There are two certainties in this life: death and taxes.
Now that’s not a good way to start off, is it? Well, let me put a spin on it. There are two certainties when it comes to the town of Affing: you’ll find amazing churches and the remains of what were once medieval castles.
Intrigued now? I thought you would be. ;-)
Perhaps you’re also intrigued to know that the town lies just northeast of Augsburg, with the Augsburg Airport [AGB] right between.
Wanna know something historical? Affing’s history is much older than its medieval days, found by the Roman artifacts and millennia old graves. But, I’m not here for all that — I’m fascinated by a town with so many exquisite churches, and where you’re able to reach a higher spiritual plane on a devotional hike or two.
It’s hard to pick the prettiest, but I’d have to say its the Pfarrkirche or Parish Church of Sts. Lawrence and Elisabeth. The ceiling frescoes in the choir are heavenly, but it is the High Altar that takes your breath away — surrounded by marble, the altar painting is nothing short of sublime.
Another of Affing’s must-see churches isn’t technically a church at all, it’s a chapel. The Salzberg Kapelle, a mid-17th century structure, is famous for its Baroque wooden statues, but it’s the statue of the Virgin Mary that touches you beyond words.
I’ll tell you what else touched me, the Schlossgut Iglhof. This old crumbly stone and brick castle/farm building has seen so much over the last 900 years. It has been rebuilt a few times over the centuries, and it was totally destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War.
The twelfth century saw a building boom in Affing, it’s when no less than three nearby castles were built. Sadly, the Burgstall Miedering, Burgstall Haunswies, and Burgstall Mühlhausen didn’t manage to survive more than just a couple hundred years max. While nothing at all remains of these medieval buildings, you can still enjoy the countryside to see where they once stood.
One castle that’s still standing is Schloss Affing, with its castle park. This 3-storey manor house you’re looking at is from around the mid-15th century, but it’s believed to have once had an older one on the same spot.
After you’ve done and seen all that, you’ve earned your right to party like a Bavarian. Thankfully you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do that around here — like at the Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival) that takes place in March over Lent.
You’ve also got the Straßenfest (Street Festival) in July to attend, the Oktoberfest that’s really held in October, and the Wine Festival that’s another October event.
Perhaps I should have said the certainties in Affing are churches, the remains of medieval castles, and wonderful festivals for everyone. ;-)
