If you’re confused by the initials in the town of Auerbach’s name, I’ll help you. The entire name of the town is Auerbach in der Oberpfalz, which just means it’s a town in the gorgeous and probably always drunken Upper Palatinate.
Regardless of where you’ll find Auerbach, this is a simple town of cattle ranches and where ore was mined for centuries. But, since this is Bavaria expect to pepper your time of hiking & bicycling with stops at local beer gardens.
Where was I? Oh yes, that’s right, beer.
At the end of March, visitors and locals alike party at the annual Bockbierfest (. Then again, other festivals in Auerbach include imbibing on this most delicious elixir. Which festivals? Oh, there’s the Sommerfest in July and the Burgfest (Castle Festival) also in July. Don’t confuse it with the Bergfest, though, which happens in May.
You might choose to try some mulled wine while shopping at the Advents Market at the end of November, though.
No festival going on in Auerbach while you’re here? Don’t worry, you won’t be without things to do. Stop and see the Schwedenturm (Sweden Tower), which was part of the town’s original Stadtmauer (defense wall) and originally called the Fauler Turm. No, I ain’t gonna translate that one… Whatever you want to call it, though, it doesn’t change the fact that it stands 8 meters high & dates back to the Middle Ages.
Also from medieval times is the Parish Church of St. John, which was built in 1319 in a Gothic style. If you think St. John’s is old, it’s a full two centuries younger than the Monastic Church Michelfeld that was built in 1119. Throughout the centuries, this church has a few facelifts with Baroque, Rococo, and Classicism elements added to it.
With those sites in Auerbach out of the way, time for another beer. Finished? Good, you got more to see.
As I said, mining was done here for centuries so it’s a proper place for the Mining Museum. Well, you can see it if you’re here on the 1st Sunday of the month from 3pm-5pm.
But, anytime is a good time for enjoying the Upper Palatinate scenery. In the Bürgerwald Auerbach Nature Park you’ll find horseback riding, hiking paths, and bike trails. Or just enjoy the peace & tranquility of the Maximilian Grotto.
If you get tired, just sit back somewhere and have a beer. Which is EXACTLY where you’ll find me. ;-)
