Exactly to the west of Bamberg in Upper Franconia lies Bischberg, a town that many might say lost its importance with the advent of the railway and the modern automobile.
Gasp, how dare anyone say such a thing about Bischberg. So what if no one uses its location along the Rivers Main and Regnitz for logging anymore. This doesn’t make it any less important, does it?
No, it just means that Bischberg is no longer a medieval powerhouse of industry.
One of the best things to come out of the Middle Ages in (and around) Bischberg is Lisberg Castle, whose origins go all the way back to sometime in the 8th century. It’s been said that Lisberg Castle is one of the oldest in the Steigerwald (um, it’s over 1100 years old — do ya think) — and one of the few to never having been destroyed.
Oh, it’s been damaged and beaten up a bit, especially during the Peasants‘ and Thirty Years’ Wars. You can’t tell too much though when you’re looking at its round dungeon or its 15th century chapel.
If you want to see it, you got to call ahead to arrange a visit to the privately owned castle.
Excuse me, I’m going to one of the town’s five breweries to drown out the sorrow of not owning a one. ;-)
I’m joking — but only on the drowning out my sorrow part; there really are five breweries. Oh, don’t be shocked, this is Bavaria and a neighbor to Bamberg that has like a gazillion breweries.
In between brewery visits, come see Bischberg’s Franconian Fishing Museum, and stop at some of its local churches. St. Wendelin’s awaits in the village of Tütschengereuth; and in Bischberg proper — come see the 15th century St. Mark Church.
Save the sightseeing for another weekend if you’re here over the first weekend in September. This is when the 5-day Bischberger Fair takes place from Thursday to Monday.
As good of a time as any to try some of the local fish specialties, right?
I would never say that Bischberg isn’t important — it is if you’re looking for a good time, or some good eats.
