: Historic Market Place with Rococo fountain, Gothic panoramic view over the roofs of Weikersheim ‘Jeunesses Musicales‘, parish church and stately buildings Art exhibitions in the Music Academy of Wei- ‘Kultur-Szene Weikers- ‘Kornbau‘ (1582), today the Tauberland Village Mu- kersheim Castle, in the Town Hall and in ‘Galerie heim‘ and ‘Club W 71‘ seum with traditional costumes, tools and furniture Steinberger‘ from the region For up-to-the-minute details, see Itinerary www.romanticroad.de Renaissance castle with magnificent ‘Rittersaal‘ (Knights‘ Hall), ‘Mirror cabinet‘ and Baroque court Guided tour of the town for individual guests on garden Thursdays at 2 p.m., from the beginning of July to Town walls, many parts of which are still in good the end of September. condition (14th century), with ‘Blaue Kappe‘ and Guided tours of the Castle Museum. costume and ‘Gänsturm‘ towers guided tours for children, plus workshops Old town hall (after 1567, 19th Century) and the Wine tasting Schumm vineyard or Hofäcker family Rosenbrunnen fountain in Queckbronn (ca. 1770) For groups: Gothic Pilgrimage Church (15th-17th century) on Guided tours of the town in groups of up to 30 a hill above the Village of Laudenbach. Exceptional people: approx. 1-hour tour of the historic old town interior works of art ‘Castle and Wine’ Museums, exhibitions – with a guided tour of the castle and cellars, snack Weikersheim Castle Museum: and wine-tasting Courtly life in the 17th and 18th century, orangery – bookable from 25 - 50 people. and Alchemy Museum. Tauberland Village Museum in the ‘Kornbau‘ provides a fascinating insight into everyday life of the Tauber Franconian peasants, vintners and craftsmen. Romantic Road ® 15 WEIKERSHEIM Excursions ▶ AD 837 Excursion along the River Tauber via Tauberretters- Earliest known mention in a HISTORY heim (stone bridge built by B. Neumann in 1733) deed of gift of Fulda to Röttingen, Creglingen (Riemenschneider altar), Monastery (‘Wichartesheim’) Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Bad Mergentheim. ▶ Since 1156 Seat of the Hohenlohe family Walk to the Gothic Pilgrimage Church above Lau- ▶ 1323 denbach and hiking trails Town charter; construction of Day trips to Würzburg, Nuremberg, Stuttgart and the town walls Heidelberg ▶ 1414 Construction of the Gothic Parish Church The culinary arts, nature and countryside ▶ 1595-1603 The ‘Tauberschwarz’ is an old red-wine grape that Construction of the Renaissance has been grown in the Weikersheim region since the tract on the old moated castle 16th century. Characteristic of the landscape are ▶ 1709-1724 the clearance cairns delimiting the individual plots. Baroque extensions and creation of the court garden Naturally, our restaurateurs and hoteliers offer a with orangery plentiful choice of regional and other specialities to ▶ 1967 go with the wine. Castle sold to the country of Enjoy the beauty of our gently rolling hills and Baden-Württemberg the tranquil countryside of the enchanting River Tauber with its meadows, fields, forests, vineyards and clearance cairns on foot or by bicycle. Discover wild tulips, pasque flowers, a variety of orchids and meadow sage, not to mention a host of different birds and butterflies.

Information: Tourist Information Marktplatz 2 97990 Weikersheim Phone +49 (0) 7934 102-55 Fax +49 (0) 7934 102-58 [email protected] www.weikersheim.de

Insider tips

Weikersheim Palace +49 (0) 7934 99295-0 www.schloss- weikersheim.de

16 PLANNING GUIDE RÖTTINGEN

Whitsun: Wine Festival May to August: Röttingen Festival - open-air theatre for children, young people and adults against the historical backdrop of Brattenstein Castle Last weekend in August: District Fun Fair FESTIVALS | EVENTS September/October: Autumn Cultural Event [Kulturherbst] Snuggling in gentle hills and vineyards, the town of Röttingen is situated in the lovely 1st to 2nd Advent Winter Magic Tauber Valley, directly on the Romantic Road. Framed by historical city fortifications with

For up-to-the-minute details, see their seven well preserved fortified towers Röttingen has a medieval town centre, beautiful www.romanticroad.de half-timbered houses and the Baroque town hall. Especially impressive is the approx. two kilometre-long sundial path equipped with 25 unique examples of this type of chronometer. ▶ AD 1103 Every year since 1984, the courtyard of Brattenstein Castle has formed the backdrop for the First mentioned as ‘Rutingen’ noteworthy open-air theatre – the Röttingen Festival [‘Frankenfestspiele Röttingen’]. ▶ 12th/13th century Construction of St. Kilian’s Sightseeing Local taverns: ’Zum Winzerhof‘ Bach wine-growing Parish Church and Bratten- Medieval town fortifications with seven well estate Udo Engelhardt vineyard, Hofmann vineyard HISTORY stein Castle preserved Excursions ▶ Since 1275 defensive towers. Town charter (‘civitas’) Day trips along the Romantic Road to Weikersheim Historical Market Place with Baroque Town Hall and ▶ After 1336 and Bad Mergentheim, Creglingen and Rothenburg half-timbered houses. Construction of the town or to Würzburg. fortifications Romanesque / early Gothic Parish Church of St. Cycling or walking in the Tauber Valley and in the ▶ 1613 Kilian with 13th century tombstones and Hospital Work begins on the hospital side valleys of the Rippach and Gollach rivers. (Julius-Echter-Stift) Church (17th century). Brattenstein Castle (13th century) - the idyllic ▶ 1750 Construction of the Town Hall setting for the ‘Röttingen Festival‘. ▶ 1953 With its reconstructed colour scheme from the 16th First European town century, the entrance hall to the wine museum (including the gallery) in Brattenstein Castle is something special in . Nature and Landscape Kneipp-cure vitality path, sundial trail, Röttinger Hängepartie (‘Röttinger Adjournment’), wine trail, wine museum, indoor playground, museum vineyard, Paracelsus garden Nordic walking, mountain biking and children’s mountain-bike route, inline skating and skate park, Adventure and fantasy playgrounds, ‘eibe’ fitness trail and if there is enough snow, cross-country ski- trails in the Bürgerwald, nearby recreation area in Information: the Mühlbachgrund. ‘eibe’ fit Active Parcours Tourist-Information Marktplatz 1 Culinary Delights 97285 Röttingen The ‘Tauberschwarz’ is a wine for special occasions. Phone +49 (0) 9338 972855 This old country variety from the Tauber Valley – Fax +49 (0) 9338 972849 brought to maturity in wooden vats – has received a [email protected] new lease of life in Röttingen www.roettingen.de Romantic Road ® 17 RÖTTINGEN CREGLINGEN FESTIVALS | EVENTS FESTIVALS

2nd Wednesday in February: Traditional horse market with procession Easter Monday: ‘Krämer‘ market

For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de

This Alemannic settlement in the upper Tauber Valley still has a historical old town with a fine ensemble of buildings. Remains of town fortifications, the former castle and numerous half-timbered houses bear witness to the town‘s history. The altar to the Virgin Mary by Tilman Riemenschneider in the Church of Our Lord is a must for visitors. As is the charming countryside around the town. HISTORY ▶ About AD 500 Sightseeing Itinerary Creglingen founded by the Church of Our Lord with altar to the Virgin Mary For groups only: Alemannic prince ‘Crago’ (1505-10) by Tilman Riemenschneider, late Approx. one hour tour of the town ▶ 1349 Gothic High Altar (14th century), two Gothic side Guided tours of the Church of Our Lord, Thimble and Town and market charter; construction of the town altars, Renaissance pulpit and memorial shields Fire Brigade Museums, Frauental Convent, Celtic fortifications of the Hohenlohe family (14th century). fortifications and -processing museum. ▶ 1386 - 96 Old town with a fine ensemble of half-timbered -making courses. Construction of the Church of houses, e.g., ‘Kirchenstaffel‘, ‘Schlosserbuck‘, Our Lord by the of Hohenlohe-Brauneck ‘Romschlössle‘. Speciality from Creglingen: ▶ From 1448 Remains of the town fortifications with three Thimbles have a past both as work objects and Seat of officials of the towers (‘Faulturm‘, ‘Schlosserturm‘, ‘Lindlein- as fine jewellery. Upper-class ladies were fond of of turm‘). sewing, but did not want to do this with working ▶ 16th/18th century Frauental Cistercian Convent: convent church thimbles. Their thimbles were made of precious Construction of the castle (13th century) with early Gothic lower church metals and were of elaborate workmanship. and museum ‘from the convent to the village‘. In the past, occasions such as accessions to the ‘Münsterseen‘ leisure and relaxation park. throne, jubilees or even engineering achievements Former moated castle (1544) in Waldmannsho- like the maiden flight of the new Zeppelin, would be fen, today a fire-brigade museum. used to issue new decorative thimbles. Finsterlohr fortifications and keep (about 100 Today the upper class has been replaced by collec- BC), one of the biggest Celtic ring walls in tors all over the world. Southern Germany. The thimble museum also houses a small manufac- www.kelten-creglingen-finsterlohr.de tory for decorative thimbles which is keeping this tradition alive. Museums, exhibitions www.fingerhutmuseum.de Thimble Museum in the ‘Kohlesmühle‘ Fire-brigade Museum in Waldmannshofen Frauental Convent Church. Flax-processing Museum in Burgstall Information: Lindleinturm Museum Tourist-Information Jewish Museum Bad Mergentheimer Straße 14 www.juedisches-museum-creglinen.de 97993 Creglingen Phone +49 (0) 7933 631 Fax +49 (0) 7933 70130 touristinformation- [email protected] www.creglingen.de 18 PLANNING GUIDE ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER

Easter to October: Historical shepherd‘s dance at various times April: Rothenburg Spring Hiking Week Whitsun: Historical festival play ‘The Master Draught‘ June to August Toppler Theatre FESTIVALS | EVENTS August Tauber-Valley Open Air Festival Rothenburg Wine Festival The unforgettable skyline of the former Free Imperial Town high over the steeply sided Tau- ber Valley at the intersection of the Romantic Road and the . With its complete 1st weekend in September: medieval townscape, Rothenburg is an outstanding architectural jewel. Imperial City Festival Historical scenes covering seven Sightseeing ‘Spital‘ (hospital - founded about 1280) with Parish centuries, including the Completely preserved medieval town wall (14th Church of the Holy Ghost (14th century); recon- shepherd’s dance and the century) with numerous towers and gates. The struction of the present three-storey building festival play ‘The Master battlements can be traversed for a length of approx. (1574-78), ‘Pesthaus‘ (Plague House) and youth Draught‘ 2.5 km. hostel. Large, historical Market Place with magnificent ‘Spital‘ bastion: mighty fortifications (beginning October: Town Hall, consisting of Gothic western part (1250- of the 17th century) with two outer courtyards and Rothenburg Autumn 1400), with ‘Kaisersaal‘ hall and tower (48 m), seven gates. Hiking Week and Renaissance part (1572-78), arcade extension Numerous interesting patrician and half-timbered November: (1681); ‘Ratstrinkstube‘ (Councillors‘ Tavern, 1446) houses in the Herrngasse and Schmiedgasse, e.g., Rothenburg fairy-tale with the Meistertrunk clock (1910); ‘Fleisch- und ‘Baumeisterhaus‘ with Renaissance façade (1596), magic Tanzhaus‘ (13th/15th centuries) with half-timbered ‘Hegereiterhaus‘ (1591), Gerlach‘s Forge, ‘Juden- upper storey and ‘Jagstheimerhaus‘ (1488, today tanzhaus‘. December: the ‘Marien‘ pharmacy); St. George‘s or Herterich Toppler Castle (1388) and Kobolzell Church (1472- ‘Reiterlesmarkt‘, fountain (1608). 1501) in the Tauber Valley. traditional Christmas Gothic Parish Church of St. Jacob (1311-1472) with Market mighty towers (55 m) and high interior; High Altar Theatres, concerts For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de (1466) with painted panels by Friedrich Herlin; Holy Hans-Sachs plays: historical theatre – throughout Blood Altar by Tilman Riemenschneider (1501 - 04) the year at various times - with farces by the Nurem- showing the Last Supper; Sacrament Niche and berg shoemaker poet (only in German). valuable windows in the east choir (14th century). Toppler Theatre: open-air theatre in a historical ‘Klingentor‘ gate with bastion (16th century) and setting (only in German) St. Wolfgang‘s Church (1475-93), which is integra- Church, organ and choir concerts in St. Jacob‘s ted into the town wall and has no tower. Church. ‘Burgtor‘ (about 1360, the oldest gate const- ruction) with garden (site of the former Imperial Museums, exhibitions Castle) and Chapel of St. Blaise. Imperial Town Museum in the former Dominican Franciscan Church: early Gothic, originally built as a Convent (13th - 16th c.) with medieval convent monastery church, (1285) with artistic gravestones kitchen (about 1300) and collection of Rothenburg and St. Francis Altar by Tilman Riemenschneider. art and culture, as well as 12 panels depicting the ‘Plönlein‘: picturesque medieval townscape where ‘Rothenburg Passion‘ (1494) and Wasse Gallery; the road forks down to the ‘Kobolzeller Tor‘ gate exhibition of Jewish artefacts, Baumann collection (about 1360, with outer courtyard, ‘Kohlturm‘ tower (weapons). and the ‘Devil‘s Pulpit‘); the scene is dominated by Medieval Crime Museum in the building of the for- the ‘Siebersturm‘ tower (about 1385). mer estate of the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem (1395, rebuilt in 1718): Germany‘s most Romantic Road ® 19 ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER HISTORY important jurisprudence museum with a historical Reception ▶ About AD 970 Construction of a collection of objects relating to medieval law. Historical reception in the Town Hall with the Cellar Frankish castle German Christmas Museum: history of the tradi- Master - for groups of up to 150 people. ▶ 1142 tional family festival covering 250 square metres. A Conrad III builds an Imperial host of exhibits - including Christmas decorations Congresses, conferences Castle ‘Reichstadthalle‘, up to 500 people. ▶ 1144 from different periods, a unique display of histori- First documentary mention of cal nutcrackers and Christmas trees of the turn of Countryside ‘Rodenburch’ the century - bring the joy of Christmas to life even Large number of walking and cycling paths in the ▶ 1274 in the summer. Town elevated to Free Imperial unspoilt countryside of the Tauber Valley. Town Historical vaults in the Town Hall with an exhibi- Rothenburg Mill Walk, path of St. James plus ▶ 1356 tion on the history of Rothenburg in the Thirty viniculture trail and geological nature trail. Earthquake finally destroys the Years‘ War. remains of the castle Craftsman‘s house (1270) with rooms showing how Food and drink ▶ About 1400 a craftsman‘s family lived in the past. Wine tasting in the cellar, Franconian specialities, Economic heyday under Mayor Heinrich Toppler Art exhibition in the ‘Fleisch- und Tanzhaus‘ with wine bars, Rothenburg ‘snowballs.‘ ▶ 1525 works by artists of the Rothenburg Art Society. Rothenburg becomes caught up in the Peasants‘ War Package arrangements ▶ 1544 ‘The Living Middle Ages‘: from three nights‘ accom- The town converts to modation, guided tour of the town, admission fees Protestantism ▶ 1618-1648 - dates on request. The town is conquered several times during the Thirty Years‘ War Excursions ▶ 1631 Visit to Detwang, the oldest part of Rothenburg: According to the legend, Mayor former Imperial Village and Parish Church (founded Nusch saved the town from destruction by General Tilly by about AD 960); Romanesque Church of St. Peter emptying a large jug of wine in and St. Paul (built around 1170, the mother church one draught (the ‘Meistertrunk’) of Rothenburg) with Crucifixion Altar by Tilman ▶ 1802 Riemenschneider (approx. 1510), silver relic cross Rothenburg annexed to Bavaria ▶ Since 1850 and Gothic tabernacle. Romantic painters and poets Tour of the Romantic Road, via Schillingsfürst ‘discover’ the town (residence town with Baroque castle, falconry) to ▶ 1900 Dinkelsbühl (historical old town, well-preserved First listing of buildings (preservation orders) to fortifications). encourage tourism Day trips to Würzburg, Nuremberg, Ansbach, ▶ 1945 Schwäbisch Hall or (Franconian 40 percent of the town destroyed Museum of Rural Life). ▶ Until 1970 Reconstruction of the damaged Itinerary parts of the town Approx 1.5 hour English guided tour of the town Daily at 2 p.m. from April to October and during the Information: Christmas Market. (German tour at 11 a.m. and Rothenburg Tourismus Service 2 p.m.). Marktplatz 2 English tour with the Night Watchman 91541 Rothenburg o. d. T. Phone +49 (0) 9861 404-800 Daily from April to December at 8 p.m. Fax +49 (0) 9861 404-529 (German tour at 9.30 p.m.). [email protected] English tour of St. Jacob’s Church www.tourismus.rothenburg.de Saturdays at 3.30 p.m. during the season. (German tour Sat. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.) Insider tips Hotel Eisenhut For groups only +49 (0) 9861 7050 www.eisenhut.com Guided tours of the town for groups of up to 25 people: approx. 1.5 hour tour of the historical old Hotel-Gasthof Zur Sonne +49 (0) 9861 2166 town. www.sonne.rothenburg.de Special tour: Käthe Wohlfahrt Town Fortifications, Night Watchman Tour. Christmas Village +49 (0) 9861 4090 Tours of all museums on request. www.wohlfahrt.de 20 PLANNING GUIDE SCHILLINGSFÜRST

