Hohenlohe and Schwäbisch Hall Ataglance Editorial
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Hohenlohe and Schwäbisch Hall ataglance EDITORIAL Dear readers, Welcome to the district of Schwäbisch Hall! One thing we can guarantee is that you have made the right decision when choosing to visit us. I always say, “The district of Schwäbisch Hall is the most beautiful of its kind in Germany.” Those who have taken the Hohenlohe region into their hearts will forever be fascinated by its charm. Do you wonder why? Well, perhaps it is because of the top-class cuisine. Those who like to wine and dine will love the district of Schwäbisch Hall. Or maybe it is the untouched environment with its deep valleys, gentle hills and romantic rivers that attracts visitors. The region is a haven for those who want to relax body and mind amid pristine nature. In addition to that, you may also look forward to a wide range of first-class cultural events: theatre plays, con- certs, art exhibitions and many more attractions are waiting to be discovered. This magazine provides a brief overview of the region. We promise you will not regret your choice. Have fun exploring Hohenlohe! From here to everywhere! Würth Elektronik eiSos is a leading manufacturer of electronic Gerhard Bauer District Administrator and electromechanical components for the electronics industry. From our headquarters in Waldenburg we are present in more than 50 countries. One team – one spirit. www.we-online.com CONTENTS 22 A perfect challenge for body and mind 24 Time for adventures and exploration 28 A time before netflix 30 Food your ears and soul 32 Time to celebrate 34 Delicious regional specialities 10 36 Liquid pleasure One of the best ways to discover Hohenlohe is by bike. Hohenlohe is a region full of photographs: Andreas Scholz, Farmers Association beautiful castles and monasteries. 38 Masthead and contact Schwäbisch Hall, Hohenlohe + Schwäbisch Hall Tourismus e. V./Michael Schultz CONTENTS HOTEL 24/7 CHECK-IN MAPS | FREE WIFI 6 Hohenlohe – what else? RECEPTION DESK 34 8 Old-town atmosphere at its best There are several specialities, e.g. BREAKFAST the pork of the Swabian-Hall Swine. 10 Magical relics SNACKS | LOUNGE BAR ... the “somewhat different” hotel 12 A symbiosis of two eras – newly built family-run motel, located directly off the A6 (exit Bretzfeld) 14 A region full of mysteries – 30 double rooms with superior facilities (incl. 3 wheelchair accessible rooms) 16 Two rivers and an abundance – flat-screen TV, maps and free WiFi, check-in at the of scenery reception desk or via Internet or smartphone – parking directly in front of the motel 18 Castles, valleys and unspoiled countryside Maybachstrasse 21 • 74626 Schwabbach • Phone: +49 7946 949 9480 Fax: -9481 • [email protected] • motelhohenlohertor.de 20 Over hill and dale 4 5 HOHENLOHE: LAND OF CASTLES AND MONASTERIES are satisfied with what they have and are However, regardless of being stingy or HOHENLOHE – WHAT ELSE? sparing with their belongings, although economical, reserved or frank – both the they are not stingy, as the Swabians are people from Hohenlohe and Swabia are usually rumoured to be. surely attached to their roots. And this is What is typical for the people in not the only thing they have in common. Hohenlohe? And what distinguishes them In addition to that, the people from from the Swabians? That seems to be a Hohenlohe are also said to be quite neu- For even if the dialect border is obvious, sensitive issue. Let us set off in search of tral. This rather passive attitude can also the geographic border is much harder to the typical characteristics of people from be seen in the way how the locals qual- localise. The two regions are linked by Hohenlohe. ify their statements wherever possible in the Swabian Forest, which covers a large order to escape the situation. Just indicate area in the east of Baden-Württemberg. something and keep the rest to yourself So, a glance at the map shows that both – this is the name of the game. The Swa- regions have a common history, and their riendly but stubborn. Tradition-con- bians, on the other hand, are very differ- inhabitants get on very well with each scious. Yes, they are also hard-working. ent, since they speak out their thoughts other, despite their, sometimes, contrary FTheir favourite drink: wine or “Most”, quite bluntly. characters. a cider. No need to worry, you have not landed in a lonely hearts column. The only purpose of this list is to give an insight into the typical characteris- tic traits of the people from Hohenlohe, since all these descriptions apply to them. The “Kehrwoche” imposed duties on And, in fact, there are even many more individual households regarding order and Precise two-way