Honestly, I don’t know if I’m more in awe of Allstedt in Saxony-Anhalt because of its medieval castle, or because that Johann Wolfgang von Goethe used to walk the streets here.
It’s possible that Goethe wasn’t the only “famous” person to be here. Allstedt is located right next door to Lutherstadt Eisleben, so chances are that Martin Luther and his buddies breezed on through.
Hey, it could’ve happened. ;-)
There’s no speculation that Goethe was here. He used to work at Allstedt Castle. What a piece of work this building is, once an Imperial and Royal Palace. Now the medieval & Baroque castle is a stop on the Romanesque Route — with a Palace Cafe, a museum, and the venue for a couple of festivals throughout the year.
Under the castle’s watchful eye is Allstedt’s swimming area. It isn’t at the castle itself, but located below it. It’s where everyone can enjoy outdoor swimming from May 15 to September 15.
Trust me, anything before or after that is too cold. These are the chilly Harz Mountains we’re talking about here. ;-)
Allstedt Castle isn’t the only one. And I’m really having a hard time figuring out if I like Allstedt Castle or Burg Beyernaumburg better. Allstedt might have Goethe, but Beyernaumburg has been around since the 9th century.
Yeah, tough choices. OK, I like them both equally — even if Beyernaumburg Castle is partially in ruins.
Sightseeing in Allstedt isn’t over. You still need to see the Wigbertikirche, or the Allstedt Dom (that’s a Cathedral) as it’s more easily pronounced.
The St. John Church is of a Baroque design if you’re interested, and the Town Mill and Rathaus are worth going to see.
So is the Saale-Unstrut Nature Park located in/around Allstedt. Careful where you walk, you might just wind up in Thuringia since Allstedt borders the state to the southwest.
Not that there’s anything wrong with Thuringia, it’s just that you’ll miss out on the nearby Rosearium, and fishing along the town’s two rivers.
I wonder if Goethe did that? Maybe that’s how he got inspired to write… I’m going to have to try it and get back to you. ;-)