June/July: ‘Schillingsfürst Summer Music Festival‘ Liszt Master Concerts

September: Town fair

Advent: Christmas Market in the Royal Palace

For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de FESTIVALS | EVENTS

Officially recognised as a health resort, Schillingsfürst lies in the heart of the forested Frankenhöhe nature park, at the highest point (550 m above sea level) on the European watershed between the Rhine and the Danube. The town‘s major landmark, visible from far around, is the baroque castle of the Princes of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst, who are related very closely through family ties with the houses of Hohenlohe-Waldenburg, Hohenlohe- Langenburg and Hohenlohe-Weikersheim. ▶ AD 1000 1st mention in a deed of gift Sightseeing Museums, exhibitions from Otto III to the Würzburg Baroque Castle of the princes of Hohenlohe- Hohenlohe Castle Museum with magnificent rooms bishopric Schillingsfürst. (‘Roter Salon‘, ‘Gobelinsalon‘; living styles of the ▶ Since 1313 and Cardinals‘ Garden. 18th/19th centuries). Hohenlohe possession Mausoleum HISTORY ‘Brunnenhaus‘ (well house - 1702) with historical ox Falconry Museum ▶ 1316/1525/1632 Destruction of the castles treadmill. Liszt Museum ▶ 1723–1750 Water tower (1902) in Wilhelminian style. The wall Museum of the French Foreign Legion Construction of the Baroque paintings inside the tower show the historical deve- ‘Brunnenhaus‘ with historical ‘Ox treadmill‘ (water Castle lopment of Schillingsfürst‘s water supply. supply for the castle, early 18th century) and local ▶ 1894-1900 Ludwig-Doefler-Galerie. museum with collection of peasant artefacts. Prince Chlodwig von Hohenlohe Chancellor of the Romanesque Church with Gothic windows in Local museum, with collection of peasant artefacts German Empire and Minister Faulenberg. President of PrussiaPresident The Bavarian Falconry Centre at Castle Schillings- of fürst offers its visitors an opportunity to view all Personalities species of European birds of prey in open-space Prince Chlodwig von Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst aviaries, in tie-stalls, and in a unique breeding (1819-1901) sanctuary. Eagles, falcons, kites and vultures can Minister President of Bavaria (1865-1869) be admired in free flight or from nearby. FromMarch German Ambassador in Paris to October: flight demonstrations, plus expert Governor of Alsace and Lorraine commentary by the falconer, every day at 11 a.m. Minister President of Prussia and Chancellor of the and 3 p.m. German Empire (1894-1900). Cardinal Prince Gustav-Adolf zu Hohenlohe- Package arrangements Schillingsfürst (1823-1896). ‘Butterfly Week for Cyclists‘ Ludwig Doefler, artist (1905-1992). A week‘s cycling around the ‘Frankenhöhe‘ hills on the ‘Bicycle Butterfly‘. Four bicycle tours, each approx. 70 km long. Bookable in three categories.

Information: Info-Center Rothenburger Str. 2 91583 Schillingsfürst Phone +49 (0) 9868 222 Fax +49 (0) 9868 253 [email protected] www.schillingsfuerst.de Romantic Road ® 21 SCHILLINGSFÜRST ROMANTIC JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

10 January 1950: 12 May 1955: Founding of the working group for “The Romantic Deutsche Touring GmbH incorporates the Romantic Road between the River Main and the Alps” in Road into Route 312, the ‘Vogelflug’ (‘As the Crow Augsburg. The origins of Germany’s oldest holiday Flies’) Line from Copenhagen to . Thus the route date back to the year 1900, when “Germany’s Romantic Road becomes integrated into the Euro- Number One Tourist Route” linked the towns and pean railway companies’ EUROPABUS route network. villages between Würzburg and Füssen. After the In 1962, the rail company’s red buses are replaced turmoil of the Second World War, the German airline by the turquoise and beige Deutsche Touring buses. Lufthansa and the Germany Tourist Board used the At the same time, Frankfurt am Main and are Romantic Road as their calling card to promote a included in the timetable. new and friendly Germany, particularly in North 1 April 1968: America and Canada. Charly Brown takes his first trip from Frankfurt to 4 May 1950: Munich. The bus driver who always travelled with On the first trip for the press along the Romantic his whistle, white gloves and top hat, became the Road, journalists and travel writers are able to form trademark of international tourism. After 25 years an impression of “the good old days in Germany”. of service, he had covered 2.5 million kilometres 19 May 1950: on ‘his’ route, the equivalent of 60 times round the Southern Germany’s most extensive long-distance earth. bus route comes into service. The 377-kilometre- April 1982: long route is operated daily in both directions with The Japanese Romantic Road, modelled on its connections to , and Garmisch- German counterpart, is officially launched, the first Partenkirchen. Tickets cost 6 pfennigs per kilome- imitation outside Germany. In 2007, the partnership tre. When the service begins, the buses are first of with the Rota Romantica in Brazil is sealed and the all accompanied by English-speaking ‘interpreters’ Romantic Road of Korea opens in 2009. and then later by tourist guides. The staff’s smart 1 April 1992: uniforms are identical to those at the German Köksal Balikci is appointed as the first international airline Lufthansa. driver on the Romantic Road. Originally from Cap- 23 May 1951: padocia, the Europabus driver fell in love with the (German Railways) starts a fast region and finally retired on 18 October 2014 after train service on the Rothenburg – Feuchtwangen 22 years of service. – Nördlingen – Augsburg – Munich route and back. 1 April 1994: At every station, it is possible to change onto a As cycling becomes more and more popular in Romantic Road bus, so that all the places of interest Germany, the trend finds a response here too and all A trip on a ‘nostalgia bus’ will can be visited. buses are equipped with bicycle trailers. give you a flavour of ‘the good 15 September 1952: 1 August 2008: old days’. The buses in service are The first chairman and founding father of the In preparation for its flotation on the stock ex- a NEOPLAN 6/8 (built in 1958), Romantic Road, Dr Wegele, pays homage to the Ro- change, Deutsche Bahn sells the profitable Deut- a Mercedes VETTER O 321 (built mantic Road buses to mark their 100,000 kilometres sche Touring to a foreign consortium of bus compa- in 1963), a MAGIRUS DEUTZ SH 10 travelled along the holiday route. The first driver nies. The EUROPABUS now becomes the ROMANTIC (built in 1979) and a SETRA S 80 on the Romantic Road was Johann Marquardt from ROAD COACH, which has been connecting the towns (built in 1974). Augsburg. and villages along the Romantic Road since 1950. www.oldtimer-bus-sonja.de 22 PLANNING GUIDE FEUCHTWANGEN

The week after Easter: Piano festival

End of May/beginning of June: Old Town Festival at the Market Place, Franconia‘s ‘Festive Hall‘

Beginning of June to mid August: Cloister Festival -

FESTIVAL | EVENTS traditional (since 1949) open-air theatre in the former cloister courtyard. The name guarantees im- aginative, high-quality and The festival town on the River Sulzach can look back over a history of almost 1,200 years. committed productions Witnesses of this long tradition include the Market Place, which is also known as ‘Franco- September: nia‘s Festival Hall‘, the unique ensemble of churches and the Romanesque cloister that, every Mooswiesen Fair – the summer, is transformed into the setting for the Cloister Festival. Modern Feuchtwangen is highlight of the year with represented by the Bavarian Casino with its futuristic architecture. thousands of visitors. The procession on the Sunday presents the history of Sightseeing Singer Museum: centre for documentation and Feuchtwangen with a Market Place (‘Franconia‘s Festival Hall‘) with Ba- research on German choirs with permanent exhibi- variety of motifs roque fountain (1726), spacious patrician houses tion. Unparalleled in Germany. and historical half-timbered houses. Feuchtwangen summer of art: within the frame- October to April: Collegiate Church (13th / 14th century): replaced work of the ‘Cloister Plays‘. ‘Kultur-Treff‘ the Romanesque monastery church with Gothic ‘Kleine Galerie‘ - exhibition of south German ama- Theatre and variety shows choir, Altar to the Virgin Mary (1483) with altar wing teur artists. at various locations paintings by Michael Wolgemut and carved Beginning of November: choir seats (about 1500). Itinerary Fish and game days with Romanesque cloister (12th century), the setting Guided tours of the town: regional specialities from of the ‘Cloister Festival‘ in the summer. From Easter to September, Sundays and public the region‘s lakes and St. John‘s Church (about 1257) with Baroque altar holidays at 4 p.m. preserves (about 1680) and late Gothic tabernacle. Craftsmen‘s rooms: from Easter to September, Medieval townscape with remains of the old-town Sundays and public holidays at 3 p.m. Advent: wall. Feuchtwangen Casino: experienced Christmas Market at the ‘Schranne‘ (grain store) with a collection of old croupiers explain the rules of the classic games of romantic ‘Kirchplatz‘ fire-fighting equipment. chance, roulette and Black Jack. Please call to book Feuchtwangen Casino: impressive with interna- (from 3 p.m. on tel. +49 9852 9006-0). As far as pos- tional flair, modern architecture and a wide range of sible, visitors will be given an introduction without profitable games of chance, such as Black Jack, prior registration. For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de roulette, etc. (see page 54). For groups only: Museums, exhibitions, galleries Guided tours of the historical old town, duration Franconian Museum: one of Southern Germany‘s approx. 1 hour. most important museums of folk art with displays Franconian Museum: a variety of themed tours of of artistically decorated household articles, glass, one of Southern Germany‘s most interesting muse- pewter, costumes and religious art, as well as an ums of ethnic art, duration 1 - 1.5 hours. extraordinarily rich collection of faiences. Singer Museum: guided tours of the permanent Changing special exhibitions. exhibition, duration approx. 45 min. Craftsmen‘s rooms in the west wing of the cloister Craftsmen‘s rooms: guided tours in groups of up to with six complete workshops (confectioner, dyer, a maximum of 20 persons, duration approx. 45 min. potter, pewterer, shoemaker and weaver). Casino: introduction to roulette. Romantic Road ® 23 FEUCHTWANGEN

Visit to the fields of emmer : informative Food and drink HISTORY trip, all about this useful crop, followed by tasting Fish and Game Days: the Feuchtwangen Fish and ▶ 8th century AD Benedictine monastery (mid-June to end of July). Game Days at the beginning of November are a cele- (‘Fiuchtinwanc’) and the court bration of these regional specialities. Their culinary of a Frankish king Package arrangements highpoint is the InteRRegional Tour, a six-course ▶ 1197 Festival arrangement during the Cloister Plays gourmet session. Conversion of the monastery into a ‘Chorherrenstift’ Emmer gourmet summer: During the Cloister Plays Excursions ▶ About 1200 Feuchtwangen restaurateurs prepare the most de- Discover the surrounding area: to Zumhaus (St. Free Imperial Town licious specialities of their cuisine, featuring every Kilian‘s Chapel: Choir Tower Church, 1528), ▶ 1376 aspect of emmer. Loss of Free Imperial status (fortified church, 15th century) or to the Jewish ▶ About 1400 cemeteries in Schopfloch or . Sagas, fairy tales and legends Construction of the town wall Trip along the Romantic Road, via Schillingsfürst, ‘Mythical surroundings...‘ – Sagas and myths from with three gates and 14 towers to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and then along the the Feuchtwangen country. On a walking tour you ▶ 1563 Tauber Valley. Or, to the south, via Dinkelsbühl and can find out in an entertaining way about the Dissolution of the ‘Chorherren- stift’ during the Wallerstein to Nördlingen. ‘mythical surroundings‘ of the Feuchtwangen coun- ▶ 17th/18th century Day trips to Würzburg, Nuremberg, Augsburg, try. Bookable for groups. Public guided tours are Official town of the margraviate or to the Franconian lakes. available for visitors at various times. of -Ansbach ▶ 1806 Congresses, conferences Countryside Feuchtwangen is incorporated Bavarian Building Academy (‘Bayerische Bauakade- Splendid countryside for bicycling and walking: into Bavaria mie‘), up to 400 people (rooms equipped with the six circular ramblers‘ paths, a number of regional ▶ 19th century latest technical facilities). ramblers‘ paths, and various cycling paths leading Demolition of most of the town fortifications through Feuchtwangen. ▶ 1949 Cloister Festival held for the first time ▶ April 2000 Feuchtwangen Casino opened

Information: Tourist Information Marktplatz 1 91555 Feuchtwangen Phone +49 (0) 9852 904-55 Fax +49 (0) 9852 904-250 touristinformation@ feuchtwangen.de www.feuchtwangen.de

Insider tips

Gaststätte-Pension Zum Grünen Wald +49 (0) 9855 97970 www.braeutigam- pension.de

Hotel Gasthof Lamm +49 (0) 9852 2500 www.gasthof-lamm- feu.de

Spielbank Feuchtwangen +49 (0) 9852 9006-0 www.spielbanken- bayern.de 24 PLANNING GUIDE DINKELSBÜHL

May to September: Sunday concerts Mid-May to mid-August: Summer theatre Festival in the ‘Garten am Wehr- gang‘ Mid-July: ‘Kinderzech‘ Festival Week: historical play about how the town was