characteristics that are typical. How- cleanliness inside the common property. diaphragm valve ever, there is one thing they particularly It is practiced in Swabia and Hohenlohe. seeks insist on: “We are no Swabians!” But let photograph: Lydia-Kathrin Hilpert us put it plainly: what is really typical for team players the people in Hohenlohe? feels welcome. And if you are out on the with vision for a fair, In order to answer this question, it is suf- road on a Saturday, you will notice a large close and equal ficient to have a brief glance at the every- number of vehicles with a trailer. It is relationship. day life in Hohenlohe, that is, right at the “Hängerlesdag”, the day of the week centre of the scene. Visitors and locals when people work like dogs at home or in alike are cordially welcomed. Regardless their garden. Their motivation for doing a of whether they meet in one of the many lot of hard work mainly derives from the wine taverns and restaurants, or at one of fact that the Hohenlohe region has long Courage wanted. the numerous festivals in the region, the been dominated by the agricultural sec- www.burkert.com people from Hohenlohe love sitting to- tor. People simply had to work hard in or- gether. Thanks to the relaxed atmosphere der to make a living – a trait that is still and the openness of the locals, everyone present in many minds. Thus, many locals 6 7 HOHENLOHE: LAND OF CASTLES AND MONASTERIES served historic centre, which is crossed In the southern part of the region, life is a OLD-TOWN ATMOSPHERE by the other large river in the region – the little bit more tranquil than in the towns River Jagst – is equally worthwhile. From of Schwäbisch Hall and Crailsheim. With AT ITS BEST the top of the town hall tower, which was a population of around 12 000 inhabitants, built in 1717, you can enjoy a stunning the town of Gaildorf has retained its rural bird’s eye view of the town and of large atmosphere. The townscape is domina- Searching for large cities in Hohenlohe ing. Even today, you can still experience parts of the scenic Hohenlohe Plateau. ted by the impressive and splendid 14th- will be in vain. However, the towns in the this tradition in many places, especially During your walk through Crailsheim, you century Old Castle, which is situated in region are real little gems full of medieval during the traditional “Kuchen- und Brun- will also notice several historic buildings. the town centre on the banks of the large charm and dovetail seamlessly into the nenfest” (the Salter Festival), which takes The “Liebfrauenkapelle” (the Chapel River Kocher, as well as by many pictur- picturesque scenery around the Rivers place in early summer and for which the of Our Lady), the “Johanneskirche” esque half-timbered houses. The New Jagst and Kocher. Here is an overview of town centre of Schwäbisch Hall provides (St John’s Church) and the “Heilig-Geist- Castle, on the other hand, was built in the three main regional centres. the perfect location. This is because a large Spital” (the Old Hospital) with its inte- the middle of the 19th century, and now part of the historic centre is still in its orig- grated town museum were built in the houses the town hall. The idyllic castle inal state. With its narrow alleys, roofed 14th and 15th centuries, and will make grounds are directly joined to the buil- wooden bridges, and old towers, the you dream of times gone by. ding. espite its relatively small size, the exceptional medieval flair of the town can D town of Schwäbisch Hall is well- be felt everywhere. known to almost every German – and this is not only because of the building socie- A highlight is the historic marketplace, ty bearing the same name and its catchy which combines a variety of architectur- TV advertising. Schwäbisch Hall attracts al styles right in the heart of the town visitors from around the world to Hohen- and is, thus, second to none in Germany. lohe and it is considered one of the most The St Michael’s Church was consecrated beautiful towns in southern Germany. In in 1156 and towers majestically over the medieval times, the city became famous marketplace. The church was built in for being an important centre for salt boil- Romanesque-Gothic style, and it is the secret landmark of Schwäbisch Hall. The vast staircase that leads up to the church has a total width of 48 meters. Every summer, the staircase turns into a stage for the annual open-air theatre in Schwä- bisch Hall – an incomparable experience for theatre lovers from far and wide. The second largest town of the district is situated only about 30 kilometres east of Schwäbisch Hall and is very close to The River Jagst at Crailsheim with the town hall in the border of Bavaria: welcome to Crails- the background.