Castles, castles, everywhere. Oh thank you, Brensbach — I knew I could count on a Hessian town to give me what I’ve been craving. The fact you’re in the northern part of the Odenwald, that makes it even better.
The most famous castle in Brensbach (the village of Stierbach really) is the Burgruine Schnellerts, a proper medieval castle from the 13th century. And you’re really close to some other ruins, too. Schloss Reichenberg isn’t too far away, and well worth the trip to see its Gothic chapel. Technically this 12th century castle is a ruin — but it seems too well preserved to me.
Unlike Burg Rodenstein, for that matter. Come to think of it, is it still a castle even if it didn’t have a dungeon? Ahh, one look at the craggy gray stones, and you’ll know this is a castle from the Middle Ages.
I know, enough with the castles already — right? OK, so it’s on to Brensbach’s churches. The hamlet of Wersau has one of the best; not to take anything away from the rest of Brensbach, but its fortified tower is worth the trip. Be sure to stand back some, you’ll want to get half-timbered houses along side the church into your photos. As for other half-timbered gems, you should visit Wallbach and Affhöllerbach.
Want more churches? All right… how about a trip over to see the 15th century Gothic church? Perhaps a stop over at the Church of St. Mark? Why not, you never know what you might see inside a 16th century church.
Just so you know, Brensbach isn’t just castles and churches — they got a museum, too. Don’t worry, it won’t take too much out of your day, especially since it’s only open on the first Sunday of the month. It does, however, open for special events, like during the Christmas Market. Another great special event is the Brünnchesfest at the Eberhardtsbrunnen, always held on the first Sunday of July.
But, if its quiet serenity you’re seeking, then find yourself a hiking trail through the Odenwald, or walk along the banks of the Gersprenz, whose water you see eventually makes its way out to the North Sea. Let the water go — you don’t want to leave the wonders of Brensbach just yet, do ya? ;-)