FESTIVALS/EVENTS saved in the Thirty Years‘ War with fun fair at the ‘Schießwasen‘ Beginning of September: The former Imperial Town of Dinkelsbühl with its unmistakable townscape lies in the idyllic ‘Life in an Old Town‘ valley of the River Wörnitz. The town wall, almost completely preserved, with its towers and Festival. Nostalgic gates surrounds one of the best preserved medieval towns in Germany. Where the old com- spectacle with old crafts, peasants‘ mar- mercial streets meet in the town centre, even today the gothic Minster of St. George towers ket, itinerant enter- above the historic mix of houses. tainers and street-bal- lad singers Sightseeing Museums, exhibitions Complete medieval town wall with 16 towers, bas- Dinkelsbühl House of History – of war and peace, September to April: tions and four gates, surrounded by old trees, ponds a charming complex of buildings from the 14th to Landestheater Dinkels- and orchards. 16th centuries. The museum puts you on the trail bühl: winter season in Minster of St George: One of the finest late-gothic of the more than 800 year history of the Imperial the Theater im Spitalhof hall churches of South Germany, with a Romanesque Town. Presented in a modern way as a museum End of October: tower gate (1220-30), built 1448 to 1499 to plans by of learning and excitingly arranged, it brings the ‘Fish Harvest Week‘ with Nikolaus Eseler. High altar (crucifixion scene, about ‘fascination of Dinkelsbühl‘ to life. events revolving around 1490), probably from a workshop. Gothic Exhibition with documentation of the witch- native fish and delicious font, pulpit and ambry from the period of construc- hunts, in the vaulted cellars of the museum, pro- fish dishes tion, tracery on the south choir window, the ‘Pretzel vides information on what happened in this former November/December: Window‘, a gift by the bakers‘ guild. imperial city and clears up some of the prejudices. Romantic Christmas Historic Market places – Wine Market, Leather Open 365 days a year. Market in the Spitalhof Market and Old Town Hall Square – with charming Museum of the Third Dimension in the former half-timbered houses and representative buildings: Town Mill features optical illusions, holographs, For up-to-the-minute details, see Gustav-Adolf House (former municipal tavern) Mar- light shows and lasers, anaglyphs etc. www.romanticroad.de ket Hall (both about 1600) today the Town Hall with ‘Kinderzeche‘ Armoury in a former corn storehouse festival rooms, ‘Deutsches Haus‘, ‘Hezelhof‘ and Old is home to an accessible collection of equipment, Town Hall (first mentioned as the ‘stainhaus‘ in a costume and weapons from the historical festival document of 1361). play ‘Die Kinderzeche.‘ Hospital buildings, including the Church of the Holy Spirit (given a baroque redesign in 1760), rare Communion Altar, ceiling fresco by Johann Nieber- lein (1764). Landestheater Dinkelsbühl, vault and concert room. Baroque Castle of the Teutonic Order with attrac- tive Rococo chapel. Carmelite monastery, founded 1290, with atmos- pheric cloisters, today the Central Franconia School of Music. St. Paul‘s Church (1840-43) in style of German His- toricism in place of the Carmelite monastery church. Battlement Garden, with original battlement. The Landestheater Dinkelsbühl summer festival takes place here. Romantic Road ® 25 DINKELSBÜHL HISTORY Package arrangements The countryside ▶ 9th century AD Special arrangements for individual and group The meandering Wörnitz and its water meadows Fortifications and court of a Frankish king erected to protect travel at all times of the year, on request. provide a refuge and a home for many rare plant and two important imperial roads at animal species. Directly in front of the old walls, in a ford across the River Wörnitz Itinerary the former grounds of the State Horticultural Show, ▶ 1188 For individual travellers (in German only) is the Noah‘s Ark Garden of the Senses. Here you First mention as ‘burgus Tinkelspuhel’ in a deed of gift by Guided tour of the town starting at St. George‘s can see, hear, smell and taste the natural world in Emperor Barbarossa Minster; all year, daily at 2.30 p.m. the town. No wonder that the white stork has begun ▶ 1380-1440 Guided tour though the Dinkelsbühl House of living here again. The breeding pairs in the Old Town Construction of the town wall History every Saturday at 11.00 a.m. and every and the entire region are a particular attraction dur- with ramparts and moats as can still be seen today Sunday at 2.30 p.m. ing the summer months. Last but not least because ▶ 1448-1499 Night-watchman‘s patrol, May to October at the family life of the storks on the Old Town Hall can Construction of the late Gothic 9 p.m. (daily), November to April: 9 p.m. be seen close up by webcam (www.storch.24) on the Minster of St. George Saturdays and Sundays. screen at the Tourist Information Centre. ▶ 1632 Horse-drawn carriage trips through the historical Siege and conquest of the town by Swedish troops during the 30 old town, from April to October. Sagas and legends Years‘ War Where today a large wooden cross stands near to St. ▶ 1806 For groups only: George‘s church there once lay the Dinkelsbühl Ceme- End of and Walking tour of the town (one or two hours) tery with the chapel of St. Vitus. According to legend, incorporation into Bavaria covering the most important sights in the Old twelve life-size statues of the apostles stood there. ▶ 1888 Artists from Berlin and Munich Town (also possible in English, French, Italian and They were of solid silver, and also most beautifully discover the medieval town as a Spanish), two-hour guided tour also in combination designed. When the Thirty years War came, with all source of inspiration with visit to Dinkelsbühl House of History. its horrors, the vicar buried his silver apostles in a ▶ 1945 secret place. Not long afterwards, however, his last Dinkelsbühl survives the two world wars without damage Guided tour of the town and evening tour with hour came, and so he took his secret to the grave. and is nowadays considered to historical greeting by the solo trumpeter of the If today you cross the churchyard at certain times, have ‘one of the best preserved Dinkelsbühl Boys‘ Band, pedlar woman and – only in however, you can see a woman in white, who waves late medieval townscapes in Germany’ the evening – night watchman. to you mysteriously. If you follow her, a small man in Welcome at the town gate by the pedlar woman grey appears, who gestures to you to go away. Then (the gate is closed and guarded by soldiers). the woman disappears again, looking sad. It is the cook and her suspicious vicar, who will not leave the Guided tours through the Dinkelsbühl House of treasure in peace. But, who knows, perhaps one day History or the ‘Kinderzeche‘ Armoury. visitors will come at the right time and the two of Tailor-made arrangements for associations, clubs, them will reveal their secret....! large and small groups on request. Welcome to the Christmas Market A strange feature Visitors will be welcomed by a trumpeter from the Pretzel bakers‘ tracery Boys‘ Band and the woman pedlar, and will be given Exactly opposite the Old Town Hall you will find a welcoming glass of mulled wine. something unusual in St. George‘s Minster. Instead of the usual geometric figures, six stone Food and drink adorn one of the high and narrow church windows. Where and lambs have their home The wealthy guilds of the town, conscious of their Pools for rearing fish were once upon a time the own power, wanted in this way to demonstrate to the formative element in this idyllic landscape of fields patricians in the ‘Stone House‘ who in Dinkelsbühl and rivers. Dinkelsbühl carp decked the tables of had the final say. Information: both of the poorer members of the community and Touristik Service Dinkelsbühl Altrathausplatz 14 the wealthy patricians Today, along with carp, perch 91550 Dinkelsbühl and sheatfish, pike and tench are reared in the wa- Phone +49 (0) 9851 902440 ters. On the grasslands and juniper meadows of the Fax +49 (0) 9851 902419 graze sheep, known for the particularly touristik.service@ tender and well-tasting meat of their lambs. Fish dinkelsbuehl.de and lamb, in ever new imaginative recipes, invite www.tourismus-dinkelsbuehl.de you discover a wonderful cuisine. Insider tip

Flair Hotel Weißes Ross*** +49 (0) 9851 579890 www.hotel-weissesross.de 26 PLANNING GUIDE WALLERSTEIN

September: Autumn Market

For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de FESTIVALS | EVENTS

Hallmarked by its long history as the family seat of the princes of Oettingen-Wallerstein, the market town of Wallerstein lies in the heart of the Ries district. The town centre is domi- nated by the famous Plague or Holy Trinity monument and the Parish Church of St. Alban.

▶ AD 1188 Sightseeing Wallerstein Castle Plague or Holy Trinity monument (1722-25), based ▶ 1238/1274 1st documentary mention of on the plague monument in Vienna by Joh. G. the town (then called ‘Stein- Bschorer, and Parish Church of St. Alban (1612-13) heim’) and the Parish Church with double nave hall. of St. Alban ‘Maria-Hilf‘ Chapel (1625) on the Kapellenberg. ▶ 1261 Counts of Oettingen take pos- ‘Wallersteiner Felsen‘: approx. 65 m high rock session of the castle and town offering a wonderful all-round view over the Ries HISTORY ▶ 1612-1613 district. It is the starting point for excursions in the Reconstruction of the Parish Crater Geological Park. Church of St. Alban William Berczy (1744-1813) monument in the ▶ 1648 ‘Mittelstrasse‘. Castle destroyed Itinerary Royal Wallerstein: Palace (1805), Chapel of St. Anna ▶ 16th to 19th centuries Guided tours of the historical market and royal (1489), Royal Riding School (1741-51) and palace Systematic development town of Wallerstein (approx. 60 to 90 minutes). of the market into a rural garden, Moritz Castle (1803-04) and orangery. residence Guided tour of the Fürst Wallerstein Brewery, ▶ 1722-1725 tour of the brewery followed by beer tasting in the Holy Trinity monument erected ‘Panorama‘ tower, great for group excursions, clubs and societies. Information: Markt Wallerstein Excursions Weinstraße 19 Day trips to the former Free Imperial Towns of Nörd- 86757 Wallerstein lingen and Dinkelsbühl. Phone +49 (0) 9081 2760-0 Visit to the neighbouring residence town of Oettin- Fax +49 (0) 9081 2760-20 [email protected] gen with castle and castle garden, half-timbered www.markt-wallerstein.de and Baroque houses. Tour via Kerkingen, Baldern Castle and the former Imperial Town of , to (Monas- Insider tips tery Church of the Holy Cross, built 1750-64 by Fürst Wallerstein Balthasar Neumann) and via Christgarten and Offices to Mönchsdeggingen (Monastery +49(0)9081 805 26-0 Church of St. Martin). www.fuerst-wallerstein.de

Fürst Wallerstein Brewery +49(0)9081 7075 www.fuerst-wallerstein.de Romantic Road ® 27 WALLERSTEIN BICYCLE TOURS

500 kilometres of à la carte cycling delights. No matter whether you start in the shadow of the prince-bishops‘ palace in Würzburg in the north or at the foot of the world-famous royal castles in Füssen in the south, you will cover more ground than the almost 460 km taken by most cars. The cycle trail along Germany‘s foremost themed road is exactly 500 km long and the additional kilometres more than com- pensate you for the extra effort by giving even more pleasure... There are more than 66 million bicycles in Germa- or Bavaria will set you up for the next stage of your ny. All kinds of cycling are ‘in‘. The Romantic Road journey. You can start and end at any point on the serves à la carte cycling delights in an attractive route or, if time is getting short, board Deutsche and varied setting. Unadulterated pleasure is to Touring‘s Romantic Road ‘Romantic Road Bus‘, which be found here by all who pedal the quiet roads and runs daily from the beginning of April to the end of tracks between the River Main and the Alps, most of October, together with your bike and baggage and which are easy going with no steep hills to climb or get to the day‘s destination and accommodation on descend as they wind their way through vineyards, time. the romantic valleys of the rivers Tauber, Wörnitz Cycling on the Romantic Road is still possible even and Lech and the legendary Ries district against the if you stay the whole time in one of the 29 member backdrop of the mighty Alps. towns between Würzburg‘s Mozart Festival and Well away from exhaust emissions, haste and stress, Füssen‘s Festival Theatre. Tours from a fixed base you can discover the important, world-famous are another trademark, e.g., gourmet tours on the highlights of this route of culture and cuisine, such ‘figure of eight‘ in Lauda-Königshofen, the poet as the Church in the Meadow, not to mention the Mörike and beer during the cycle marathon in innumerable natural monuments and - frequently Bad Mergentheim, a sporty or family ride through hidden - gems in historical imperial towns and the picturesque Tauber Valley from Weikersheim, 13.90 EURO colourful villages of half-timbered houses, pictur- via Röttingen and Creglingen, to Rothenburg ob der esque hamlets and tiny corners that only pleasure Tauber, biking weeks in Schillingsfürst, festival and cyclists are likely to find: Madonnas, chapels, culinary excursions in Feuchtwangen and Dinkels- churches, monasteries, aristocratic and patrician bühl, beer and bike in Wallerstein, tours of the houses. Ries district or North Swabia from Nördlingen, via You can easily find your way around the network of Harburg and Donauwörth, to Augsburg and to Mo- routes using the detailed descriptions contained zart, ‘Sissi‘ and Ganghofer. Alongside the River Lech in the “Bicycle Tour Guide to the Romantic Road from Friedberg and Landsberg, you can roll through 18.00 from the River Main to the Alps”. Or join one of the the Pfaffenwinkel, a delightful corner of Germany EURO many tours and cycling arrangements with luggage that, with its Baroque and Rococo monuments in transport, which are organized by the individual towns such as Hohenfurch, Schongau, Peiting, Official Cycle Guide to the towns, regions and tour operators. Naturally, you Rottenbuch, Wildsteig and Steingaden, gives a Romantic Road do not have to cover the entire route under your new meaning to the words ‘joie de vivre‘. And, for (German or English) own steam, although that is an unforgettable a regal conclusion to your holiday, what could be With detailed 1:75,000 maps and route experience not only for the body and soul but also better than Halblech, Schwangau and Füssen in the descriptions from north to south and from south to north. for your taste buds: the local wines and beers are Königswinkel district? Naturally, this could also be ideal for quenching that well-earned thirst while your starting point. The choice is yours! To order, go to: www.romanticroad.de regional specialties from Franconia, Baden, Swabia 28 PLANNING GUIDE NÖRDLINGEN

May: ‘Stabenfest’: school children‘s spring festival with colourful procession, a tradition dating back to 1406

June to August: Summer festival at the ‘Alte Bastei’ open-air theatre

June: ‘Nördlinger Mess’ – North Swabia‘s biggest public festival with colourful procession Nördlingen is surrounded by Germany‘s only completely preserved town wall on which you FESTE | VERANSTALTUNGEN July: can walk right round. If you climb up the clock tower of St. George‘s church, fondly called ‘Scharlachrennen’ – one of in local speech the „Daniel“, you will have a wonderful all-round view of the crater, formed Europe’s oldest horse some 15 million years ago by the impact of a meteorite. Still unique today is the tower keeper riding tournaments (since on the „Daniel“, whose watchman‘s reverberates across the roofs of Nördlingen all year round 1438) in the evening hours, „ So G`sell so!“ September: Historical ‘town-wall Sightseeing Museums, exhibitions, galleries festival’ – Every three Well preserved town walls / battlements with five The Ries Crater Museum shows how the Ries land- years Nördlingen goes gates, eleven towers and one bastion which can be scape was formed. back to the Middle Ages: traversed over a length of 2.7 kilometres. In the Town Museum you will gain an insight into the processions, historical Late Gothic Hall Church of St. George with ‘Daniel‘, turbulent history of Nördlingen. camp life, medieval music a 90 m high bell tower with viewing platform: The Town Wall Museum in the ‘Löpsinger Torturm‘ and dancing, and much Baroque-style High Altar (1683) with late Gothic tower shows the history of the Nördlingen fortifica- more. carved figures (about 1462) and panel paintings by tions. Herlin (now in the Town Museum); late Gothic font The Bavarian Railway Museum is one of the great 1st Advent weekend to (1492), pulpit (1499, abat-voix 1681) and taber- open-air museums devoted to the history of techno- 23rd December: nacle (1511-25); valuable late Renaissance organ; logy, featuring more than a hundred original engines Romantic Christmas numerous tombstones and memorial shields. and coaches. Market set against a Historical market place with imposing half- At the ‘augenblick ‘ Museum you will find sound and historical backdrop in the timbered and patrician houses: Town Hall (13th vision attractions from the past 100 years. old town. century) with bay and tower extensions (about

For up-to-the-minute details, see 1500) and Renaissance outside staircase (1618); Package arrangements www.romanticroad.de ‘Brot-und Tanzhaus‘ and ‘Hohes Haus‘ (both 1442); ‘Romantic weekend in Nördlingen’ – ‘Leihhaus‘ (pawnbroker‘s shop). We shall be glad to advise you! Impressive commercial buildings: ‘Hallgebäude‘ (1541-43), ‘Alte Schranne‘ (1601/02), ‘Klösterle‘ Itinerary (about 1420) with attractive portal (1586); former For individual travellers monastery of unshod monks, a grain store after the Guided tour of the town daily at 2 p.m. from Easter Reformation, now the civic hall for events. to 1 November (approx. 1 hour). Hospital with church and inside courtyard (early Romantic evening tour daily at 8.30 p.m. from 13th century): large complex of buildings with town mid-May to mid-September. museum. Guided tour of the town on Advent, at 2 p.m. Gothic Church of St. Salvator (1442): former Saturdays and Sundays. Carmelite Monastery Church (highly modified in All tours begin at the Tourist Information and last 1829) with interesting west portal and High Altar about an hour. (1518; workshop). Groups of 10 or more are requested to book in Semi-circular bastion ‘Alte Bastei‘ (1554), today advance. an open-air theatre. Romantic Road ® 29 NÖRDLINGEN HISTORY For groups (max. 25): ▶ 1st - 3rd century AD Roman castle and civilian settle- Guided and thematic tours: the persecution of ment on the site of today‘s town witches, towns in the Middle Ages, tour of the town ▶ 898 walls, tanners‘ quarter (guided tours can also be ‘Nordilinga’ mentioned as the arranged in English, French, Spanish, Italian and court of a Carolingian king ▶ 1215 Russian). Emperor Frederick II purchases Tours of the Ries Crater Museum, the Town Wall the town from : Nörd- lingen becomes a Free Imperial Museum, the Town Museum and the Museum Town ‘augenblick‘. ▶ 1219 Church tours of St. George‘s and St. Salvator‘s First mention of the 10-day Visit to a brewery with beer tasting. Whitsun Fair, which was the most important supraregional trade Visit to a schnapps distillery. fair in Southern Germany during Mill visit with bread tasting the Middle Ages ▶ 14th/16th/17th century Construction, extension and Excursions reinforcement of the town Side trip to Holheim (mid-Stone Age caves), Christ- fortifications garten (the smallest village in Bavaria, remains of a ▶ 1427-1505 Construction of St. George‘s monastery church) and Mönchsdeggingen (Benedic- Cathedral with its 90 m bell tower tine abbey, Baroque church with horizontal organ, known as ‘Daniel’ 1693). ▶ 1522/1555 Involvement in the Reformation Excursion to , town of fuchsias, or the ▶ 1634 famous ducal seat of Oettingen. Battle of Nördlingen, at the Walks on the ‘Schäferweg‘ or ‘Schwedenweg‘, Albuch; town conquered; population decimated straight across the meteorite crater or round the ▶ 1802/1803 geotope adventure trail in the Ries Geopark. Loss of independence and Trip along the Romantic Road to Harburg Castle, the integration into Bavaria; former Free and Imperial Town of Donauwörth and economic decline ▶ 1972-2000 the Fugger city of Augsburg. Incorporation of 10 neighbouring villages; current population - Countryside, food and drink approx. 20,000 The Crater Geological Park, whose history began 15 million years ago, is one of the most interesting regions in Germany. The geological formations (sue- Information: vite and coloured breccia) to which it gave rise have Tourist-Information made the crater a mecca for geologists and geologi- Marktplatz 2 cal tourists. 86720 Nördlingen im Ries When it comes to food and drink, the Crater Geo- Phone +49 (0) 9081 84116 Fax +49 (0) 9081 84113 logical Park features traditional dishes and fresh, tourist-information regional products. We want our visitors to taste what @noerdlingen.de they are eating and drinking. A typical gourmet dish www.noerdlingen.de at the Crater is ‘Rieser Küchle‘, dough cooked in deep fat, coated with powdered sugar. It is the traditional Insider tips dessert at a wedding celebration. JUFA Gästehaus Nördlingen Sagas, fairy tales and legends +49 (0) 9081 2750575 It is said that in 1440 a woman wanted to fetch a can www.jufa.at/ noerdlingen.php of beer for her husband. At the Löpsinger Gate she sow how a runaway pig was rubbing its back against a Bayerisches wing of the gate. This led the woman to discover that Eisenbahnmuseum the gate was not firmly closed. Her shocked cry, ’So, +49 (0) 9083 340 G`sell, so!’ was meant for the faithless watchmen, www.bayerisches- who confessed they had been bribed by the Count eisenbahnmuseum.de of Oettingen, so that he could lead a party of armed men into the town and take it over. Even today individually designed pigs remind us of the legend of 1440. 30 PLANNING GUIDE HARBURG

