Supposing you’ve done the whole been-there, done that type of thing in Germany, and you’re looking for something totally spectacular? Where would you choose? Where to go?
I’ve got a great idea, how about the Bavarian Swabian town of Bad Grönenbach?
Located in the Allgäu, along the Iller River, rest assured you’re getting the very best of the Upper Swabian region for your tourist Euro.
And just because Bad Grönenbach sits within Upper Swabia, doesn’t mean that all you’ll have to do is hiking and cycling — although with 450 km of trails, it’ll definitely keep you busy.
It’s just you’ll miss out on some terrific architecture, like the Stiftskirche of Sts. Philipp und Jakob. This stunning church from the Middle Ages got a fantastic Baroque renovation — so good it’s earned Bad Grönenbach a stop on the Upper Swabian Baroque Route.
Ooh, a great scenic route if ever there was one, but lucky for anyone coming to Bad Grönenbach, it isn’t the only one. As its name implies, Bad Grönenbach is a spa town; and a mighty good one to have it lie along the Swabian Spa Route.
Bad Grönenbach is also a spiritual town, too. If you’re trekking along the Way of St. James, you’ll find yourself here — even if you weren’t trying. Good luck for you, isn’t it?
While you’re here, you really must see the Spitalkirche of the Holy Spirit, a 15th century church that had to be rebuilt in the early years of the 18th century — all because it was destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War.
Speaking of the Thirty Years’ War, that was when the Swedes used the nearby Burg Rothstein as its Headquarters. Sadly these days the castle is little more than a ruin. At least the Hohes Schloss (Upper Castle) is intact; and is now used for all kinds of ceremonies and exhibitions — as well as being Bad Grönenbach’s landmark. But, just so you know, there’s no visiting the Unteres Schloss (Lower Castle), it’s privately owned.
Another great thing about visiting Bad Grönenbach, is you don’t have to wait until a particular season. Winter’s quite active, with everything from cross-country skiing to winter hiking, and there’s even a ski school if you want to learn.
When the weather’s warm, why not give golfing (both miniature and 18-hole) a try, or perhaps it’s all about fishing and swimming for you?
Me? I’ll take the spa, wellness and Kneipp treatments. Hey, it’s not easy to trek your entire way through Germany… although towns like Bad Grönenbach sure make it all worth it.
