If you were going to make a movie about life in the Middle Ages you couldn’t create a set as beautiful as Altensteig is naturally. It’s a place that hasn’t changed too much over the years and when covered with snow, it could be the model for every “Christmas Village” knick-knack or picture ever made.
I guess its not on the touristy Deutsche Fachwerkstraße or German Framework Route for nothing; with the oldest of all the timber framed buildings dating back more than 550 years ago.
Altensteiger Schloss is one of the most visited places in town, and rightfully so. Close your eyes and you’ll hear the din of medieval villagers milling about. The castle is pretty impressive, right down to its moss covered roof and timber framed exterior.
As picturesque as the Schloss is, the surrounding mystic Black Forest only enhances it. The nature park has over 700,000 years of human history and even more of the Earth’s natural history. You’ll find moorlands, vineyards, plants, and all sorts of animals within the Schwarzwald; and you’re even able to buy “genuine Black Forest” products.
Walking around the Black Forest isn’t the only thing you can do in Altensteig. You can go horseback riding, go fishing, try roller skating, mountain biking, regular bicycling, or even play a game of miniature golf.
All this activity will sure work up a healthy appetite and I don’t know of any place better to munch out on than the Black Forest area. Oh, sure, you’ve got the famous Black Forest ham and Black Forest cake; but, try some Leberwurst (liverwurst), veal roulade, or anything made with potatoes or asparagus (most grown locally).
You might want to try a local Riesling wine (a white wine); but, try the Spätburgunder red wine, too.
No wonder King Wilhelm planted himself right here in Altensteig (he knew a good thing when he saw it) and there’s a memorial plaque to prove it. I know you’ll think so, too.