May: ‘Art in the park’

June:

EVENTS ‘Bockfest’ Festival

August: Bridge Festival

For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de

▶ 1150 AD First documentary mention of ‘Harburg’, owned by the family The little town of Harburg lies in the valley of the River Wörnitz between the hills of the Swa- ▶ 1299 bian and Franconian Jura. The old part of town between the Wörnitz and the castle is a maze Castle and market mortgaged to the Counts of Oettin- of small, crooked lanes lined by half-timbered houses and Baroque gabled houses. Towering HISTORY gen-Oettingen above the village is the mighty Harburg, one of the best preserved castles in Germany, today ▶ 1539 Introduction of the Refor- owned by a foundation of the Counts of Oettingen-Wallerstein. mation Jura with a good view over the Ries crater. ▶ 1612 Sightseeing Construction of the Evangeli- Harburg Castle (12th - 19th centuries): large castle cal Parish Church of St. Barbara complex; walls with battlements and six towers, Excursions ▶ 1731 bailey and gates; main castle with keep (12th - 13th Visit to the Gothic church (1352-87) of the former Harburg passes to the counts of Oettingen-Wallerstein centuries), ‘Kastenhaus‘ (1594) with stables and ar- Cistercian monastery in (1716-21) with moury, ‘Saalbau‘ with banqueting hall (stuccowork splendid Baroque ’Kaisersaal‘ hall, on to Leitheim ▶ 1800 Castle besieged by French in 1719), ‘Fürstenbau‘ and St. Michael‘s Chapel (stuc- Castle (1685-90), the summer residence of the troops: ‘Bockfest’ as festival of cowork in 1719). Kaisheim abbots, today owned by the Tucher family, thanksgiving (destruction of the castle) was prevented; still Half-timbered Town Hall (15th century) and vicara- with a small museum (porcelain, stoneware, etc.); held today ge; former synagogue (1754) and Protestant parish chamber music concerts in the Rococo banqueting ▶ 1849 church of St. Barbara (1612) with round helm roof. hall in the summer. Town charter and railway Stone bridge (18th century) with nine arches and Hike over Bock hill (570 m) and to Eisbrunn forest connection bridge mill with spiral gable and outside staircase. inn. ▶ 1971-1978 Incorporation of 10 neighbour- Bock (570 m): highest hill in this part of the Swabian Excursions to the surrounding districts belonging ing villages to Harburg and to the neighbouring towns of Nörd- ▶ 1985 lingen and Donauwörth. First Bridge Festival on the stone bridge Countryside Heath country around the ’Bock‘ and the ’Rollen- berg‘ in Heroldingen. Charming landscape with Information: many walking paths. für Tourismus Harburg Schloßstraße 1 86655 Harburg Food and drink Phone +49 (0) 9080 9699-24 Swabian home cooking; numerous cafés; ‘s Fax +49 (0) 9080 9699-39 dinner from medieval recipes. poststelle@stadt-harburg- schwaben.de www.stadt-harburg- schwaben.de

Insider tip

Fürstliche Waldschänke Eisbrunn +49 (0) 9080 9239100 www.eisbrunn.de Romantic Road ® 31 HARBURG Romantic Road INTERNATIONAL

The roots of Germany‘s oldest holiday route go back to the year 1900. At that time, the ‘German Travel Route Number One‘ linked the River Main with the Alps. In January 1950, the Romantic Road was formally created and through the German National Tourist Board and the German airline Lufthansa became the tourist symbol for the newly established Federal Republic of Germany, especially in North America. The route, which lay in the American occu- pied zone, soon found many imitators inside and outside Germany and though this prototype for all other tourist trails has often been copied, it has never been surpassed.

First came the Japanese Romantic Road in 1982, then, in 2007, the partnership with the Rota Roman- tica in Brazil was signed and sealed and in July 2009 the Romantic Road of Korea was formerly opened. In Vietnam, too, the World Heritage Road was created, following the successful German pattern exactly.

All tourist trails take you through truly romantic regions and landscapes, full of enchanting atmos- phere where the breath of history infuses the indivi- dual towns and villages. There are regular exchanges between the ‘World‘s Romantic Roads‘ and a great deal of importance is attached to maintaining “the bonds of friendship, to the advantage and benefit of visiting guests”. One of the keys to the success of the Romantic Roads is the ubiquitous welcome and hospitality that is experienced all along the route and on the scheduled trips to the various regions, not only by visitors to Germany, but by those, too, in Japan, Brazil and South Korea. More detailed information can be obtained at: www.romanticroad.de/ international 32 PLANNING GUIDE DONAUWÖRTH

May: Traditional May market and opening of the tourist season

June/July: ‘Mangoldfelsen’ open-air theatre, Donauwörth ‘Fischerstechen’, tradition- al fishing and boating competition on the Wörnitz (every two years, next in 2018) FESTIVALS | EVENTS July: ‘Schwäbischwerder Kindertag’ The former Free Imperial Town of Donauwörth lies at the confluence of the Wörnitz with the Weekend: traditional Danube and developed from a fishing settlement on ‘Ried‘ island in the Wörnitz. Forming a children’s festival with historical procession magnificent axis between the Town Hall and the Fuggerhaus in the old town is the Reichstras- Festival play in the se, one of Southern Germany‘s most attractive streets lined with imposing patrician houses. Heilig-Kreuz-Garten (next event 2018) Sightseeing Cross from the Byzantine Imperial Treasure (11th Imperial street festival Reichsstrasse: heart of the town with Town Hall century); numerous historical treasures inside the (every 2 years: next event (1236, modified in 1853), ‘Stadtzoll‘ (1418), ‘Tanz- church. 2017) haus‘ (about 1400, rebuilt 1973 - 75), ‘Fuggerhaus‘ Remains of the medieval town fortifications on (1537, present-day County Council Office). the Wörnitz with ‘Rieder‘, ‘Färber‘ and ‘Ochsen‘ October: Donauwörth Culture Days Minster ‘Zu Unserer Lieben Frau‘: Gothic brick hall gates and ‘Invalidenkaserne‘ (barracks). Many other events church with three naves (1444-67); late Gothic Fountains: ‘Marienbrunnen‘ (1854), ‘Reichsstadt- frescos; tabernacle (1503), ‘Regelsches Epitaph‘ brunnen‘ For up-to-the-minute details, see (1515), bell-tower with ‘Pummerin‘ (1512), the (1977) and ‘Zaubergeigenbrunnen‘ (1991). www.romanticroad.de biggest tower bell in Swabia weighing approx. 6.5 ‘Mangoldfelsen‘: the site of Mangoldstein Castle tonnes. until 1301. Bürgerspital (hospital) with church (17th century) ‘Kalvarienberg‘ (church, 1720) and Schellenberg and classicist ‘Deutschordenshaus‘ (Teutonic Order (barrows from the Early Age; Celtic settle- House, 1774-78) with late Baroque banqueting ment). room (‘Enderle-Saal‘). Former Benedictine monastery (1034) with Holy Museums, exhibitions, galleries Cross Monastery Church (1717-20, supervised by Local Museum in the ‘Hintermeierhaus‘ (former Joseph Schmuzer): classic example of the late Ba- fisherman‘s house, 15th century): attractive new roque ‘‘ school; crypt chapel (end of presentation on commercial fishing and metalwork- the 17th century) with double altar and relic of the ing, clothing habits and furnishing in the 19th century. Town History Museum in ‘Rieder Tor‘ tower: documents, , weapons and coins from the former Free Imperial Town. Käthe Kruse Dolls Museum: over 150 dolls and mannequins by the famous doll maker, Käthe Kruse, with interesting special exhibitions, Werner Egk Encounter Centre in the former Capu- chin Monastery: documents on the life and work of the composer and honorary citizen of Donauwörth, Werner Egk. Town art gallery in the Teutonic Order House. Romantic Road ® 33 DONAUWÖRTH HISTORY Itinerary Tales and Legends ▶ 10th century AD Fishing settlement on an island For groups (up to 25 people): Donauwörth is the home of legendary tales such as in the Wörnitz (‘Werd’, ‘Wörth’) Guided tours of the historical old town. that of ‘Wichtel vom Wichtelsberg‘ the ‘Maikaefer‘ ▶ About 977 Guided tours of the museums and of the Minster and the ‘Donauwörther Mondspritzer‘ Construction of the first bridge and the Holy Cross Monastery and Pilgrimage over the Danube; growing strate- gic significance on the trade Church, etc. The Donauwörther Mond-Spritzer route that ran from Norway, via (the ‘Moon-sprinklers‘ of Donauwörth) Augsburg and Nuremberg, to Italy Excursions ...or how sweets remind us of the town‘s history. ▶ 1030 Donauwörth is the ideal starting point for: In former days, every child in the town knew the Market, currency and customs charters; rapid economic growth Excursions to the Ries District (12 km), to the story of the ‘Donauwörther Mond-Spritzer‘. There ▶ 1081-1218 Kessel Valley (10 km), to the Lech (9 km), to Mon- was a time when nick names were the ‘in‘ thing. The Construction of the fortifica- heim Alb (6 km) or Altmühl Valley (17 km). football team of the Donauwörth local administra- tions; initially belonged to the Day trips to Augsburg, Ulm, Nuremberg, Regens- tion and other dignitaries took this name more than then to the Wittelsbach family burg or Legoland in Günzburg, etc. 30 years ago and have since then played regularly ▶ 1193 Family tip: ‘Legoland Weekend‘ and ‘Holiday Week‘ in matches for charitable causes. Every town has Town charter; biggest port on in Donauwörth, details on request a nick-name like this – always one that has to do the Danube in Swabia and impor- with some humorous or painful episode from its tant transhipment point for history. The people of Donauwörth are called the ▶ 1301-1607 Leisure tips Free Imperial Town of ‘Schwäbi- Fishing in the largest network of flowing waters in ‘Mond-Spritzer‘ (moon-sprinklers). Anyone who schwörth’ Germany doesn‘t know the story will find out about it at the ▶ 1465 Cycling around Donauwörth in five characteristic end of each historical tour of the town. And, indeed, Great Freedom Charter; commer- cial centre, Reichstrasse built and different landscapes (Ries, Kessel Valley, Alt- participants will be given a round, deep red ‘Mond- ▶ 1607 mühl Valley, Augsburg Nature Park, etc.). Spritzer‘ sweet, which they always eat with a wry End of the glorious period as a Hiking on over 100 km of signposted hiking trails. smile on their faces as they remember the bizarre Free Imperial Town Golf on almost 100 ha at ‘Gut Lederstatt‘ Golf Park episode from the town‘s history. ▶ 1714 (18-hole course). ‘Peace of Rastatt’: Donauwörth annexed to Bavaria Boat tours. The story ▶ April 1945 The inhabitants of Donauwörth were once rudely Target of heavy bombing raids; Indoor playground awakened from their well-earned slumbers in the 75 percent of the town dest- Indoor climbing hall middle of the night by the strident tones of the fire royed. Today, the town has been rebuilt and expanded; old town bell. ‘Fire on the Schellenberg‘ shouted the lookout preserved Nature on the tower of the town‘s parish church. The ▶ 1998 Five characteristically different landscapes stretch firemen rushed to the fire-station and, in no time Major district town out around Donauwörth: the meteor crater of the at all, the fire engines were rolling over the uneven (‘Grosse Kreisstadt’) Ries, the gentle hills of Schwäbisch Alb, the steep cobbles up to the Schellenberg. The horses strained slopes of the Franconian Jura, the river landscapes in the shafts seemingly understanding the need of the Danube and Wörnitz and the Lech plain, for the greatest urgency. In the east, the night was which forms part of the Western Forest of the Augs- filled with a burning glow. But what astonishment burg Natural Park. there was amongst the helpers - who by this time were soaking with sweat from their efforts - when Food & Gastronomy they got there and realised that everything was Culinary delights and specialities based on the completely quiet. Only then did the good folk real- three traditional pillars of Swabian, Franconian and ise their unfortunate mistake. The fire was on the Old combined with the original other side, in the neighbouring village of Zir- cooking of the Danube and Ries regions, with gesheim! So they turned round and set off in the regional produce and the ‘Geopark kulinarisch‘ - an other direction. Alas, they were not needed to association of caterers and producers committed to quench the fires there either, but the answer to natural and organic food. the puzzle had become clear: the full moon had risen above the peaks of the night-filled Jura and had bathed the entire Schellenberg in a deep red glow, so that it appeared to be in flames. Deflated, Information: the fire-brigade returned to the town and, instead, Städt. Tourist-Information quenched their inner fires with a long, cool Rathausgasse 1 drink. Since this event of earlier times, 86609 Donauwörth the people of Donauwörth are Phone +49 (0) 906 789151 affectionately, and with a twinkle Fax +49 (0) 906 789159 [email protected] of the eye, known as ‘Mond- www.donauwoerth.de Spritzer‘ – the Moon-sprinklers! 34 PLANNING GUIDE RAIN

Four markets every year, with a tradition that goes back to the 14th century

May Market: last Sunday in April St. James’ Market: last Sunday in July Autumn Market: second Sunday in September St. Martin’s Market: FESTIVALS | EVENTS second Sunday in November Annually on 2nd weekend This town on the Lech was established more than 750 years ago as the north western bastion in July: Town festival whose fame of Old Bavaria. Evidence of the former stronghold, such as the remains of the old town wall stretches well beyond the and the ‘Leutnantschanze‘ can still be seen. Particular attractions are the main street with confines of the town. its unique ensemble of patrician houses from the 17th and 18th centuries and the Tilly Me- December: morial. The majestic construction of the rococo town hall is especially eye-catching. Every year during the 3rd weekend of Advent: Local sights The musician brothers Franz, Ignaz and Vinzenz Christmas market at the the main street is a Lachner castle Historic old town centre: unique ensemble of 17th and 18th century patrician Born in Rain, the brothers Franz (1803-1890), Ignaz For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de housing; the Tilly Memorial can be found on the (1807-1895) and Vinzenz (1811-1893) Lachner were town-hall square directors of music and composers of the Romantic Rococo Town Hall: majestic construction, now made era. All three began their great careers in Vienna. famous by the television series ‘Der Kaiser von Franz was an organist and choirmaster in Munich Schexing‘ from 1836 to 1865 (from 1852 onwards Royal Nature on the ramparts: the Leutnantschanze and Director of Music in Bavaria). Ignaz, ‘the wanderer‘, the Ziegelschanze are a reminder of Rain‘s fortifi- worked at various courts in Europe. Vinzenz, in cations that were so important right up until the contrast, was Kapellmeister to the Royal Court in 18th century and now form a wonderful green girdle for 37 years. around the town offering an inviting place to walk. Georg Tannstetter (1482-1535) The Schwabtor has been reconstructed on the basis Known as ‘Collimitius‘, he was a scholar and huma- of historical evidence and illustrations. nist, a student and teacher of mathematics, astro- Former castle: the official ducal residence of the nomy, astrology and medical science in 15th century still appears, in spite of the loss of its and Vienna. He founded the learned society known defensive moat and in spite of all the reconstruction as ‘Collimitiana‘. The personal physician of Emperor work that has been carried out, as a magnificent, Maximilian I, he was raised to the nobility in 1516. stately construction. Lutheran church and ‘Bible Garden‘ (Bibelgar- Museums, exhibitions and galleries ten), municipal parish church of St. John the Museum of local history (Heimatmuseum) Baptist (St. Johannes der Täufer), the late gothic The permanent exhibition includes the history All Saint‘s Chapel (Allerheiligenkapelle) with its of local costumes, household activities, care of basement ossuary. fabrics, guilds and crafts of the hat makers and chimney sweeps, history of the town, including the Personalities salt trade and the Battle of Rain in 1632; work of Johannes Bayer (1572-1625) the monks and religious art, with attractive special Man of the law and amateur astronomer, he studied exhibitions too. philosophy and jurisprudence and worked initially as a lawyer. In his spare time, he developed an intense interest in astronomy, mathematics and archaeology. In 1603 he published the ‘Uranomet- ria‘ star atlas. Romantic Road ® 35 RAIN

