After a straight week of scoping out towns in another state, it sure is nice to find myself in Hesse again. And not just any Hessian town, but along the Bergstrasse, in the town of Bickenbach.
Just the thought of the Bergstrasse was enough to get me motivated. I mean, really, who couldn’t be moved by grand mountain views along a 68 km scenic route, right at the feet of the Odenwald? Call me silly, but I surely couldn’t — so I knew me and Bickenbach were gonna get along just fine.
Add in a little history about how the Romans once stomped all over the place, and I was even more excited to see the place.
The Romans might be gone, but some of Bickenbach’s other historical sites are still there. The oldest building in town is the Kolb’sches House, built in 1584. Another site people come to see is the Judenbrunnen, a replica 18th century fountain on the spot where a Jewish school once stood.
Bickenbach’s landmark is the town’s Evangelical Church, and its Rathaus (Town Hall) was once used as a Jagdschloss, or Hunting Lodge. Some digs to use only when some Duke or Count wanted to go hunting — but today it’s also a venue for Chamber Music concerts.
As great as this all is, the funny thing was the great outdoors, more than anything else, that seems to have stuck in my head the most. And if you’re lucky enough to be here when they close the Bergstraßsse to traffic, where you can hike or cycle or even inline skate without worry, then even better — don’t ya think?
At least you don’t have to worry about cars when swimming in the Erlensee, your biggest worry is a fish getting into your bathing suit. As for those frisky fish, you’re free to fish for them — so long as you have the proper license.
Bickenbach’s got history, a scenic route, a great lake for recreational fun, and even an Oktoberfest (in October). Not too shabby for a town that’s not even ten square kilometers.
See, I just knew Bickenbach and I would be fast friends.
