According to some folks they’ve truly made it to the top when they move into a condo in some big city high-rise. Me? I think differently. I’d prefer an apartment housed right in a medieval tower. How cool is that? Where can you get one?
In the town of Berching and its 43 villages in the Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, Germany.
If you don’t have enough Euros to get yourself an apartment straight out of the Middle Ages (with indoor plumbing, of course), another one of Berching’s thirteen medieval towers (its Stadtmauer defense wall is one of the best preserved in all of German) houses a hotel. So you can at least stay there while you’re here without breaking the bank.
Or, stay at the Kloster Plankstetten, as this mid-12th century monastery has a guesthouse. What’s even cooler about the Kloster (like being almost 900 years old with a church that has Baroque, Rococo, and Gothic accents isn’t cool enough) is it’s a “green” Earth-friendly (sorry no TV or internet) place serving totally organically grown food, with its own butcher & bakery.
Note: You better get there on time to eat — you know us Germans… breakfast starts a 8am sharp! ;-)
Also starting at 8am is the weekly Farmer’s Market on Saturdays right on the Reichenauplatz. The annual Christmas Market (3rd Advent weekend) is a bit more laid-back with shopping, singing, and music.
Berching’s got more music (and laughing) in February’s Fireman’s Ball, and on the last Saturday in October at the European Ball. And in June Berching’s population almost doubles when more than 10,000 visitors flock to town to enjoy the fireworks display.
Seems like a great start to the summer when hikers, cyclists, golfers, swimmers, and book readers come to town for all sorts of great activities.
When these sports enthusiasts aren’t doing their sports, they’re most likely checking out Berching’s historic Rathaus (Town Hall) and the ancient St. Lorenz Church.
Oh my, I went all this way without even mentioning beer once! But, if they brewed it over at the medieval monastery , I guess it’s all right to give it an honorable mention.
No, I’ll do better than that… I’ll be over at the beer garden. Now, I feel like I’ve truly made it! ;-)
