Did you ever imagine yourself an explorer? Ever want to “discover” someplace new? A place no one’s ever seen or knows about, so you can name it after yourself?
For sure I can’t be the only one. And for sure it ain’t gonna happen in the town of Alfdorf — this place has been traversed, conquered, and lived in since before the Romans arrived.
However, it was the Romans who first left a lasting impression. Alfdorf was along the Limes, the Roman border which stretches some 81km from here.
One of the greatest ways to see the far reaches of the Roman Empire is along the German Limes Road.
Look, the Romans have been gone for some fifteen centuries so I don’t think they’ll care too much if you travel along the whole trail or just part of it. ;-)
You gotta save time to see the ruins of Castle Leineck, don’t ya? It shouldn’t take too long since only one section of the original 14th century castle’s wall remains. And believe it not, it wasn’t the Thirty Years’ War that destroyed this Burg — it was “done” in 1603, some fifteen years before the conflict broke out.
There is one castle that’s still standing. I mean two castles, but they’re part of the same complex. The Upper Castle is the younger one, built in 1602 and is now the town’s Rathaus. The Lower Castle was built fifty-two years earlier in 1550.
Not too many castles, but a heckava lotta mills. There were 26 mills operating at one point in Alfdorf’s history, and a number of them are still functional. A couple of them are of half-timbered construction — and I think the Hagmühle, the Heinlesmühle, and the Meuschenmühle were three of the most outstanding.
Milling might have been big business but so was pottery. It still is, and done in the old-fashioned way. If you like the crafty stuff, take a tour and see how its done.
For those of you who rather be outside, Alfdorf is a good place to be. Located within part of the Swabian-Franconian Forest, you’ll find a myriad of activity to keep you busy. Just watch where you go — there’s a nudist area there.
Clothing is NOT optional if you’re out golfing, fishing, horseback riding (unless you’re Lady Godiva), hiking, or taking a carriage ride.
I guess I could fashion myself an explorer in another way — and go check out that nudist area for ya. ;-)
