Bad Königshofen im Grabfeld in Lower Franconia sits amongst some of the best real estate on this green Earth. You’ll find it just about on the border of Thuringia, along the Thuringian Forest and the Rhön Nature Park.
As if this isn’t enough, its Heilwassersee (Healing Water Lake) is just what anyone needs to relax. The bubbly water beds and waterfall with its 30° Celsius (86° F) water will have you never wanting to leave.
You can’t stay during the winter, as the lake opens for the “season” on Easter Sunday. Even better, it’s the first of its kind in Germany, so everywhere else is just an imitation. ;-) And the reason Königshofen proudly bears the “Bad” moniker.
Wait, the FrankenTherme helps here too. This modern facility has everything a spa-goer could ask for — massages, swimming, mud baths, a sauna even. Ahhh, I feel better already…
Hungry? Don’t worry, you don’t have to leave the FrankenTherme as there’s a restaurant in it, as well as a library and a bowling alley.
Hard to leave right? Well, you’re gonna have to if you want to see the late Gothic Church of the Assumption (called Mariä Himmelfahrt), built in 1442. Or, to take a Night Watchman Tour of this fantastic town.
As with most Bavarian towns it seems like there’s a party every time you turn around. The Autumn Bazaar in October is a good time, as is the Sebastian Market at the Marktplatz every January.
Also in January is where the neighborhood children go door to door for all sorts of treats for the Epiphany. Sounds a lot like Halloween, doesn’t it?
In September for the Feast of St. Michael (Michaelmas) everyone comes to see the flower decorated fountain.
Prefer a quieter activity? A stroll to the old Jewish Cemetery is a good idea. Don’t look at me like that — cemeteries are like parks in Germany, so it’s not out of the ordinary to find everyday folks sitting around reading a good book.
Another way of enjoying the outside is to hike around the Rhön Nature Park, or stroll along the banks of the Franconian Saale River. A number of prehistoric finds from Bad Königshofen im Grabfeld have found their way into a museum, so maybe you’ll get lucky and find something valuable.
I shouldn’t say that — as all your time in Bad Königshofen im Grabfeld is valuable. :-)
