So, you’re in Stuttgart looking to get away from the big city, right? So you think to yourself, hey, I’m gonna go see the Schurwald — get back to nature, or something like that.
Well, tucked entirely within the “Shear Forest” is the town of Baltmannsweiler — a tiny town (and I really do mean small as it’s less than 19 square kilometers) that’s just perfect for visiting when you’ve got the urge to get away from the urban jungle.
What’s really wonderful about Baltmannsweiler is more than two-third of it is totally forested, so you really will get back to nature here.
There are about six marked hiking trails, ranging in length from a mere five kilometers to ten kilometers. Maps are available from the town’s Municipal Office, as are maps of the town’s bike paths.
Trust me, no one has ever said they didn’t like walking or cycling around the nearby Swabian Alb; and I hardly think you’ll be the first. ;-)
FYI, if you’ve got the urge to try some wonderful wines from the Württemberg region, the town of Plochingen along the Württemberg Wine Route literally borders Baltmannsweiler to the south. Grab yourself a drink, and come right back, OK?
As for the historical, Baltmannsweiler can accommodate that, too. The Jagdschloss Hohengehren was once a hunting lodge for some Duke, a base of sorts when he decided it was time to hunt. The Duke is gone, but the lakes are still there though.
The second half of the year would have to be my favorite. Starting at the end of June, Baltmannsweiler hosts its Summer Festival, followed by the Village Festival and the Gartenfest — both in July. October’s the month when the leaves all start to change to pretty oranges and reds, making it the perfect backdrop for the annual Fall Festival. And come early December, the town plays host to the Waldmarkt.
If it’s too cold for you then, come to the Cultural Center to see what they’ve got going on — chances are you’ll find something to pique your interest.
Not me in this case, those fall foliage colors in the Schurwald have managed to pique mine.