HISTORY Museum of the Lachner Brothers (Gebrüder-Lach- ▶ Around 1250 ner-Museum) Establishment as a town In the 19th century, the brothers Franz, Ignaz and ▶ 1257 First recorded mention in Vinzenz Lachner were amongst the most respected written documents musicians of the age. Documents, manuscripts and ▶ 1359 printed music make clear their place in musical Market, coinage and toll rights history. The museum has been created in the house help the town to gain economic prosperity in which they were born on the Kirchplatz. ▶ 1398 Jean-Daprai Museum Town wall built, raised higher in Forum for surrealist and modern painting. Daprai 1417 was born in 1929 in Rovereto, lived for several years ▶ 1455 in Rain and now lives in Paris. Introduction of a ‘cobble tax’ (for using the cobbled streets) and salt duty Leisure-time suggestions and excursions ▶ 1480 Fishing – in one of the surrounding lakes and in the Completion of the municipal river Lech. parish church, church tower erected in 1558 The Oberndorf Tillyweg (named after Marshall ▶ 1632 Tilly) leading to the meadows in the Lech valley Battle of Rain; Marshall Tilly is Cycling and walking on sign-posted pathways in wounded and dies shortly after- the Danube-Lech region wards in Ingolstadt Swimming in the indoor swimming pool or in one of ▶ 1762 Building of the new town hall is the man-made lakes completed Stroll through one of the parks ▶ 1921 and from 1947 onwards many new companies established Excursions ▶ 1972 Visit to the former Free Imperial Town of Donau- Re-organisation to form the Donau-Ries administrative wörth or the renaissance town of Neuburg a.d. district – first municipal incorpo- Donau, the ‘Ferienland Donau-Ries‘ (Danube-Ries rations and school building work Tourist Area) and the Ries Geopark with Harburg and ▶ 2001 Nördlingen. Creation of the new ‘Dehner Blu- men-Park’ (Dehner Flower Park) The ‘Donaumoos‘, Southern Germany‘s largest lowland fen, with the ‘Haus im Moos‘ and the neigh- ▶ 2009 bouring Hallertau, where 17,800 hectares are given Regional garden exhibition ‘Nature in Rain 2009‘ over to hop cultivation. The Altmühltal nature reserve with the diocesan town of Eichstätt Day trips to Augsburg, Ingolstadt, Munich and Nürnberg

Itinerary On request or at: www.rain.de -> Events calendar Information: Stadt Rain Hauptstraße 60 86641 Rain Phone +49 (0) 9090 703-333 Fax +49 (0) 9090 703-319 [email protected] www.rain.de

Insider tips

DEHNER Blumen Hotel **** +49 (0) 9090 760 www.dehner- blumenhotel.com

DEHNER Blumenpark +49 (0) 9090 770 www.dehner.de 36 PLANNING GUIDE AUGSBURG

February: Augsburg Brecht Festival

March/April: Augsburg Cabaret Days

Easter: ‘Osterplärrer’ and Spring Fair

May to December: ‘The Fuggers and Music’

FESTIVALS | EVENTS concerts Augsburg Mozart Festival

June/July: ‘Historical Citizens‘ Festi- Founded more than 2,000 years ago under the Roman Emperor Augustus, Augsburg is one val’ or historical festival of the oldest German cities. The economic heyday of this former Free Imperial Town was at the Wertachbrucker Tor during the 15th and 16th centuries when it flourished thanks to foreign trade and the with costumes, music, banking businesses of the Fuggers and Welsers. Reminders of these glorious days can be dancing, market life and handicrafts as in 1620 seen in the historical city centre with the splendid Maximilianstrasse and the Renaissance and Baroque façades of the palaces and patrician houses. July: Performances on an open- Sightseeing (selection) Water towers by the ‘Rotes Tor’ (the Red Gate) air stage with 2,400 seats Town Hall (1615-20): one of the most attractive The ‘Upper Works’, as they were called, situated at in front of the historic secular Renaissance buildings north of the Alps, the ‘Rotes Tor’, provided drinking water for Augsburg scenery by the ‘Rotes Tor’ built by Elias Holl; magnificent ‘Golden Hall‘ with right up until 1879. This complex is the only one of its splendid portals, wall paintings and coffered ceiling. kind in Europe that remains complete. The ensemble July/August: Perlachturm (11th / 12th centuries): 70 m high consists of three water towers as well as the lower Augsburg Jazz Summer, tower with lantern belfry and ‘Welscher Haube‘ roof and upper pump rooms. Can be visited as part of a summer-evening concerts by Elias Holl (1614-16). guided tour: www.augsburg-tourismus.de in the Botanical Garden St. Mary‘s Cathedral: first documentary mention and pub concerts with in AD 823; crypt (10th century) and glass paintings Museums, exhibitions, galleries international jazz stars of figures, thought to be the oldest in Germany Municipal museum of textiles and industry, tim: (about 1140); ceiling and wall frescos from the The ‘tim’ is a museum, designed to give visitors a 8 August: Romanesque and Gothic periods, panel paintings sense of living history. A rich mix of men and Augsburg Peace Festival by Hans Holbein the Elder. machines, patterns and fashions. - holiday in the Augsburg St. Ulrich and St. Afra: originally an Abbey church Maximilian Museum with collection on the cultural region in remembrance of (1474); late Gothic basilica (15th / 16th centuries) and municipal history of Augsburg; local works of the Peace of Westphalia with tower (93 m); altars (16th / 17th centuries). art in gold and silver. in 1648, with fringe St. Anna (1321, extended in the 15th century): Schaezler Palace with German Baroque Gallery and programme former Carmelite monastery church with Gothic wall City Gallery: German paintings from the Baroque and Rococo periods (16th - 18th centuries); old September: decorations and valuable paintings (Lucas Cranach the Elder); sepulchre chapel of the Fuggers (1509); German and, in particular, old Swabian paintings. ‘Herbstplärrer’ and Bert Brecht Memorial Museum: a survey of the life Autumn Fair considered to be the earliest building; goldsmiths‘ chapel with frescos (1420/96), and works of Bertolt Brecht; documentation cover- December: redesigned Museum Lutherstiege. ing the Augsburg years. Christmas market in front Fugger City Palace (1512-15): home and business Mozart House: impressive presentation on Leopold of the historical Town Hall premises of Jakob Fugger with charming Renais- Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus and his first love, his sance-style inside courtyards (Damenhof). cousin (‘Bäsle‘) from Augsburg. For up-to-the-minute details, see Fuggerei (1516-19): the world‘s oldest social settle- www.romanticroad.de ment. Fountains in the Maximilianstrasse: Augustus (1589-94), Herkules (1596-1602) and Merkur (1599) fountains. Romantic Road ® 37 AUGSBURG

Natural History Museum and Planetarium. Augsburg‘s Roman Meal: this meal, consisting ▶ 15 BC HISTORY in the Glass Palace. of several courses, provides a mouth-watering Drusus and Tiberius, step sons H2 Centre for Contemporary Art of Emperor Augustus set up Museum of the Augsburg invitation to some unusual gastronomic delights in a military camp on the site Puppet Theatre an atmosphere of antiquity. Food is served as it was of the present-day city Fugger and Welser Museum in , waiters and waitresses wear tunics ▶ AD 304 Newly opened museum in a lovingly restored and you can, if you wish, even lie down to eat with Martyr’s death of St. Afra Renaissance building, the “Wieselhaus”. In the mu- authentic table settings. Further information can ▶ 955 seum, you get a real sense of the influence exerted be obtained from the Hotel Alpenhof, ▶ 1156 on European and worldwide business and trade by [email protected], Phone +49 (0) 821 42020 First Augsburg city charter the Patrician families of Augsburg in the early 16th ▶ 1276 century. In the interactive displays, a whole new Excursions Second Augsburg city charter form of story-telling brings history to life and gives Organised excursions and art-history trips, e.g., ▶ 1316 a feel of what it was like to be alive at the time. Romantic Road North / South, along the romantic Augsburg granted Free Imperial Further information can be found at: Danube, Augsburg and the foothills of the Alps, Town status www.fugger-und-welser-museum.de Bavarian Baroque, in the footsteps of the wealthy ▶ 1519 Construction of the Fuggerei Fuggers, to the seat of the Wittelsbach family. ▶ 1530 Itinerary Holzen: one of the most important and oldest Confessio Augustana Guided walking tour of the sights, including the monasteries in Swabia - high over the Lech Valley - (Augsburg Confession) indoor visits, daily from April to October, 11 a.m. with monastery inn. ▶ 1555 and 2 p.m. Thierhaupten: Baroque monastery, founded as a Religious Peace of Augsburg November until the end of March: Sat. and Sun. Bavarian monastery by Duke Tassilo. And the Thier- ▶ 1650 Augsburg Festival of Peace 2 p.m. haupten Monastery Mill Museum with three mills ▶ 1770-1772 Sightseeing tour by bus; April to October, at 3 p.m. and a rag-paper stamping mill. Johann Heinrich Schüle founds on Friday, at 10.30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Königsbrunn: Info pavilion ‘The Battle of Lechfeld’, the first continental calico manu- during Advent at 10.30 a.m. on Saturday and with an impressive audiovisual presentation of the factory Sunday Siege of Augsburg. ▶ 1806 Incorporation of the Imperial City of Augsburg in the ▶ Around 1816 Augsburg is Bavaria’s leading banking centre: Augsburg Bourse ▶ 1840 Completion of the Munich-Augsburg railway line; the first train runs ▶ 1929 Open-air theatre opened ▶ 1970 Augsburg University founded ▶ 1985 2000th anniversary of the city, Golden Hall in the Town Hall restored

Information: Regio Augsburg Tourismus GmbH For groups only Neusäss: Titania fun baths with the only funnel Schießgrabenstraße 14 (tours also available in foreign languages): shoot of its kind in Germany. Open all year round. 86150 Augsburg Special tours, e.g., The Roman City, Augsburg - City Schwabenmünchen: Geyerburg Castle, 15th century Phone +49 (0) 821 5020733/28 of Fairy Tale, The Augsburg Craftsmen‘s Trail, The (former Fugger castle) and ‘Hexentürmchen‘ tower Fax +49 (0) 821 5020745 home town of Mozart‘s father, The buildings of Elias (17th century), ‘Frauenkapelle‘ chapel (1489) with stadtfuehrungen@ Holl, Augsburg‘s water towers, The Body in the Lech Baroque altar by Jörg Pfeiffer, Chapel ‘Zur schmerz- regio-augsburg.de www.augsburg-tourismus.de canal, The Perlach Murder, Heinous Crimes of the Past haften Mutter Gottes‘ (1742), Schwabenmünchen Museum and Gallery. Guided tours conducted by actors in costume: Insider Tip ‘Jakob Fugger, up close and personal’, Congresses, conferences ‘Brecht live’, ‘The Romans, with Emperor Augustus’, Böhme event Marketing Congress Centre, Exhibition Centre, conference +49 (0) 821 44951630 ‘Bäsle – Mozart’s first love’, facilities in the region with capacities from 250 to www.boehme-event.de ‘Jakob Fugger at home’ – narrated by his wife, over 2,000 people. Sibylla Arzt ‘Beggars, jugglers and outlaws’ 38 PLANNING GUIDE FRIEDBERG

February: Shrove Tuesday carnival parade through the old town June: Midsummer pottery market in the ‘Stadtgarten‘ park Historical festival in the old town ‘Friedberger Zeit‘, held every 3 years since 1989 (next festival – 2019). Activities authen- FESTIVALS | EVENTS tically reflect the styles and resplendence of life in the 17th and 18th centuries beneath baroque Friedberg, that ‘Old Bavarian ducal town on the banks of the Lech‘ lies in the middle of the September to May: region formerly owned by the Wittelsbach family, which is laden with history. Particular at- Town Hall Concerts tractions for the visitor are the renaissance town hall, the central ‘Marienplatz‘ square, the October: romantic little streets and alleys of the old town, with their watchmakers‘ cottages and the Poetry slam ‘Moet for old town fortifications, with their almost completely intact towers. the Poet‘ Sightseeing Excursions December: Renaissance Town Hall (1674) with fountain. Excursions to the neighbouring towns of Munich, Romantic ‘Friedberg The Wittelsbachers‘ Castle (currently closed for Augsburg and Landsberg am Lech, Southern German Advent‘ - Market with renovation) Karl May Festival in Dasing, ‘Sisi‘ Castle in Unterwit- ‘Night of Stars‘ Rococo Pilgrimage Church ‘Herrgottsruh‘ (The telsbach‘, ‘Der Bayerische Hiasl‘ World at Gut For up-to-the-minute details, see Peace of God) with outstanding choir (C.D. Asam) Mergenthau, Legoland Günzburg and to the Alps, www.romanticroad.de and dome frescos (Matthäus Günther), as well as 11 signposted cycling tours through the Wittels- artistic stuccowork by F.X. Feichtmayr; ‘Bruder- bach countryside, ‘Sisi Tour‘ to the roots of the ▶ AD 1264 Town founded by the schaftsaltar‘ (Fraternity Altar) and ‘Gnadenaltar‘ Wittelsbach family, 16 cycling tours: „New-found Bavarian Duke Ludwig II as a (Altar of Grace). Joys of Cycling“ region, Augsburg. ‘Paar Valley Tour‘ bastion against the bishops R with towers in the Bavarian cycling network, of Augsburg and to protect emains of the old town fortifications ‘St. James‘ Way‘, the salt route (water tower, wooden battlements). ‘Ox Way‘, ‘Jesuit Way‘.

HISTORY ▶ 13th/14th century Parish Church of St. Jacob, ‘Maria Alber‘, Plague The Lech Gorge Activity Park by the Friedberger See Town destroyed on several Church of St. Stephan and Church of St. Afra in the with water-ski station occasions (about 1700) with stuccowork by Joseph ▶ Early 15th century Schmuzer. Nature‘s pleasures – the Paar Gap New town fortifications The little river Paar leaves the Lechfeld region and ▶ 1552-1559 Construction of the castle Museums, exhibitions flows on through the hills of Wittelsbach. Because in the Wittelsbach Castle (currently closed of this gap, caused by receding erosion, the Paar ▶ 1674 Museum Construction of the Town Hall for renovation) flows not into the Lech but into the Danube. There is in the style of Elias Holl Art exhibitions in the ‘Archivgalerie‘, the ‘Kunst- a circular walk sign-posted: ‘Zum Paardurchbruch‘. ▶ 1731-1753 Werk‘ and the ‘Nest der Kunstspechte‘. (To the Paar Gap) Construction of the ‘Herrgottsruh’ Pilgrimage Itinerary Food ▶ End of the 19th century Construction of St. Jacob’s For groups only (up to 35 people): ‘Spezialitätenwirte im Wittelsbacher Land‘ Parish Church Guided tours of the town and churches (Speciality chefs in the Wittelsbach region) Romantic and Advent-tide guided tours of the An association of restaurateurs, in whose establish- Information: town in autumn and winter followed by candle-lit ments top priority is given to the quality of the food Touristinformation dinner. and the use of regional ingredients. Awarded the der Stadt Friedberg Guided tours of the historical brewery cellars. Bavarian Tourist Board‘s ‘Bavarian Prize for Innova- Marienplatz 5 Art and culture hikes and bicycle tours. tion‘. Unique specialities with ox from the Wittels- 86316 Friedberg bacher countryside, rotating, thematic, seasonal Phone +49 (0) 821 6002-450 weekly menus – straight from farm to table! Fax +49 (0) 821 6002-190 [email protected] www.friedberg.de

Romantic Road ® 39 FESTIVALS AND FESTIVAL PLAYS

Historical, classical, culinary and folksy-traditional: 365 days of festivals and festival plays. Where else but on Germany’s oldest and most popular holiday route would you find such a multi-facetted variety of festivals and festival plays on offer. It is not only in summer that Germany’s Romantic Road sparkles as a festival stage. Approx. 500 kilometres long - and every- where people are involved in festivals - from the Baroque splendour of Würzburg, which pays its homage to Bach, Jazz and Mozart at the same time, to Füssen with its many-sided, many- stringed festival of stringed instruments held against the panoramic backdrop of the Alps. And if it should happen that one of the 29 member connoisseurs in unusual locations: ethereal chamber towns and villages along this number-one road of music in the vaulted cellars (‘Gewölbekeller‘) of Röt- experiences is not ‘playing along‘ with a festival of tingen (which also boasts its own festival plays), the music, opera or drama, then at least they will be ce- ‘Pianoforte Summer‘ at the Castle in Schillingsfürst, lebrating in festival style! Full of cheer and a warm Piano Festival and Master Classes in Feuchtwangen, welcome, the regions of Franconia, Swabia and Ba- Rosetti Festival Days in Wallerstein, Cabaret Days in varia offer plenty of opportunities for this, from the Augsburg, Landsberg Summer Music with the solo en- vineyards of the Main and the Tauber to the Royal semble of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Alpine Castles and the ‘Zugspitze‘ mountain. And plenty of Country Advent Singing in Schwangau, chamber mu- styles to celebrate in, too: historical, ecclesiastical, sic, jazz and modern concerts in the ‘Fürstensaal‘ of classic, culinary, cultural, modern, popular, roman- the St. Mang monastery in Füssen. tic, sporting, sweet and light, traditional, trendy, The festival and market traditions are just as varied folksy, Christmassy ... and exciting as the festival plays. Old Town Festivals, It is a brightly coloured kaleidoscope. There are tra- Wine and Gourmet Festivals in Tauberbischofsheim ditional favourites such as the Cloister Festival Plays and Lauda-Königshofen, St. George‘s Days of the in Feuchtwangen, the ‘Kinderzech‘ week in Dinkels- Company of the Teutonic Order and Bock Beer Festi- bühl, Rothenburg‘s historical ‘foursome‘ - the Shep- val in Bad Mergentheim, the Blossom Festival herds‘ Dance, the Hans Sachs Plays, the Imperial City in Creglingen and the Rose Market in Nördlingen, Festival Days and the ‘Meistertrunk‘ historical drama Bockfest Festival and the Castle Festival in Harburg, – the ‘Schwäbischwerder Kindertag‘ children‘s fes- Town festival in Rain, a meeting place for young and tival in Donauwörth, the German Mozart Festival in old alike, the Midsummer Pottery Market in the castle Augsburg or the Castle Concerts in the ‘Sängersaal‘ courtyard in Friedberg, Farmers‘ Markets in Peiting, of the iconic . There are in- Market and Mountain Mass in Halblech, the timate music festivals and festival plays to delight traditional ‘Leonhardiritt‘ in Rottenbuch, Pilgrimage and enthuse you in the magical Weikersheim Castle, Procession in traditional costumes in Steingaden, and there are the Summer Serenades in Donauwörth, the not least of all, the atmospheric Christmas markets in Festival Days of the Ries district, with 200 events romantic settings. And the crowning glory of authen- in Nördlingen and unforgettable experiences of the tic tradition and warm hospitality is offered by culi- ‘Festival Summer‘ in the Wies, which includes con- nary delicacies which are typical of the countryside, certs in churches of the Pfaffenwinkel area in Schon- Franconian wines in their traditional ‘Bocksbeutel‘ gau, Hohenfurch or Wildsteig and reaches its Rococo bottles and delicious beer specialities. For whether climax in the world heritage site of the Church in the you are here for the festival or going to see a festival Meadow. There are fascinating, top-quality gems for play, the way to the heart is through the stomach .... 40 PLANNING GUIDE LANDSBERG AM LECH

