Only 20 minutes north of Ravensburg in the town of Aulendorf both the Upper Swabian Baroque Route and the Swabian Spa Route meet up.
What does that mean to you when you visit this part of Baden-Württemberg? Easy, you’ll have both some amazingly pretty architecture to look at — and an awesome spa to visit when you’re done.
Baroque aside for a minute, the show stopper around here is the Schloss Aulendorf. Well, it’s not so much a castle anymore in the traditional sense, it is now a branch of the Federal Museum. I don’t think some duke had that in mind when he commissioned its building in the 13th century. Oh well, his loss, our gain. ;-)
Don’t mix up the Schlossmuseum with the Bürgermuseum, though, which is Aulendorf’s Urban History Museum.
A stop at St. Martin’s Church is your last stop before heading out into the countryside. St. Martin’s alter was created back 500 years ago and its architecture ranges from Classicism to Gothic so it would be a shame to miss it.
OK, so where to next? Simple, the Monument Locomotive. While this massive steam engine beauty doesn’t chug along anymore to points unknown, we can at least enjoy it for what it is.
Don’t run off now, there’s more. How about a hike or bicycle ride through the Altdorfer Forest? No? OK, how about a swim in the Steegersee? Yes? Good, because this moorland lake is quite popular for warm weather swimming by local and visitor alike. All that’s left is a soak in the Aulendorf Hot Springs (a.k.a. Schwaben-Therme Aulendorf), relax with a massage, and dip in a Roman Bath.
Oh, I’m sorry — that’s not all that’s left, I almost forgot about the Ritterkeller. Everyone gets hungry so there isn’t a reason why you can’t enjoy a jovial medieval banquet feast served by costumed staff!
Thanks for mentioning food, because during Aulendorf’s Fastnet you can try some hearty Swabian dishes. You and the kids will have a great time. They’ll probably enjoy the Children’s Celebration on the third weekend of August also.
Honestly, Aulendorf has something everyone can enjoy. Me? I’ll take that soak in a Hot Spring any day of the week. ;-)
