In Germany, “Bad” names are, well, actually very good things. Like in the case of Bad Liebenzell, it’s a spa town out of the fairy tale book with all the good stuff one would expect from a genuine Black Forest town.
Back when the area was simply called Liebenzell, the town was your typical medieval hamlet — castle included. Burg Liebenzell has stood guard over the town since the 12th century. Yes, that’s more than 800 years. They sure don’t build stuff like that anymore, or do they?
There’s another castle in the region of Bad Liebenzell, though not anywhere as on a grand scale as Burg Liebenzell. Another medieval site in is the St. Blasius Protestant Church, a Gothic structure built around the time Columbus was exploring the New World (um, that would be the 1490’s).
On Palm Sunday, it is tradition here for someone to ride a donkey procession all the way to the church.
Bad Liebenzell was also the hometown of Christoph Blumhardt, a 19th century theologian who performed “faith healings.” You can learn more about him at the Blumhardt Museum.
The last sight on the “must do” list is the Missionshaus, a timber framed house built in a cross shape; it also has a small chapel.
Oh, I almost left out the Planetenweg or Planet Trail at the City Park. Here you can enjoy lush green grass, tall trees, and think about the larger universe.
Now, it’s time to rent a bicycle (about 19 Euro for the day) and set out about the town. The Pharmacy Garden offers walking paths and lessons about medicinal herbs.
Another hiking trail is the Ostweg. But, that’s not only the “sport” here in Bad Liebenzell. There’s also Nordic Walking, fishing, golfing (the “real” links kind), miniature golf, tennis, squash, and ice skating.
Bad Liebenzell’s outdoor swimming pool is pretty awesome, too. It’s got a 65 meter slide, waterfall showers, and a children’s pool for the little ones.
So it seems that Bad Liebenzell is perfect for the young, old, history lovers, scientists, and religious folk. Don’t you just love that?