June to September: International Landsberg Organ Summer

Beginning of July: Landsberg summer music festival with soloists from the Berlin Philharmonic. ‘Ruethenfest’ (every four years, next festival in 2019): ’s biggest historical children’s festival (over 1,000 children) with FESTIVALS | EVENTS historical costumes, dances, procession and army camps of the lansquenet and Swedish troops at the The town of Landsberg am Lech - founded by Henry the - can look back on over 850 years Bayertor gate of history. The heart of the old town beside the river is the wide market place with the im- September: posing Schmalzturm tower, stately patrician houses and Town Hall with its richly decorated South German pottery stucco façade by Dominikus Zimmermann. market Long night of art Sightseeing Museums, exhibitions October to May: Town fortifications with towers and gates, including Herkomer Museum and ‘Mutterturm‘ tower: por- Chamber music in the the ‘Bayertor‘ gate (1425), the most interesting traits, landscapes, drawings and etchings by the library and biggest late Gothic gate in Southern Germany artist. December: (with viewing platform, 36 m above ground level). Changing exhibitions in the new Municipal Museum Christmas Market ‘Hauptplatz’ with stately patrician houses around (Stadtmuseum) St. Mary‘s fountain (1783) and Town Hall (1700), Historical Shoe Museum. For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de the town‘s most attractive secular building with a richly decorated stucco façade (1718-20) by Domini- Theatre and concerts kus Zimmermann; banqueting hall with frescos, The Landsberg Stadttheater, Film forum and colossal painting by Hubert von Herkomer in the s’Maximilianeum Variety Theatre. council chamber. Culture Festival Parish Church of St. Mary of the Ascension (1458- 88): colonnaded basilica with high middle nave, From May to October long choir and onion tower; the inside was redecora- Concerts in Landsberg Town Hall ted in Baroque style about 1700; the choir windows (15th / 16th centuries) rank among the best glass paintings in Germany; Rosary Altar by Zimmermann with a Gothic Madonna by Hans Multscher (1437). Holy Cross Church (1752-54) with Jesuit monastery; on a high point over the town; rich Baroque and Rococo decorations with stucco ornaments and frescos, paintings and fine carving work on the confessionals; former Jesuit school around an arcaded courtyard. St. John‘s Church (1750-52): built by Dominikus Zimmermann with artistic Rococo ornamentation and beautiful stucco altar. ‘Mutterturm‘ tower (1884-88): built as a studio by the Anglo-German painter, Sir Hubert von Herkomer; exhibition of the Herkomer collection. Lech weir (14th / 15th centuries). Romantic Road ® 41 LANDSBERG AM LECH HISTORY Itinerary Food & Gastronomy ▶ About AD 1160 Heinrich the Lion constructs From May to October there are regular guided tours Landsberg am Lech lies exactly between Upper the ‘Landespurch’ on of the town in Landsberg am Lech on Wednesdays, Bavaria and Swabia. Bavarian knuckle of with Schlossberg hill to guard the Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. There is no need is a dish that is just as much at home salt route to book in advance. here as Swabian noodles. Come and visit the old, ▶ 1268 Landsberg passes into the traditional pubs, the weekly markets in the old possession of the Wittelsbach Group visits can be booked all year round town centre and enjoy the rich range of very local dukes; 1st town fortifications Thematic tours are offered from April to October produce. ▶ About 1280 • Dominikus Zimmermann Town charter (builder of the ) and his times ▶ 1320 • History in stories Ludwig the Bavarian awards Landsberg the ‘Salzpfennig’ • Landsberg by night (‘Salt Penny’); economic • Men are not always easy! prosperity through the salt • Musical walk and textile trades • Music and poetry ▶ 1425 • Local legends The last part of the town fortifications with ‘Bayertor’ gate A nightwatchman and a professional soldier, in ▶ 1458-1488 costume, take participants back to long-lost era Construction of the Parish and a visit to the Bayertor (Bavarian Gate), the Church of St. Mary of the Ascension Jungfernsprungturm (Tower of the Maiden Jump) and the Schmalzturm (Tower of ) with some ▶ 1576-1578 Jesuit noviciate founded quite new perspectives of the town. ▶ 1618-1648 The town is taken by storm Excursions and plundered several times Boat trips on the Ammersee during the 30 Years War Hiking / bicycle tours in the Landsberg ‘Pössinger ▶ 1720 Au‘ park: approx. 75 ha. park with numerous Completion of the Town Hall biotopes and natural woods. ▶ From 1740 From Landsberg am Lech via the Windachsee reser- Construction of the Ursuline convent and church; voir to Diessen on the Ammersee lake. This idyllic Dominican since 1845 spot on the lake is a veritable Eldorado for lovers ▶ 1749-1754 of ceramics and pewter. Also well worth seeing in Dominikus Zimmermann mayor Diessen is the Marienmünster (Church of Our Lady). ▶ 19th century And, not to be missed by visitors to Utting, is the Town of civil servants, schools Villa Gasteiger (former home of the Munich artists and craftsmen; garrison town Mathias and Anna Gasteiger, now a museum). ▶ 20th century Post-war years Visit to the Abbey of St. Ottilien (monastery church Expansion of the municipal area; and Mission Museum). founding of several barracks ▶ Today 28,000 inhabitants

Information: Tourist-Information Landsberg am Lech Hauptplatz 152 86899 Landsberg am Lech Phone +49 (0) 8191 128246 Fax +49 (0) 8191 128160 [email protected] www.landsberg.de

Insider tip

Ammersee-Lech Tourism Association +49 (0) 8191 128247 www.ammerseelech.de 42 PLANNING GUIDE PFAFFENWINKEL

Festive Summer: Concerts in the Church in the Meadow and other churches in the Pfaffen- winkel district

Music in the Pfaffenwinkel: Concerts in various churches of the Pfaffen- winkel, e.g., Church in the Meadow, Rottenbuch, Polling. FESTIVALS | EVENTS Evening concerts in the Church in the Meadow, Master Concerts; Pfaffenwinkel, the land of ‘peasants, artists and monks‘ in the foothills of the Upper Bavari- Concerts in the Polling an Alps, encompasses the countryside bounded by the rivers Lech, Ammer and Loisach and Library. from the south of Ammer and Starnberg Lakes to the mountains. In this lands-

For up-to-the-minute details, see cape, churches and monasteries are more densely packed than in any other part of Germany. www.romanticroad.de They attracted art and artists and were the inspiration for a host of Bavarian Baroque and Rococo monuments and artistic treasures. The founding period of the Upper Bavarian Pfaf- fenwinkel covers the years from AD 739 (founding of the ‘‘) to 1719 (found- ing of the Carmelite monastery in Schongau). The Romantic Road passes through the villages of Hohenfurch, Schongau, Peiting, Rottenbuch, Wildsteig and Steingaden in the west of the Pfaffenwinkel. Excursions Local Museums in Polling, Peiting and Bad Bayer- Tours of the Pfaffenwinkel with its important art soien. historical monuments, such as the Church in the Villa Rustica in Peiting. Meadow (‘Wieskirche‘), Rottenbuch Monastery Town Museums in Schongau, Weilheim and Penz- Church, Altenstadt Romanesque Basilica, Wessob- berg. runn Monastery, Welfenmünster Church in Steinga- Ski Museum in Peiting and much more. den. Royal Castles: Neuschwanstein, , Cycling and hiking Linderhof. The Pfaffenwinkel has a dense network of cycling Oberammergau: Ettal, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, trails and footpaths. A brochure entitled ‘Radel- Zugspitze. touren im Pfaffenwinkel‘ contains ten suggestions Boat trips on Starnberg and Ammer Lakes. for tours ranging Trip to Andechs Monastery on the ‘Holy Mountain‘ from gentle family excursions, via culture-oriented with beer tasting. trips, to mountain-bike tours in the mountains. The Hill-top views from the ‘Hoher Peissenberg‘ and brochure is available free of charge from Pfaffen- ‘Auerberg‘ winkel Tourismusverband. Also available are the Day trip to Munich or Augsburg. following brochures: ‘Hiking in the Pfaffenwinkel‘, Osterseen Nature Park. ‘Long-distance hiking trails in the foothills of the Expressionism in local museums: can also be Alps‘ and ‘Pilgrims’ hiking trail – the sacred land- booked as a day excursion with guide scape of the Pfaffenwinkel‘, which describe the hiking, pilgrim and adventure trails (some of them Museums in the Pfaffenwinkel newly designed) for all age groups and requirements. Buchheim Museum in Bernried with a large collec- tion of expressionist works. The museum can also Long-distance cycling trails be reached using the Museum Ship from Starnberg. Romantic Road from Würzburg to Füssen. Museum in Peissenberg with deep under- Via Claudia Augusta from Donauwörth to Füssen, ground galleries and geological mining trail. following the track of the old Roman Road, which Mine Museum in . runs to Italy via Tyrol. Open-air Museum in Glentleiten. Romantic Road ® 43 PFAFFENWINKEL

Long-distance footpaths Bathing in the numerous peat lakes and ponds, as Romantic Road from Würzburg to Füssen well as the various indoor and outdoor swimming LechErlebnisWeg from Landsberg to Füssen pools. König-Ludwig-Weg from Berg at Lake Starnberg to Ballooning Füssen Tandem parachuting Experience the “Sacred landscape of the Pfaffen- Flights over the Pfaffenwinkel winkel” – three circular routes will lead you on a Golf package spiritual journey, step by step through the beau- Golfing holiday in the lake Starnberg region with tiful landscape, to the cultural highlights of the four nights‘ accommodation and three green fees Pfaffenwinkel. for eight golf courses for as little as € 380 per per- Package arrangements for easy hiking and cycling son, based on two sharing. on all routes. Coach and horse-drawn sledge trips, e.g., to the Cycling and hiking with luggage transport. Church in the Meadow. Sport and leisure facilities Mud baths and wellness in Bad Bayersoien. Angling in lakes, e.g., ‘Deutensee‘ near Peiting or Cross-county and downhill skiing, ice skating and ‘Schongauer Lechsee‘. Bavarian curling on natural ice. Boating, e.g., on ‘Schongauer Lechsee‘. Nearest airports: Munich II (110 km) ‘Allgäu Airport‘ (80 km)

Information: Tourismusverband Pfaffenwinkel Bauerngasse 5 86956 Schongau Phone +49 (0) 8861 211-3200 Fax +49 (0) 8861 211-4000 [email protected] www.pfaffen-winkel.de

44 PLANNING GUIDE HOHENFURCH

Surrounded by meadows and forests, Hohenfurch (pop. 1,500) lies in the Schönach Valley and forms the gateway to the Pfaffenwinkel. Here, in a rural setting, travellers can enjoy re- laxed summer freshness and the view of the Alpine spring. A wide-ranging network of cycling trails and footpaths, as well as a variety of leisure facilities, including riding, tennis, cross- country skiing, etc., make it an ideal holiday destination. Hohenfurch is also an outstanding base for exploring the world-famous sights of the Pfaffenwinkel and the Alps. Long-distance hikers can reach the attractive village on the River Schönach via the Lech Highway, which runs from Landsberg am Lech to Füssen. ▶ 15 BC Original settlement from the Sightseeing From the hill-top chapel, there is a splendid view Roman times Parish Church of St. Mary of the Ascension: tower over Hohenfurch and its wonderful meadows and ▶ 1189 and choir from the 14th / 15th centuries; rebuilt in forests, the ideal setting for hiking and cycling. First mention as a town Rococo style, 1750-54; pulpit with stuccowork and

HISTORY Gothic Madonna (1420). Late Gothic Chapel of St. Ursula, which can be seen on a green hill to the south of Hohenfurch (east of the Romantic Road). Built in 1520 / 1521, the Late Gothic Chapel is dedicated to St. Ursula, the patron saint of raftsmen. Here, raftsmen from Hohenfurch and the surrounding villages gave their thanks to her for a safe return after taking logs down the Lech and Danube to the Black Sea. The focal point of the chapel is a late Gothic wing altar of extraordinary quality. Unfortunately, most of the precious figures have been stolen. Still to be seen, however, is a predella showing the martyr‘s death suffered by St. Ursula and her companions on the Rhine. According to a legend, St. Ursula was the daughter of an English king and, during her return from a pilgrimage to Rome, was killed by Hun arrows on the Rhine in 452. Also extant are the figures of St. John the Evangelist and Magdalena Information: with the pot of ointment and two relief works: the Tourismus-Information baptism of Jesus in the Jordan and St. John on Hauptplatz 7 Patmos. Two figures from the altar, which have 86978 Hohenfurch been re-discovered after 40 years, can be found, Phone +49 (0) 8861 9081798 together with other originals, in the Stadtmuseum Fax +49 (0) 8861 9081799 in Schongau. All the figures in the chapel itself are fremdenverkehr@ hohenfurch.de reproductions. www.hohenfurch.de Romantic Road ® 45 HOHENFURCH SCHONGAU FESTIVAL | EVENTS FESTIVAL June to August: Classical concerts: ‘Festive Summer in the Meadow’ July: Art and collectables market ‘Schmankerlfest‘ (Festival of Culinary Delights)

August: Historical market with music

The medieval townscape with its fortified walls, gateways and towers is living evidence of End of August: Forest Festival the town‘s rich history. At the end of the 12th century, having been granted a variety of privileges, Schongau developed into the administrative focal point, a residence of the Wit- November: telsbachs and a Bavarian border fortification on the Swabian Lech. ‘Leonhardi’ procession 2nd to 4th weekends of Sightseeing Guided tours Advent: Largely intact town walls (oldest parts dates back Guided tour of the picturesque old town at 4 p.m. Christmas Market to the 13th and 15th - 17th centuries), in places on Fridays, from May to October; also in July and For up-to-the-minute details, see with traversable battlements and five gates and September, every Tuesday at 2 p.m. and on request www.romanticroad.de towers (‘Frauentor‘, ‘Polizeidienerturm‘, etc.). Gothic ‘Ballenhaus‘ (1419/1515): former Town Guided theme tours as follows: Hall (up to 1902) with steep, stepped gable; council ‘With the hangman‘s daughter through mediaeval ▶ About 1060 AD HISTORY First mention of the present chamber with carved beamed ceiling. Schongau.‘ day Altenstadt (‘Scongoe’) Parish Church of St. Mary of the Ascension (1750- ‘Hidden gems, forgotten treasures and little jewels‘ ▶ End of the 11th century 53): choir by the architect of the Church in the ‘Towers and gateways of the ancient town of Schon- The town begins to shift to a Meadow, Dominikus Zimmermann; richly decorated nearby hill, the Lechumlauf- gau – formerly seat of the Prince-Bishops and a berg High Altar by F.X. Schmädl (1758-60). Bavarian border town.‘ ▶ 1331 Basilica of St. Michael (about 1220) in Altenstadt; ‘Stories from the town and the river Lech‘ Town and coin charter under one of the most important Romanesque buildings ‘Down there with the hangman‘ Ludwig the Bavarian; econo- mic upswing as a storage and in Old Bavaria. ‘Guided tour of the town for Advent‘ transhipment place on the ‘Via Town Museum with valuable coin collection. Claudia Augusta’ ‘Märchenwald‘ with game park. Accompanied tours of the Pfaffenwinkel with visits ▶ 1419 to the Wieskirche, the Romanesque Basilica in Alten- Construction of the Town Hall, the ‘Ballenhaus’ Food/Eating stadt and other treasures. Candle-lit dinner in the Hotel Holl ▶ 1445 For groups Construction of the Holy Ghost Historic wine-bars in the Frauentor Guided cycling tours and walks in the Pfaffenwinkel, Hospital Church of St. Erasmus, Guided tour of the town with convivial drink pilgrimage walks today the Town Museum ▶ 1490 Secondary residence of the Nature Guided tours for children Wittelsbach family, Duke Walking tours ‘Around the town wall with a typical citizen in olden Christoph the Strong • Stories from the town and the river Lech – days‘ and ‘Discover Schongau with the witch‘s child, ▶ 1753 including the old town. Hagasusa‘ Reconstruction of the Parish Church of St. Mary of the • The Romans and the Welf family by the Lech – Ascension walk up to the Schlossberg Information: Cycling tours of the Pfaffenwinkel Tourist Information Schongau • Romantic Tour Münzstraße 1-3 • ‘Sachsenrieder Bähnle‘ - along the old 86956 Schongau railway line Phone +49 (0) 8861 214-181 Fax +49 (0) 8861 214-881 [email protected] www.schongau.de

46 PLANNING GUIDE PEITING

Corpus Christi: Gastro tour

Every 1st Friday of the month: Farmers’ market on the main square

At the start of the summer holidays: Citizens’ Festival

1st weekend in August: Fishing festival on the FESTIVALS | EVENTS Deutensee

1st weekend in Advent: Christmas Market The “hospitable market town between the rivers Ammer and Lech” is one of the oldest Varied holiday program- settlements in the Lech and Ammer region. The castle of the Dukes of Welf in the me for children during stood on the site of the present-day Schlossberg hill. “On with the walking boots” or “Up on the months of August/ your bike”? Peiting‘s unique location never fails to inspire people to discover this fairy-tale September landscape for themselves. No matter whether it is the beauties of nature or the treasures of

For up-to-the-minute details, see the past that do it for you, whether you like an extensive range of sporting activities or prefer www.romanticroad.de the convivial society of agreeable people …. We very much look forward to seeing you in Peiting!

