Right now it’s late, and most good boys and girls have gone to asleep hours ago. Obviously, I’m not one of them — because I’m still wide awake thinking about the Middle Franconian town of Abenberg.
It isn’t easy sometimes putting thoughts to paper (computer monitor, you know what I mean) because no matter what I say — it will never impart how special the place really is. You’re just going to have to either trust me, or come to Abenberg to see for yourself.
And if you do come, you’re going to want to see things, right?
Well, in that case, you might want to kick off your visit to see the castle gardens at the Schloss Dürrenmungenau. Ohhh, it even has its own moat — and if you venture a little further away, you’ll see the castle’s orchard.
However, this isn’t the castle the town’s famous for. Nope, that honor belongs to Burg Abenberg. Rightfully so, considering this castle has been the focal point of town for more than a thousand years. The Counts of Abenberg might be gone, but today you’re welcome to outdoor concerts at the castle. You’re also welcome to explore the exhibits of the Museum of Frankish History and the Lace Museum housed inside. Just be sure you manage to get up the castle’s observation tower — the view is worth the effort.
Burg Abenberg isn’t the only thing left from the Middle Ages — Kloster Marienburg is also here; its gold and blue Baroque interior belies its modest medieval beginnings. And every July the Kloster Serenade takes place here, as well as the Stillafest.
As with many other towns within the Fränkisches Seenland, or Franconian Lakes Land, you shouldn’t be indoors for too long. And you won’t be if you’re ambitious enough to hike the nine marked hiking trails through the area. Number 9 isn’t too far of a route, just 3.6 km through the forested landscape. Between you and me, number 7 (10.3 km) is exceptionally beautiful during the winter, but only when it’s all covered with snow.
Too far of a walk for you? No problem, Abenberg can oblige with either horseback riding or carriage rides. Guided tours for those willing to walk can also be done. No guide is needed to navigate your way around the stalls of the town’s Christmas Market, though.
For anyone out there who loves half-timbered houses, I’d suggest you head to the village of Wassermungenau. They got a whole bunch of them, as well as a fetching 15th century church dedicated to St. Andrew.
No wonder I can’t sleep — I can only imagine the wonders Abenberg still has in store. ;-)
