I wish I could have met Michael Hardt. And before you ask who Mr. Hardt was, I’ll tell you. Michael lived here in the town of Altenstadt an der Waldnaab, but not all his life. He was born in Leuchtenberg back in 1878, but he moved here and became a celebrated historian.
You’ll even find a street named for him here — seems only right since the town of Altenstadt gave him honorary citizenship. And he wasn’t the only celebrated son of the town, either. This is the hometown of Anton Wurzer, born in 1893. He was a wounded vet from World War I, but he went on to become a teacher and writer. Altenstadt does have a plaque in his honor, and he is buried here despite having died in Amberg in 1955.
I know, I know, this sounds more like a history lesson than an overview of an Upper Palatinate Forest Nature Park town, doesn’t it? But, having just mentioned that — for sure you’ll love the colorful countryside. I know if you bike along the Naabtal Radweg you won’t be disappointed.
Just like I know if you visit the nice people at the Tourist Office (located at the Rathaus at Hauptstraße 6), they’ll send you off on a number of directions to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
In my not-so-humble opinion, the beauty of Altenstadt is seen from a distance — a blend of the 20th century and historical tidy homes, and rolling hills, charming farms, and church steeples.
As for churches, it’s the Church of the Assumption you need to see. While some might appreciate its Gothic and Baroque art and architecture, the church itself is a Romanesque one, built around the year 1150.
Hmm, I bet if Herr Hardt was around he could tell us.
As if any of this wasn’t enough to keep you happy, Altenstadt also gets to boast a few scenic routes, too. That’s right, the town falls on the old Glass Route, and along the Goldenen Straße (Golden Road) that goes from Nuremberg to Prague, Czech Republic.
And let’s remember the cultural events you’ll get to enjoy around here. In addition to the Weekly Market (held on Wednesday afternoons), and during the summer months there are musical serenades at the Rathaus (Town Hall), and come November when it’s time for the Hobbykünstlermarkt (Hobby Crafts Market).
No wonder Michael Hardt stuck around. ;-)