Sightseeing Museums ▶ AD 1055 First documentary mention; Roman ‘Villa Rustica‘ (100 A.D.) Main building with Museum im Klösterle with sections on: Duke Welf I of Bavaria builds baths; partially excavated History and religious objects a castle on the Schlossberg Parish Church of St. Michael with Gothic choir, Mining ▶ 1155 sculptures by Schmädl; tower and crypt date back to Skiing Emperor Frederick Barbaros-

HISTORY sa stays in Peiting the 11th/12th centuries. Bee keeping, hunting and fishing between the Lech ▶ 1167 Pilgrimage Church of ‘Maria unter der Egg‘ (1660) and the Ammer rivers. Welf VI dies in Italy with Rococo stuccowork and pilgrimage board. ▶ Until 1343 Parish Church of St. Anna in Birkland: Baroque Itinerary Firstly in the possession of village church, Wessobrunn stuccowork (18th cen- Tours of the allotments, farms, educational forest the Hohenstaufens, then the Wittelsbacher tury); altars by Dominikus Zimmermann. trail, Villa Rustica. ▶ 1618-1648 Guest programme from June to September: horse Swedish troops destroy the Nature – Walking tours drawn carriage rides, guided cycling and hiking town and the remains of the Calvary with discovery trail through the forest tours. Welf castle King Ludwig walk through the Ammer Gorge Ammer walk – nature trail and work of art Footpath around the Dorfweiher Gumpen lake

Discovery-trail walk: ‘The Romans and the Welf family by the Lech‘

Information: Tourist-Information Ammergauer Straße 2 86971 Peiting Tel. +49 (0) 8861 6535 Fax +49 (0) 8861 59140 touristinfo.peiting@ t-online.de www.peiting.de Romantic Road ® 47 PEITING ROTTENBUCH

July: | EVENTS FESTIVAL Schönberg Village Festival (every second year) August/September: Germany‘s biggest heavy-horse foal market Beginning of November: Traditional ‘Leonhardi‘ procession December: Alternating: Advent mar- ket or Christmas concert by the brass band and Advent singing This officially recognised health resort lies atop the steep sides of the gorge-like Ammer Val- Variety of other interest- ley. In the centre of the town is the venerable, 900 year-old Augustinian monastery with the ing events famous ‘Mariae Geburt‘ Monastery Church. For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de Sightseeing Former Augustinian monastery: founded by Duke Welf I in 1073. The ‘Fohlenhof‘, the gate building HISTORY and brewery wing (now the medical teaching insti- ▶ 1073 tute of the Regens-Wagner Foundation), ‘Schloss‘ At the behest of Bishop Altmann of , Duke Welf I of Bavaria (former monastery pharmacy and now the edu- changes a hermitage in Rotten- cational building and home for the elderly of the buch into an Augustinan monas- Sisters of Don Bosco) and, above all, the monastery tery survived the destruction of secularisation. ▶ 1090 and 1092 Through pontifical privilges, ‘Mariae Geburt‘ monastery church (11th/12th/15th Rottenbuch becomes a pontifical centuries): a magnificent Gothic church with a monastery and then the centre of canon reform in Bavaria and separate bell-tower was erected on the foundations pontifical base in the investiture of a Romanesque three nave cross basilica in the dispute 15th century; Rococo decorations by the Wesso- ▶ 1803 brunn artists J. Schmuzer and son, Matthäus Gün- The flourishing foundation is abolished following the ther and F.X. Schmädl with valuable stuccowork, conversion of the monastery colourful frescos, artistic altars and wooden church to Baroque style and the sculptures (1737- 46). reconstruction of the monastery. The communities of Rottenbuch, Frauenbrünnerl Pilgrimage Chapel (1708): small Böbing, Wildsteig and Schönberg octagonal building with Madonna (14th century). emerge from the former ‘Hof- Echelsbach Bridge (1929) crossing the 76 m deep mark’ (district) of Rottenbuch Ammer Gorge. ▶ 1956 Rottenbuch receives its coat Wonderful countryside against the backdrop of the of arm, a beech with roots and Bavarian Alps with signposted footpaths leading seven red leaves on a silver background. The beech is first from the depths of the dramatic Ammer Gorge to recorded in the of heights of around 900 metres (hiking map with Rottenbuch Augustinian monas- route description). tery in 1433 ▶ 1978 Schönberg becomes part of Itinerary Rottenbuch Guided tour of the monastery church. Guided tour of the Rottenbuch monastery trail. Information: Guided tour along the ‘Pfaffenwinkel Milk Way‘ Tourist-Info Rottenbuch July to September: programme for guests. Klosterhof 42 82401 Rottenbuch Phone +49 (0) 8867 9110-18 Fax +49 (0) 8867 9110-38 [email protected] www.rottenbuch.de

48 PLANNING GUIDE WILDSTEIG

Whit Sunday: Choir concert 3rd Sunday in October: ‘Leonhardiritt’ - procession with blessing of the horses Saturday before the First Day of Advent: Annual brass-band concert Sundowners and concerts, FESTIVALS | EVENTS folkloric evenings and peasants’ theatre, air rifle shooting for guests, creative handicrafts with The parish, with its 1300 souls and 19 districts and hamlets, lies in the midst of nature and instruction among protected areas of natural beauty; it is centrally placed between the castles of Neu- schwanstein and Linderhof, nestling in the foothills of the Alps with its landscape of high

For up-to-the-minute details, see moors and lakes and framed by the Ammer and Allgäu mountains. Known as ‘Wilde Steige‘ www.romanticroad.de in the Middle Ages, the officially recognised health resort of Wildsteig has lost none of its naturalness today. The diversity of meadows, pastures, spruce and mixed forests, wetlands and high moors bear ▶ 1110 1st documentary mention of witness to the fact that people here live in harmony with nature. It is an ideal cycling and Wildsteig hiking area for everyone wanting to get away from it all and relax. ▶ 1408 1st mention of the Parish Church of St. Jacob HISTORY ▶ 1073-1803 Sightseeing Wildsteig part of the Parish Church of St. Jakob (St. James) with its ‘Hofmark’ of Rottenbuch monastery onion tower, it sits majestically on the ‘Kirchberg‘ and can be seen from far and wide. It was remo- ▶ 1818 Wildsteig becomes an inde- delled in its present form in 1785, with its baroque pendent community decoration in fine Wessobrunner stucco work and brightly coloured ceiling frescos by the Bavarian- school façade painter (‘Lüftlmaler‘) from Oberam- mergau, Franz Zwink. Important Virgin of Mercy.

Beneath the parish church on the eastern side of the Kirchberg stands the most important group of grottos in Southern Germany, a replica of the Lourdes Grotto, with cave-like walkways. This was built in 1908 with calcareous tufa brought from the Ammer Gorge. Jakobusbrunnen (St. James‘ Fountain) in the town centre Vantage points: Niederbleick (1589 m) and Eckberg (962 m) with a view over the foothills of the Alps. Mühleck (926 m) with a panoramic view of the Alps from Wendelstein in the Chiemgau to Grünten in the Information: Allgäu. Tourist-Info Wildsteig Kirchbergstraße 20a Sport / Leisure: Wildsteig Nordic Walking Center – 82409 Wildsteig 30 km tracks across an amazing landscape. Varied Phone +49 (0) 8867 912400 cross-country ski trails with plenty of snow in Fax +49 (0) 8867 9124018 winter. [email protected] www.wildsteig.de Romantic Road ® 49 WILDSTEIG STEINGADEN

Weekend after St. | EVENTS FESTIVALS Ulrich’s Day (4 July): ‘St. Ulrich’s Ride to the ‘Kreuzberg’ on Sunday morning Concerts: ‘Festive Summer in the Wies Church’ ‘Music in the Pfaffenwin- kel’ ‘Evening Concerts in the Wies Church’

For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de

The holiday resort to the south of the Pfaffenwinkel district, at the intersection of the Romantic Road and the German Alps Road, is well known through the world-famous Rococo Church in the Wies (UNESCO World Heritage Monument). The jewel of the former monastic vil-

lage of Steingaden is its magnificent cathedral church, the Welfenmünster. A particular high- HISTORY ▶ 1147 light is the Romanesque cloister. The picturesque market place, the monastery gardens, the Premonstratensian monastery monastery museum and the monastery fountain make for an inviting place to linger. Steinga- founded by Duke ▶ 1176 den lies in the middle of a walkers‘ paradise in the magical landscape of the mountain foothills. Completion of the Monastery Church the ‘Welfenmünster’ Sightseeing Wies Church, the Steingaden Monastery Museum, ▶ 1670-1676 Pilgrimage Church ‘Zum gegeisselten Heiland‘ the Wies Pilgrimage Museum. Construction of the ‘Mariae in the Wies district (1746-57): a gem of Bavarian Heimsuchung’ Pilgrimage Church in Ilgen Rococo architecture and a late work of the Programme of events by the Tourist Information ▶ 1746-1757 artistic Zimmermann brothers: wonderful inter- Office. Walking, cycling, horse-drawn coach rides, Construction of the Pilgrimage action of architecture, colours and light; UNESCO guided nature walks with herb and nature trails. Church ‘Zum gegeisselten World Heritage Monument. In winter: cross-country skiing, small chair lift, Heiland auf der Wies’ in Wies Former Premonstratensian monastery: founded by horse-drawn sleigh Duke Welf VI in 1147; monastery life ended with the secularisation in 1803. Monastery Church of St. John the Baptist (1176) known as the Welf Minster; one of the most impor- tant Romanesque churches in Upper Bavaria; three-nave colonnaded basilica with two towers; redecorated in Baroque style (1660-70, about 1740); Wessob- runn stuccowork and ceiling paintings; pulpit and ‘Crucifixion Group‘ in Rococo style; well-preserved west wing of the former Romanesque cloister (13th century, Gothic arches). ‘Mariae Heimsuchung‘ Pilgrimage Church in Ilgen (1670-76); designed by J. Schmuzer with early Wessobrunn stucco decoration (1670); ‘Gnadenbild‘ (picture of a saint, reputed to be able to work mira- cles - about 1430). Information: Tourist Information Museum Steingaden Steingaden Monastery Museum Krankenhausstraße 1 Pilgrimage Museum at the Wies Church. 86989 Steingaden Phone +49 (0) 8862 200 Itinerary Fax +49 (0) 8862 6470 Guided tour of the Welf Minster in Steingaden, the [email protected] www.steingaden.de

50 PLANNING GUIDE HALBLECH

On weekends Village and summer festivals of the individual associations (Angling Festival, Village Festival,...).

Mid August: Lime Kiln Festival at the historical lime kiln.

3rd Monday in September:

FESTIVALS | EVENTS Buching Autumn Festival with Livestock Market.

For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de In its fabulous natural setting, with views of the spectacular mountain backdrop and pic- turesque lakes, lies Halblech, close to the Wieskirche, Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen. This idyllic village in the Allgäu is the perfect starting point for cultural tours and offers a multitude of walking and cycling paths both in the broad valley and in the mountains. TIP: Take the chair lift or the hikers‘ bus up to the mountain huts.

Sightseeing Sledge and horse-drawn carriage trips Parish Church of St Michael in Bayerniederhofen Allgäu evenings, local-culture evenings with Parish Church of St Andreas in Trauchgau theatre St. Peter‘s Chapel in Berghof Alphorn music, evening of wind music Wankerfleck Chapel in the Ammer Mountains Guided tours of the ‘Hölzerhaus‘ Village Museum. Nature Conservation Area Village Museum in the ‘Hölzlerhaus‘ in Trauchgau Excursions ‘Ammer Mountains‘ Nature Conservation Area Within 15 km: Four lakes around Halblech: Forggensee, Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohen- Bannwaldsee, Illasbergsee and Hegratsriedsee schwangau, Füssen with its late medieval town- Hides for bird watchers scape (St. Mang‘s Monastery, castle), the wonderful Rococo Church in the Meadow, ‘Welf Minster‘ in Sport and leisure Steingaden. 200 km of walking and hiking paths, cycle paths Within 60 km: Double chair lift, ski lifts and hiking bus Rottenbuch Monastery Church, Oberammergau, Trauchgau Alpine open-air swimming pool Linderhof Castle, Ettal Monastery, Garmisch- Mountain hiking and climbing in the Ammer Partenkirchen and the Zugspitze mountain, Oberst- Mountains dorf with Breitachklamm, interesting towns like Paragliding from Buchenberg mountain Schongau, Landsberg, and . Tennis (indoor and outdoor) Swimming, wind surfing, fishing in the surround- Within 100 km: ing lakes Augsburg, Munich, (Lake Constance), Mountain biking, inline skating Innsbruck/ Tyrol. Alpine skiing and 30 km of cross-country ski tracks, snow-shoe hiking, cleared winter hiking paths, ice skating, Bavarian curling, winter to bogganing

Itinerary Guided mountain hikes in the Ammergebirge nature preserve Guided tours: village, nature, landscape Guided mountain-bike tours Family vacation programme in the summer holidays Romantic Road ® 51 HALBLECH HISTORY ▶ 15 BC The Romans conquer the country ▶ 8th century AD The Welfs occupy the Lechrain district from Säuling to bey- ond Schongau ▶ 1172 First documentary mention of the men of ‘Druchgo’ under the leadership of Duke Welf VI ▶ 1191 Land passes to the Hohen- staufens ▶ About 1275 ‘Buchengau’ mentioned for the first time in the records of Duke Ludwig the Severe relating to the ducal lands in the Lechrain region ▶ 1535 Landscape and nature Sovereignty sold to the Travellers heading south along the Romantic Road Augsburg patrician, reach the edge of the Alps in Halblech. This Allgäu Johann vom Paumgarten village in Bavaria‘s largest nature reserve, the ▶ 1567 Sovereignty passes to Duke Ammer Mountains, lies immediately at the foot Albrecht of Bavaria of the mountains and offers an imposing natural ▶ 1803 setting. Many unusual plants and animals have The three communities of their habitats here. Walking through this scenery Buching, Trauchgau and Schwangau formed under the is an experience for all the senses, as we are con- district Schongau stantly surprised by new and interesting views, find ▶ 1880 particular alpine flowers, hear the babbling of the Becomes part of the Swabian brooks and waterfalls and wander along the banks District of Füssen, later Füssen Rural District of shimmering lakes. ▶ 1972 Dissolution of Füssen Rural And the reward at the end is a hearty meal in, for District and formation of a example, one of the two rustic mountain huts. You new Rural District, East Allgäu can, of course, also get there by chair lift or the ▶ 1976 Voluntary merger of the hikers‘ bus. The bus route takes you up to the un- communities of Buching and mistakable summit of the Geiselstein, onto the high Trauchgau to form the new plain (2,100 m) and into ‘Kenzen‘ hiking country. community of Halblech

Stories from the past King Ludwig loved the Kenzen region back in his time, too. He had taken over a hunting lodge from his father, quite close to where today‘s mountain hut stands and converted it so for when he stayed there. He had a pavilion built just by the Kenzen wa- terfall, had it lit up with Bengali-style illuminations and often ate in this magical setting.

