There are many cool things about the Hessian town of Braunfels. One is that the town is on the Deutsche Fachwerkstraße or German Framework Road, a tourist route that takes you to places with lots of fairtytale framework buildings which, in the case of Braunfels, are located in the old part of town.
Another are the ruins of Burg Philippstein with its dry moat (no water) and its old Donjon, which is actually a tower.
Then there’s the Mittelalterliches Spektakulum, or Medieval Spectale. Held every two years, this is a super large medieval festival where the 300 year old Kurpark is turned into a Knights Camp.
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Braunsfels has a zoo with deer and even wild pigs.
Still aint’ cool enough for you? Don’t worry about it, there’s still more!
How about that Braunfels is a climate spa resort town, which means the fresh air is good for not only the soul; but, the body as well.
Or, how about the town has a brewing museum? Thanks to German Purity Laws, you’ll find out it’s a simple process to make some of the best stuff on Earth.
Braunfels’ Local History Museum is a good place to visit if you want to learn more of the town’s history (ya think?) and culture.
Starting to tingle? Wait…
The coolest, coolest, COOLEST (most awesome) part of Braunfels is its Schloss. Braunfels Castle is a dark grey stone structure that looks like it belongs to a Dracula movie (OK, Frankenstein movie since you’re in Germany). To say it’s huge is a serious understatement. It looks menacingly (ominously and foreboding are good words, too) down over the town. Oh, heck, it’s downright creepy and yet so WONDERFUL!
It’s probably safe to assume that the medieval baron who built the place knew exactly how to display his power. I just wouldn’t want to be the one to clean all those rooms and wouldn’t be surprised if it was said to be haunted.
On the inside of the Schloss, you’ll find religious art from the Altenberg Monastery and art from Dutch masters like van Eyck. The castle’s church is also quite beautiful; so try not to miss it.
Even if you just come see Schloss Braunfels, you’ll think the town is pretty fantastic. But, it’ll be even better if you could see the darn whole thing.