Information: Tourist Information Halblech Bergstraße 2a 87642 Halblech Phone +49 (0) 8368 285 Fax +49 (0) 8368 7221 [email protected] www.halblech.de

52 PLANNING GUIDE SCHWANGAU

Carnival: Procession, Shrove Mon- day ball, fire-brigade ball May to September: Walking, cycling tours, theatrical performances, concerts by ‘Musikkapelle Schwangau’, Alpenhorn performances, peasants’ theatre July/August

FESTIVALS | EVENTS weekends: Summer festival of clubs and societies August: Surrounded by four lakes, the ‘Village of the Royal Castles‘ is set against the backdrop of the Pottery market Ammer Mountains nature protection area. The unspoiled appearance of the climatic health 2nd Sunday in October: resort is hallmarked by old farmhouses, as well as traditional inns and modern hotels. At the St. Coloman’s Festival and foot of the mountains are the two world-famous Royal Castles – Neuschwanstein and Hohen- Procession with horse schwangau – you can visit the castle by a guided tour. parade – in memory of the patron saint of the Sightseeing Pilgrimage Church of St. Coloman Pilgrimage Church. (1832-36): built in the Baroque church, built in honour of Saint Coloman. St. Coloman neo-Gothic Tudor style of an English castle by Crown The Irish pilgrim is said to to have stopped at this Prince Maximilian in accordance with plans by Dome- spot on his pilgrimage to Jerusalem at the turn December nico Quaglio; the castle is dominated by the four- of the first millennium. The church was built by Alpine Advent Carols in tower cube of the palace; frescos with scenes from the young Johann Schmuzer from Wessobrunn, in the Schwangau church of German history and the sagas of Moritz von Schwind the year 1670. The church stands on its own in the Waltenhofen (Hall of the Knights of the Swan, Tasso Room); middle of a field at the foot of the mountains and, Christmas markets in vari- ‘Kavalierbau‘ (1851-53) by Ziebland. because of its proximity to Neuschwanstein Castle, ous parts of the town. Neuschwanstein Castle (1869-86): built in a stun- is also one of the best-known sights in Bavaria and Sunday before St. ning mountain location above the Pöllat Gorge in is much sought after for photo-opportunities and as Nicholas (6 December): the style of Castle by King Ludwig II. in a wedding venue. St. Nicholas food market accordance with plans by Jank and supervised by Four lakes around Schwangau: Alpsee, Schwansee, Folklore evenings Riedel; the ‘Castle of the Holy Grail of the Ideal Bannwaldsee and Forggensee (Bavaria‘s fifth big- Sovereign‘, a five-storey palace with towers and gest lake) balconies; magnificent living and reception rooms Ammer Mountains nature-protection area. decorate with scenes from prehistory and figures Tegelberg cable railway (1,730 m), summer tobog- For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de from German mythology; the Singer and Throne ganing, winter-sports arena for downhill skiing. Rooms form the focal point of this imposing building. Cross-country skiing centre - 32 km of cross-coun- King Ludwig II try pistes, Alpine sports centre with graded climbs, Ludwig II is certainly the best-known ambassador 120 km of walking and hiking paths, 90 km cycle for Schwangau. His extraordinary life and myste- routes, nature and culture trails on the Tegelberg. rious death have turned the ‘Fairy Tale King‘ into a Hang-gliding and paragliding; a paradise for hang- legend. ‘I wish to remain an eternal mystery – to gliding and paragliding enthusiasts, international myself and to others,‘ he once wrote for. His castles championships are monuments in stone to a human dreamer and Mountain huts, ‘Königliche Kristalltherme‘ idealist and, to this day, they prove a magical thermal baths, Roman villa (Roman excavations). attraction for visitors from across the globe. You can find and follow the story of the royal family in Itinerary the new ‘Museum of the Bavarian Kings‘ which deals Guided walks through the town and park, as well with the history of the Wittelsbach family from their as guided hikes in the lowlands and highlands, beginnings to the present day. from May to October. Guided tours of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwan- gau Castles, St. Coloman‘s Pilgrimage Church and the Roman villa. Romantic Road ® 53 SCHWANGAU

Forggensee ships: June - October. Day Trips An evening of regional tradition in the spa build- Thanks to its superb position, Schwangau pro- ▶ 2nd century BC HISTORY ing: Music and entertainment with the Regional vides the perfect starting point for day trips to, Traces of a Roman settlement (bathhouse) Costume Society, brass band, children‘s programme. for example, Augsburg (approx. 100 km), Munich ▶ 6th century AD (approx. 130 km), Garmisch-Partenkirchen (approx. Alemannic village Tegelberg cable car, Schwangau 63 km), the Zugspitze (to Ehrwald approx. 50 km, ▶ From 12th century The Tegelberg cable car gives access to the lar- to approx. 70 km), Kempten (47 km) and Seat of the Lords of gest nature reserve in Bavaria. A hikers’ paradise Innsbruck (approx. 115 km), which are all possible Schwangau (Welf officials) par excellence, with hiking trails that follow the from Schwangau. ▶ 1538 footsteps of kings, ranging from easy to difficult. ‘Schwanstein’ Castle is demolished and rebuilt The cabin cable car takes you up to a height of Tips ▶ 1809 1,730 m; a large panoramic terrace with spectacular From Schwangau you can comfortably reach inter- Destruction of ‘Schwanstein’ views; group tariffs on request; barrier free. esting destinations, such as the Pilgrimage Church Castle of Wies, a rococo masterpiece and UNESCO World ▶ 1832-1836 Royal Crystal Spa, Schwangau Hohenschwangau built on the Heritage Site (approx. 24 km), , foundations of the medieval Not far from the royal castles, a truly regal crystal which was also built by King Ludwig II (approx. castle as a summer residence for spa, incorporating the most modern and finest 45 km), the Welfenmünster Church at Steingaden Crown Prince Maximilian bathing facilities, awaits you. 15 tonnes of precious Abbey (approx. 18 km), Ettal Abbey (approx. 48 ▶ 1869-1886 and semi-precious stones adorn the spa and sauna Construction of Neuschwanstein km), Plansee Lake (approx. 27 km) and Reutte Castle under King Ludwig II facilities, in line with the teachings and medical (approx. 20 km) or you could do a short round trip ▶ 1926 recommendations of Hildegard von Bingen. Neu- in the Alps – Wies Church, Oberammergau, Ettal Health resort schwanstein Castle can be seen from every part of Abbey, Linderhof Palace, Plansee Lake, then back to ▶ 1985 the pools. Schwangau via Reutte. Climatic health resort ▶ 2016 Museum of the Bavarian Kings Allergy friendly districct At the foot of the royal castles, the museum pro- vides insights into the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty from its beginnings to the present day. The exhibition focuses on King Maximilian II, who had Hohenschwangau Castle built as a summer residence, and his son, Ludwig II, the creator of Neuschwanstein Castle. What make the exhibition special are the views of the surrounding landscape and the castles, the subtle use of the most modern, interactive museum technology and the extensive, staged scenarios. Individual visits or guided tours (up to 40 people) possible; audio guides in 8 differ- ent languages.

Forest Adventure Centre, Ziegelwies Information: Picturesquely situated on the banks of the turquo- Tourist Information Schwangau ise-coloured river Lech, formerly the frontier be- Münchener Straße 2 87645 Schwangau tween Germany and Austria, the Forest Adventure Phone +49 (0) 8362 8198-0 Centre at Ziegelwies offers a limitless experience of Fax +49 (0) 8362 8198-25 nature. The tree-top walk (480 m long) introduces [email protected] visitors to the fascination of this tree-top world. www.schwangau.de At a height of up to 21 m, you get new vistas of the unspoiled river landscape of the Lech, as well as of Insider tips the mountains of Bavaria and Tyrol. Entry is free for people with disabilities and for children under 16 Neuschwanstein years of age. There are discounts for groups and bus Hotels & Events +49 (0) 8362 93040 parking is available. The adventure trails, suitable www.neuschwanstein- for school classes in particular, the mountain forest hotels.de path (approx. 1.7 km) and the lowland forest path (approx. 1.5 km) explain, in an entertaining way, Royal Crystal Thermal Baths the important protective functions that the forest +49 (0) 8362 8196-30 fulfils. www.kristalltherme- schwangau.de 54 PLANNING GUIDE FÜSSEN

May until September: Concerts in the Kaiser- saal – Chamber music, jazz & modern, with international ensembles

June: Start of the Forggensee boat-trip season Historical Festival Procession

July: Marathon round the

FESTIVALS | EVENTS Romantic Royal Castles Füssen goes Jazz – international bands play open-air Bavaria‘s highest-lying town is situated right on the edge of the Alps and just 4 kilometres August: ’Schindau‘ festival in from Neuschwanstein Castle. Here the Romantic Road meets the German Alpine Road and the old town the Via Claudia Augusta. The romantic old town centre offers an inviting place to stroll and Festival on the banks shop and is home to many historic monuments and artistic treasures from the 2000 years of of the Hopfensee and Weissensee lakes Füssen‘s history. High above the river Lech, the baroque monastery complex of St. Mang and Festival in the historic the Hohes Schloss create an impressive ensemble. town centre Sightseeing and battlements near the St. Sebastian Cemetery September: Hohes Schloss (1291 – 1503): the extensive (Sebastiansfriedhof), the Hospital Church of the Festival of stringed instruments - with many late-gothic fortified castle was, for centuries, the Holy Ghost (Heilig-Geist-Spitalkirche) with its strings to its bow. summer residence of the Prince Bishops of Augs- rococo frescos, St. Nicholas ‘Krippkirche’ (Church of Musical direction: burg, who were also the Lords of Füssen. The mag- Cribs) with its high altar by Dominikus Zimmermann Verdi Quartett nificently coloured trompe-l’oeil paintings on the - and several other baroque churches. courtyard walls and the gallery in the north wing December: with pictures belonging to the Bavarian State Col- Nature’s pleasures Füssen Christmas Around the central town of Füssen, its dependent market in the enclosed lections are well worth visiting and include works parishes lie deep in the countryside: Bad Fau- baroque monastery of art from the late gothic and baroque periods as courtyard of St. Mang well as painters of the 19th century Munich School lenbach in the largely car-free nature reserve of Füssen New-Year Party – (including Spitzweg and Pocci). The drop tower the Faulenbach valley; Hopfen am See, with its open-air New Year‘s Eve and clock tower (above the gallery) offer the most first-class views of Alpine peaks and the ruins of celebrations beautiful views over the old town. Hopfen Castle is celebrated as the ‘Riviera of the Allgäu’; Weißensee with its many hamlets nestles in For up-to-the-minute details, see www.romanticroad.de Former Benedictine Monastery of St. Mang the countryside. All these villages are recognised (1701 – 1717): the present baroque buildings were spas. Füssen offers an extensive network of hiking constructed on medieval foundations. In the Mag- trails and cycling circuits at three levels and six nuskrypta (Crypt of St. Magnus), which lies beneath natural lakes for bathing and water sports – there the monastery church, the oldest remaining fresco are opportunities all year round for almost limitless in Bavaria (around 980 – Reichenau School) can be active enjoyment of nature. In wintertime, Füssen seen. The monastery buildings house Füssen’s Heri- focuses on many different pleasures: winter walks tage Museum with information about the history of to where the wild game feed, tobogganing on the the monastery: the richly decorated baroque halls alpine pastures, snow-shoe tours, curling on the in the monastery, one of Europe’s finest collections frozen lakes, the fine ski-pistes and cross-country of historical lutes and violins, a section on King skiing in the region….. Ludwig II, as well as the oldest extant Bavarian ‘Dance of Death’, can all be admired here. Trilogy of walks through the Allgäu: the new long-distance walking network covers some 870 Historic old town centre kilometres of the region’s most beautiful paths and Late gothic streets and squares (Schrannenplatz, – byways. Füssen is the centre of an area packed with where corn was stored and sold and Brotmarkt – the new experiences, effectively the castle grounds bread market), Kornhaus (corn exchange), remains surrounding Neuschwanstein. of the medieval town walls with defensive towers Romantic Road ® 55 FÜSSEN

The Lech falls: just a few minutes’ walk from the

Standard offers HISTORY old town centre, the Lech finds its way out from the Regular guided tours of the town: every Saturday ▶ 4th century AD Roman castle (‘Foetibus’) on mountains. The view of the narrow gorge from the at 9:30 a.m. the Schlossberg to protect Maxsteg is a particularly impressive one. You will find further times and dates for guided the ‘Via Claudia Augusta’ tours of the town and museum, guided walks and ▶ 8th century The Ziegelwies Forest-Experience Centre (Walder- the programme for children ‘Hits for Kids’ in our Cell of St. Magnus lebniszentrum): A new highlight is the 480-metre- online events calendar at www.fuessen.de. ▶ About 850 Founding of St. Mang long tree-top path, which was opened in 2013. Fa- Benedictine Monastery milies with children particularly enjoy the discovery for can Special offers and information groups ▶ About 1295 trails – through the hills on the ‘Bergwaldpfad’ and be found in our Sales Guide Füssen, which can be Town charter the lower woods on the ‘Auwaldpfad’. requested from the Füssen Tourism and Marketing ▶ 1313 www.walderlebniszentrum.eu Office or downloaded atwww.fuessen.de . Bookings Town mortgaged to the Archbi- shops of Augsburg who remain can be made for, amongst other things, guided lords of the town until 1802 The Fairy-Tale King becomes walkers´guide: tours of the town (1.5 hours or more), thematic ▶ About 1335 discover the favourite walks of Ludwig II and his town tours, guided tours for children and gastro Town fortifications erected; family around Neuschwanstein and Füssen. You tours, guided tours of Füssen’s Heritage Museum or economic boom and prosperity as place of transhipment for can find more detailed information on this in our the gallery that houses part of the Bavarian State transit goods brochure “Wanderklassiker” Paintings Collections in the Hohes Schloss. ▶ 15th/16th century Guided church tours Birthplace and European Guided tour for lovers of the ‘Seegrund’ detective Travel guides for coach excursions (2 hours or more, centre of the lute and violin making trade novels: the angular Allgäu Commissioner Kluftinger as well as regional whole-day trips) ▶ 17th/18th century created by detective novelists Volker Klüpfl and Guided walks Repeated severe destruction Michael Kobr has now become something of a cult Guided cycling tours through war figure. Walking tours, starting in Füssen, to the Guided snow-shoe outings, evenings at a mountain ▶ 1701-1717 scene of the Kluftinger stories will be on offer on a shelter Construction of the Baroque Church and Monastery of regular basis throughout the summer. Visits to a cheese dairy St. Mang ▶ 1745 ‘KönigsCard’: the all-inclusive ‘KönigsCard’ in- Forggensee boat trips Peace of Füssen ends the cludes more than 250 services free of charge, inclu- The most beautiful views of the mountains and Bavarian-Austrian War of Succession ding mountain railways, swimming baths, walking Neuschwanstein Castle are to be enjoyed on a boat ▶ 1802/03 and cycling tours, museums and much, much more. trip on the Forggensee. From 01 June (depends on Secularisation (St. Mang Anyone booking their holiday accommodation at the waterlevel of the sea) to 15 October 3 longer dissolved) and incorporation of one of the members of the KönigsCard scheme for trips (2 hours) and 6 shorter trips (55-minutes) are the town into Bavaria the whole of their stay will receive the KönigsCard scheduled to leave daily from Füssen’s boat harbour. ▶ Today Centre of tourism for the East free of charge from their hosts. www.forggenseeschifffahrt.de Allgäu (14500 inhabitants)

Information: Füssen Tourismus und Marketing Kaiser-Maximilian-Platz 1 87629 Füssen Phone +49 (0) 8362 93850 Fax +49 (0) 8362 938560 [email protected] www.fuessen.de

Insider tips

LUITPOLDPARK Hotel**** +49 (0) 8362 9040 www.luitpoldpark-hotel.de www.romantischestrasse.de www.romanticroad.de

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GERMANY DÜSSELDORF DRESDEN LEIPZIG Picture Guide to the Romantic Road BELGIUM FRANKFURT With over 160 colour photographs, WÜRZBURG CZECH REBUBLIC NUREMBERG fold-out road map, tips and events at all SAARBRÜCKEN

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The Romantic Road from Würzburg to Füssen (English) a Cycle Guide from North to South and South to North € 18.00 Bergstrasse Bike Books, Viernheim

Hikeline – Romantic Road Long Distance Hiking Route (German) Hiking guide and 1:35,000 maps Part 1 – From Würzburg to Donauwörth Part 2 – From Donauwörth to Füssen € 13.90 each Esterbauer Verlag, Rodingersdorf

Romantic Road welcome set With an original Romantic Road ‘Zwickel’ Beer and a Romantic Road certificate € 3.45

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Romantic Road Nostalgic Tour certificate High-grade ivory card

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